The Changes Canada Went Through During The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s were a period of time where the First World War has just finally ended. Although most of the world was recovering from war, Canada was filled with a potential future, economic growth, peace and prosperity. During the roaring twenties, Canada was going through many changes through the society that were drastically changing people’s lives. In this period of time, many important events occurred. The key aspects of this essay include women finally being able to vote, the prohibition, jazz culture and more. These historical events really made Canada “roar”.

Innovation was remarkably increasing during the ’20s. Many new technological advances were being made during this time, making people’s lives easier. Inventions such as the vacuum, the washing machine, and other electrical appliances were being made, removing a lot of the struggle of housework. Radios were getting more popular as Canada has introduced CFRB, the first radio station in Canada 1927. The television was also being introduced as another source of entertainment. In addition to inventions, the telephone was also a new invention that allowed people to be connected with their friends and families. People were able to talk over long distances. Furthermore, cars were an affordable luxury and many people would travel by cars. These inventions gave Canada something to be proud of.

The prohibition was implemented in Canada in 1916 and 1917. Canadians agreed that it was unpatriotic to celebrate while soldiers were fighting in the war. This was a ban of liquor and alcohol although many were still selling alcohol illegally. The prohibition was still a positive turnout because crime rates dropped and arrests for drunkenness were decreased. The prohibition was soon ending but in my opinion, I think that it was still necessary to implement this ban to pay respects to the soldiers fighting and increase Canada’s national pride.

Additionally, women were finally able to vote and women’s lives were incredibly improving. Women’s rights weren’t equivalent to men’s but they were definitely fighting for it. Women were attempting to get better jobs and wages, to elaborate women only “ gained 54-60% of what men did”. Women were still being discriminated against in the workplace especially minorities and unfortunately Japanese and Chinese women weren’t allowed to go to college, university or hospitals. Without a higher education for them finding a job would be difficult. During this time women worked traditional jobs, therefore, people held strikes and protests for their rights in the workplace.

There were drastic changes in Canadian culture. Jazz music was popular in Canada and originated in the U.S. It was played in public places and dances were inspired by slaves. Jazz was very popular as it was different from the music that people were used to and jazz clubs were trending. During this period in America, “African Americans were highly influential in music and literature of the 1920s”. In the south of America, African Americans were moving from the country to cities. This was known as “The Great Migration”. This visible cultural change seemed to bother the white Americans. The jazz age soon ended but leaving the great depression a vast impact on the people. Jazz has been a music genre that has lived on to this day and is still enjoyed by many different people.

On the contrary, the discovery of insulin, one of the greatest discoveries in medical history. At the University of Toronto, Dr Fredrick Banting and his team have discovered insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body store and use glucose so that it can prevent diabetes. The discovery of insulin has helped and saved many people. Frederick Banting received a Nobel prize of one of the most significant medical discoveries. With this discovery, Canada’s pride is beyond roaring in my opinion.

During World War 1, the economy grew due to the demands of war supplies. When the war ended soldiers were unemployed factories shut down, the agricultural industry was suffering a drought and many others were unemployed. The roaring twenties was a time for Canada to rebuild and fix the economy. It was quite successful, workers created unions to ensure job security, industries were growing, strikes were held to gain good working conditions, there was also high demand on wheat and technology was gaining popularity so people were purchasing things like the telephone, radio, cars and more. In Canada, many people’s lives were back to normal. During the roaring twenties, Canada’s relationship with the United States grew because they became Canada’s economic partner replacing Britain. Additionally, women worked jobs out of the home during the world war; after the war has ended women maintained their jobs during the 20s and unemployment rates dropped. Of course, the fact that Canada’s economy was like a rollercoaster, having many ups and downs, during the twenties really showcase the resilience and perseverance that Canadians have and that the country is able to persevere through rough times.

The 1920s were in fact roaring. There were many significant historical events that have occurred during this decade. Many things have improved and compared to other countries, Canada was doing well. Looking at history, we can really see a drastic change in our society and the improvements that were made. Canada has many reasons to be proud of our many remarkable accomplishments, Innovation in Canadian history is highly impressive and tremendous. This leaves a dramatic change to people's lives and the way things get done, really impact society in a positive way. This positive turnout for Canada has impacted people’s daily life and created what is becoming a new modern society.