Part 9: Prosperity, Depression, and a Changing Nation (1920–1939)
Reading time: 22–30 minutes
The First World War had transformed Canada into a nation with growing international influence, but the decades that followed brought dramatic highs and devastating lows. The 1920s became known as the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic growth, technological innovation, and cultural change. Canadians embraced automobiles, radios, movies, and new opportunities.
That prosperity came to an abrupt end with the stock market crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression. Millions struggled through unemployment, drought, and poverty, forcing governments to rethink their role in supporting Canadians. By the end of the 1930s, another global conflict loomed on the horizon.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1920 | Canada enters the League of Nations |
| 1920s | The Group of Seven reshape Canadian art |
| 1929 | The Persons Case |
| 1931 | Statute of Westminster |
| 1932 | Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission established |
| 1935 | On-to-Ottawa Trek |
| 1935 | Regina Riot |
| 1936 | Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) created |
| 1939 | Royal Visit of King George VI |
| 1939 | Canada prepares for war |
81. Canada Takes Its Place in the League of Nations (1920)
What Happened?
Following the First World War, Canada became one of the original members of the League of Nations, the international organization created to promote peace and prevent future wars.
Although still part of the British Empire, Canada increasingly made its own decisions in international affairs.
Why It Matters
Membership demonstrated that Canada was gaining recognition as an independent country rather than simply a British colony.
82. The Group of Seven Creates a Canadian Artistic Identity (1920s)
A collective of landscape painters known as the Group of Seven sought to capture the rugged beauty of Canada’s wilderness.
Artists including:
- Lawren Harris
- A.Y. Jackson
- Franklin Carmichael
- Arthur Lismer
- J.E.H. MacDonald
created bold paintings inspired by forests, lakes, mountains, and the Canadian Shield.
Lasting Impact
Their work helped define a uniquely Canadian artistic style and remains among the country’s most celebrated cultural achievements.
83. The Persons Case Changes Canadian Law (1929)
For many years, women were excluded from appointment to the Senate because the law referred only to “qualified persons.”
Five Alberta women—later known as the Famous Five—challenged this interpretation.
In 1929, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruled that women were indeed “persons” under Canadian law.
Why It Matters
The decision represented a major milestone in the advancement of women’s political rights in Canada.
Interesting Fact
The Famous Five are commemorated on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and on Canada’s $50 bill issued in 2004.
84. The Statute of Westminster Expands Canada’s Independence (1931)
The British Parliament passed the Statute of Westminster, granting Canada and several other Dominions full legislative independence.
Britain could no longer make laws for Canada without Canada’s consent.
Lasting Impact
Although constitutional ties remained, Canada now exercised much greater control over its domestic and foreign affairs.
85. The Great Depression Begins (1929–1939)
The collapse of stock markets in October 1929 triggered the worst economic crisis in modern history.
Canadian industries suffered severe declines.
Unemployment reached approximately 27 percent at its peak.
Thousands lost:
- Jobs
- Farms
- Homes
- Businesses
- Savings
Prairie farmers faced an additional catastrophe as drought and dust storms devastated crops.
Why It Matters
The Great Depression fundamentally changed Canadians’ expectations about government responsibility during economic crises.
86. The On-to-Ottawa Trek (1935)
Many unemployed men lived in federally operated relief camps where wages were extremely low and conditions difficult.
In 1935, hundreds of workers boarded freight trains to travel to Ottawa, hoping to present their concerns directly to Prime Minister R.B. Bennett.
The journey attracted widespread public support.
Lasting Impact
The Trek highlighted the hardships of the Depression and increased pressure for social and economic reform.
87. The Regina Riot (1935)
The On-to-Ottawa Trek ended violently when police attempted to arrest protest leaders during a public meeting in Regina.
The confrontation resulted in:
- Injuries to many participants
- Significant property damage
- One police officer killed
- Numerous arrests
Why It Matters
The Regina Riot became one of Canada’s most significant labour and protest events, illustrating growing frustration with Depression-era policies.
88. National Broadcasting Takes Shape (1932–1936)
Recognizing the importance of radio, the federal government established the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (CRBC) in 1932.
In 1936, it was replaced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
The CBC provided:
- National news
- Educational programming
- Music
- Sports coverage
- Cultural programming
Lasting Impact
The CBC became one of Canada’s most important public institutions and played a major role in promoting Canadian culture.
89. The Royal Visit of 1939
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth became the first reigning British monarchs to tour Canada.
Millions of Canadians welcomed the royal couple as they travelled across the country.
The visit strengthened national morale during a period of growing international tension.
Interesting Fact
Following their Canadian tour, the King and Queen visited the United States to encourage support for Britain as Europe moved closer to war.
90. Canada Prepares for Another World War (1939)
In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland.
Unlike in 1914, Canada was now able to make its own decision regarding war.
After debate in Parliament, Canada declared war on Germany on September 10, 1939—one week after Britain.
Why It Matters
The separate declaration demonstrated Canada’s growing constitutional independence following the Statute of Westminster.
Life During the Interwar Years
The period between the world wars brought remarkable technological and social change.
Canadians increasingly enjoyed:
- Radios
- Automobiles
- Electric appliances
- Motion pictures
- Air travel
- Organized sports
At the same time, many families endured unemployment, food shortages, and financial hardship during the Depression.
Communities often relied on neighbours, churches, and charitable organizations for assistance.
Did You Know?
- More than one-quarter of Canada’s workforce was unemployed during the worst years of the Great Depression.
- The Group of Seven inspired generations of Canadian artists and helped shape Canada’s international artistic reputation.
- The Statute of Westminster gave Canada control over its foreign policy and legislation, although some constitutional matters remained tied to Britain until 1982.
- The CBC’s first national radio broadcasts connected Canadians from coast to coast.
- Canada’s separate declaration of war in 1939 was an important symbol of its increasing independence.
Key Takeaways
The years between the First and Second World Wars reshaped Canada politically, culturally, and economically. The country gained greater independence through the Statute of Westminster, celebrated a distinct national identity through artists like the Group of Seven, and advanced women’s political rights with the landmark Persons Case.
At the same time, the Great Depression tested the resilience of Canadians and highlighted the need for stronger social supports. As Europe descended once again into conflict, Canada entered the Second World War as a more mature and increasingly independent nation.
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