Canadian Studies · Grade 10 · The Interwar Years: Boom & Bust · Term 2

The Roaring Twenties in Canada

Investigating the economic prosperity, technological advancements, and cultural shifts of the 1920s.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Canada, 1914–1929 - Grade 10
• ON: Social, Economic, and Political Context - Grade 10

About This Topic

The 1920s in Canada, often called the 'Roaring Twenties,' was a decade of dramatic economic growth and cultural change. Following the hardships of WWI, the country experienced a boom driven by new technologies like the automobile, the radio, and the telephone. These innovations transformed daily life, connecting people across vast distances and fueling a new consumer culture. Students examine how this prosperity led to the rise of the 'middle class' and a shift in social norms, including the 'flapper' lifestyle and the popularity of jazz music.

However, the curriculum also emphasizes that this prosperity was not shared by everyone. Students investigate the experiences of those left behind, including Indigenous peoples facing intensified assimilation policies and many working-class families struggling with low wages. This topic comes alive through simulations of 1920s consumerism and structured discussions about the influence of American culture. Students grasp the complexity of the decade faster through peer-led investigations into who truly benefited from the 'boom.'

Key Questions

1. Analyze how new technologies transformed daily life for Canadians.
2. Evaluate the extent to which the prosperity of the 1920s was equitably distributed.
3. Explain the growing influence of American culture on Canada during this decade.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the impact of the automobile and radio on Canadian social structures and daily routines.
• Evaluate the extent to which economic prosperity in the 1920s benefited urban versus rural populations.
• Compare and contrast the influence of American popular culture, such as jazz music and Hollywood films, on Canadian identity.
• Explain the economic factors that contributed to the boom of the 1920s, including industrial growth and international trade.
• Critique the social and economic policies affecting Indigenous peoples during the 1920s in light of the decade's prosperity.

Before You Start

Canada's Role in World War I

Why: Understanding the impact of WWI provides essential context for the subsequent economic and social changes of the 1920s.

Early 20th Century Canadian Society

Why: Students need foundational knowledge of Canadian demographics, social structures, and early industrialization to analyze the transformations of the 1920s.

Key Vocabulary

Consumer Culture	A social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services. In the 1920s, this was fueled by new technologies and mass production.
Mass Media	Forms of communication, such as radio and cinema, that reach large audiences. These became increasingly influential in shaping public opinion and culture during the 1920s.
Prohibition	A nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. While enacted in Canada, its effectiveness and impact varied by region and contributed to social change.
Assimilation Policies	Government strategies aimed at absorbing Indigenous peoples into the dominant culture. In the 1920s, these intensified through residential schools and other measures.
Fordism	A system of mass production pioneered by Henry Ford, characterized by assembly lines and standardized parts. This model significantly impacted Canadian manufacturing and employment during the 1920s.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Everyone in Canada was wealthy and happy during the 1920s.

What to Teach Instead

While it was a time of growth for many, Indigenous peoples, many immigrants, and the working poor did not share in the 'roar.' Using a 'Who's Roaring?' chart helps students identify the groups that were excluded from the decade's prosperity.

Common Misconception

The 1920s were only about parties and jazz.

What to Teach Instead

The decade also saw significant political and social struggles, including the fight for women's rights and labor unrest. Peer discussion about the 'serious side' of the 20s helps students see the decade as a time of complex transition, not just a party.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The 1920s Consumer Boom

Students are given a 'budget' and a catalog of new 1920s inventions (e.g., Model T, radio, washing machine). They must decide which items to buy on 'credit' and then discuss the risks and rewards of this new way of shopping.

45 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Cultural Shifts

Set up stations with images and music from the 1920s: jazz, flapper fashion, the Group of Seven, and early radio broadcasts. Students move through the gallery, noting how these cultural elements challenged traditional Victorian values.

40 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The American Influence

Students read a short text about the rise of American movies and magazines in Canada during the 1920s. They discuss with a partner whether this was a threat to Canadian identity or just a natural part of being neighbors.

25 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• The widespread adoption of the Ford Model T transformed travel and settlement patterns, enabling families in rural Saskatchewan to visit distant relatives more easily and opening up new markets for goods.
• The rise of radio stations like CFRB in Toronto created a shared national experience, broadcasting news, music, and advertisements that influenced consumer choices and cultural trends across the country.
• The development of hydroelectric power projects, such as the Queenston-Chippawa project in Ontario, provided electricity that fueled industrial growth and brought new appliances into Canadian homes, changing domestic labor.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with three images: one of a family gathered around a radio, one of a busy factory assembly line, and one of a group of Indigenous children at a residential school. Ask them to write one sentence explaining how each image relates to the 'Roaring Twenties' and one question they still have about the experiences depicted.

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Imagine you are a Canadian in 1925. Based on what we've learned, would you describe the decade as 'roaring' for you personally? Explain why or why not, considering your social class, location (urban/rural), and ethnic background.'

Quick Check

Present students with a list of 5-7 terms, including key vocabulary and distractors (e.g., 'flapper,' 'assembly line,' 'Prohibition,' 'stock market crash,' 'residential school,' 'jazz,' 'Great Depression'). Ask students to sort them into two categories: 'Factors contributing to the boom' and 'Challenges faced during the decade.' Review their sorting as a class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the 1920s called 'roaring'?

The term refers to the decade's rapid economic growth, the 'roar' of new technology like car engines, and the lively cultural scene. It was a time of breaking with the past and embracing a more modern, fast-paced way of life.

How did the automobile change Canada in the 1920s?

The car, especially the affordable Model T, made travel easier and led to the construction of better roads. it also fueled the growth of related industries like oil and rubber and began the shift toward suburban living.

What was the role of the radio in the 1920s?

The radio was a revolutionary technology that brought news, music, and entertainment directly into people's homes. It helped to create a shared national culture, although it also exposed Canadians to a massive amount of American content.

How can active learning help students understand the 1920s?

Active learning strategies, such as simulating 1920s consumerism and investigating cultural shifts, help students experience the excitement and the risks of the decade. By analyzing who benefited from the boom and who didn't, students develop a more nuanced understanding of Canadian society. This hands-on approach makes the 'Roaring Twenties' more than just a series of dates and inventions, but a lived experience of change.