The Roaring Twenties in Canada
Investigating the economic prosperity, technological advancements, and cultural shifts of the 1920s.
Key Questions
- Analyze how new technologies transformed daily life for Canadians.
- Evaluate the extent to which the prosperity of the 1920s was equitably distributed.
- Explain the growing influence of American culture on Canada during this decade.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
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.'
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.
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.
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.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionEveryone 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 MisconceptionThe 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.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the 1920s called 'roaring'?
How did the automobile change Canada in the 1920s?
What was the role of the radio in the 1920s?
How can active learning help students understand the 1920s?
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