Description of Themes and Review Charts

1. AUTONOMY
This theme will include issues related to Canadas evolution as a nation from 1914 to the
beginning of the 21st century. Events which allowed Canada to move away from the
governance of Great Britain towards gaining an international reputation for being a
middle power will be included in this theme.

Era Event
1900- Boer War (1899-1902)-Canada sent 7000 volunteers to assist the
1918 British in South Africa
Alaska Boundary Dispute (1905)-Britain gave Alaskan Panhandle to
the US
1909-Canada established the Department of External Affairs
1911-Reciprocity with the US rejected by voters (No Truck or Trade
with the Yankees). Voters also rejected an independent Canadian navy
1914-1918 World War I-Canada fought as a British colony until British
Imperial War Cabinet established, 1916
1919- Canada got her own seat at the Paris Peace Conference and in the new
1945 League of Nations (although Canada rejected Article X re: collective
security)
Chanak Crisis (1922)-Canada refused to sent troops to assist the British
in Turkey
Halibut Treaty (1923)-First treaty Canada signed without British
consent
Balfour Report (1926)-All dominions equal in status with each other
and with Britain, agreed to by Britain at an imperial conference
1927-Canada establishes its own embassy in Washington
1931-Statute of Westminster
Canada refused to get involved in international affairs for fear of being
dragged into another war (Japan invaded China in 1931 and again in
1937, Italy invaded Abyssinia in 1935, no official involvement in
Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939)
1939-1945: Canada deeply involved in the fighting in the Second World
War
1945- Canada emerged as a Middle Power after WW2
present Deeply involved in the UN, especially as peacekeepers (Suez, 1956)
Fought as part of the UN force in the Korean War, 1950-1953
Canada made the Supreme Court of Canada the last court of appeal
(no more appeals to the Privy Council in Britain)
Canadas foreign policy deeply aligned to the foreign policy of the US
(US radar bases in the Canadian north, NATO, NORAD, Canada
refused to recognize the communist government in China because the
US does not). Canada grounded the Avro Arrow fighter plane (1958)
because the US did not want it-Canada bought US Bormarc ICBMs
 instead
Economic integration with the US-St. Lawrence Seaway (1950s),
Autopact (1964), foreign ownership of Canadian industries, NAFTA
(1989).
In the 1970s and the 1980s, US refused to recognize Canadas claims of
sovereignty in the Arctic

2. ECONOMIC CYCLES
This theme explores the significant economic events that have led to fluctuations in
Canadas economy during times of rapid expansion and major economic downturns
before and after both world wars.

Era Event
1900- New transportation and communication technology (steamships, trains,
1914 esp. the CPR., the telegraph and the telephone) allowed Canada to
become quite integrated with the worlds economy.
Canada was still a country that produced primary products (esp. wheat),
but both Britain and the US were investing in emerging Canadian
industries (mining, pulp and paper, railway construction, hydroelectric
projects).
Urbanization was increasing.
1914- WWI brought the industrial age to Canada. Canada produced millions
1918 of shells, as well as planes, ships, etc., in war production. Much of the
production was done with women in the work force.
1920s After a short recession at the close of the Great War, the economy
boomed throughout the decade. Americans began to invest heavily in
Canadian industries.
1930s Great Depression/Dust Bowl. Little industrial production, high
unemployment, deflation. Government becomes more involved in the
economy (Royal Commission on Price Spreads, Rowell-Sirois Royal
Commission, Bennetts New Deal)
1939- World War II: Canadian economy booms once again. Women recruited
1945 for the work place. Government involved in raising funds (Victory
Bonds), rationing, price controls.
1945- Creation of the Welfare State in Canada. Old Age Pensions improved,
present unemployment insurance created, Family Allowances, welfare system
expanded.
1945- Canadas Golden Age: Low unemployment, high prosperity.
1960 PM King tried to prevent a recession (as after WWI) with National
Housing Act, unemployment insurance, offering businesses incentives to
invest in new equipment and to upgrade plants.
Unions expanded, wages and benefits increased
Baby Boom: Led to new construction, new schools, rise of suburbs
1950s: St. Lawrence Seaway completed, natural gas pipeline built,
Alberta to Central Canada
1960s Autopact negotiated with the US
Regional disparity addressed with DREE (Department of Regional
Economic Expansion)
1970s Debate grew about foreign ownership in Canada, led to the formation of
FIRA (Foreign Investment Review Agency)
Politics of oil: huge increase in the price of oil ($8 US/barrel to $40
US/barrel) helped bring about inflation (double digit). Early
government attempts to halt inflation failed, led to wage and price
controls (1975), which did little to stop inflation
1980s Period of recession: Canadian dollar dropped in terms of the $US. This
meant US goods more expensive, which led to more inflation
Oil prices remained high
Rise in interest rates-business raised prices to cover costs of borrowing
money
Fewer people buying goods, less industrial production, workers fired,
fewer taxes paid to government while government expenses were
increasing
Stagflation: stagnant economy, high inflation, high unemployment
Recession eased by the end of the decade
By 1989, FIRA was eliminated (Canada is open for business), and the
Free Trade Agreement with the US was signed
1990s Government spending much more than it received in revenues-massive
deficits, up to $40 billion/year
NAFTA created
Computer Age arrived

3. INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT
This theme focuses on the contribution Canada has made with respect to participation in
world conflicts, peacekeeping and global development.

Early Wars Boer War (1899-1902), Great War (1914-1918). Fought as a

junior partner of the British
International Canada involved as an independent voter at the Paris Peace
involvement Conference, 1919.
to 1945 Canada received a separate seat in the new League of Nations
(Canada also the first nation to dispute the idea of collective
security)
Refused to assist the British in the Chanak Crisis, 1922
Refused to vote sanctions in the League of Nations against Japan
when it invaded China (1931 and again in 1937) or Italy when it
invaded Abyssinia in 1935.
World War II: fought with distinction (Battle of the Atlantic, in
Italy, at Normandy, liberation of the Netherlands)
Wars and Korean War (1950-1953): fought as part of the United Nations
international forces
involvement Cold War: ally of the US in its ideological war against
since 1945 communism, 1945-1989, again mostly as a junior partner of the
US. Involved with NATO, NORAD, UN
Peacekeeping missions: Suez (1956-know this one for exams),
Congo (1960), Cyprus (1964). Yugoslavia (1992), Somalia (1994-
turns into international disgrace for Canada because of the murder
and torture of Somali citizens by Canadian soldiers)
International Resource provider (wheat, timber) at the turn of the century.
Trade 1911-Canadians reject reciprocity (free trade) with the US
Agreements 1920s-less British influence, more American dominance in
Canadian industries.
TransCanada Pipeline, St. Lawrence Seaway, 1950s
Columbia River Treaty, 1964
Autopact, 1964
Free Trade Agreement, 1989
NAFTA, 1990s

4. SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
This theme investigates Canadas political system and how it works. Significant current
events pertaining to Canadas government structure and procedures may be included.
Data will be provided in these circumstances. This chart does not describe the roles and
functions of the three levels of government, or the various branches of a democratic
government. Nor does it describe the types of federal and provincial courts and their
functions. This simply cannot be formatted into such a review. However, students are
expected to know this material. This section deals only with major changes in
government systems in Canada during the 20th century.

Era Event
1905 Alberta and Saskatchewan become provinces (Autonomy Bills)
1916-1918 Women in Canada granted the right to vote (suffrage)
1926 King-Byng Crisis defined the role of the governor-general in
Canada
1920s Creation of Canadas first true Third Party, the National
Progressives
1931 Statute of Westminster essentially made Canada a truly
independent nation
1930s Creation of two western political parties: The CCF and the Social
Credit Party
Rowell-Sirois Royal Commission recommended new roles for
both the federal and provincial governments (redistribution of funds
and powers)
1949 Supreme Court of Canada, established in 1875, finally becomes
Canadas highest court when appeals to the Privy Council in Britain
are ended
Newfoundland joins Confederation, the 10th province to do so
1960 First Nations Peoples given the right to vote in federal elections in
Canada
1970 October Crisis in Quebec (first use of the War Measures Act in
peacetime)
1980 Quebec referendum on sovereignty association-rejected by Quebec
by a large margin
1982 Canadian constitution patriated, Charter of Rights and Freedoms
added
1990 Failure of the Meech Lake Accord
1992 Failure of the Charlottetown Accord
1995 Second Quebec referendum fails but by a vote of 51% to 49%

5. SOCIAL ISSUES
This theme deals with issues, either historic or contemporary, that involve the well-being
of humankind. These issues may relate to government policy, a shift in public opinion, or
an evolution of legal thought. Social issues may concern matters from a national or
international perspective.

Immigration

Era Events
To 1945 By 1911, there were nearly 2 million immigrants to Canada
(Siftons Last Best West). Most were British, American, or
Central Europeans. Southern Europeans, Africans, Jews, and
Asians mostly excluded (too difficult to assimilate).
BC opposed Asian immigration (i.e. Head Tax on Chinese,
Chinatown Riot in 1907, and Komagatu Maru incident in 1914)
1939: SS St. Louis: 400 Jews not allowed to enter Canada
1946 Immigration Act-acceptable immigrants were British subjects,
and quotas were established for Asian immigrants
1947-1952 170,000 war refugees from Central Europe were permitted to enter
Canada
1962 New Immigration policies introduced: individual immigrants had to
demonstrate they could establish themselves and had enough
money to support themselves
Sponsorship: Canadian citizens could sponsor relatives from any
European country or NATO nation (this excluded Africans and
Asians)
1967 Points system: minimum points awarded for education, training,
occupational demands, adaptability, age, etc. Once one had 50
points they could enter Canada
1978 New immigration guidelines adapted
Humanitarian (unite families)
Economic (what does Canada need?)
Demographic (increase population)
AND three classes of immigrants
Family-sponsored by a Canadian citizen
Refugee-people persecuted in their own countries, and
Economic-What occupations were needed by Canada?
More and more immigrants coming from Asia and Africa (17% in
1961-1971, up to 54% in 1981-1991)
Results: by 1996, 35% of Vancouvers population was made up of
immigrants. More than one half of all Vancouver students were
enrolled in ESL.

Women

Era Event
1900 Women had few rights
Two major issues: suffrage and prohibition
Nellie McClung and Emily Murphy led the battle for the right to
vote.
The WCTU fought for prohibition
1914-1918 Womens contributions to the war effort led to limited suffrage in
1917 (Wartime Elections Act) to the full right to vote in 1918.
Agnus Macphail became Canadas first elected MP.
1929 Persons Case: Privy Council overturned a Supreme Court
decision that disallowed Canadian women to enter the Senate.
Cairine Wilson became Canadas first female senator.
During the boom times of the 1920s, more and more women
entered the work force and fought for better education prospects
World War Women joined the Armed Forces: Canadian Army Corps and the
II (1939- Womens Royal Canadian Naval Service. Usually worked in
1945) administration, as nurses or ambulance drivers-no combat roles
Entered the workplace in large numbers to assist in the war effort.
After the war, tax breaks and childcare programs were dismantled
to encourage women to leave the work place
1950s The Baby Boom and the growth of suburbs led most women to
become housewives
In 1957, Ellen Fairclough became the first woman to be appointed
to a cabinet position in the federal government
1960s Royal Commission on the Status of Women recommended a
National Action Committee (NAC) on the Status of Women, a
federal portfolio for women, and an end to discrimination in the
work force (hiring practices, wages)
1970s Changes in school texts to eliminate sexism, affirmative action
programs established
1980s to While there have been incredible changes in the status of women in
the present Canada during the 20th century, there is still a long way to go.
Women still receive a much lower average wage than men, there
are still very few women politicians, and violence against women is
still a major issue.

French-English Relations

Era Event
1899-1901 Boer War-English Canadians wanted participation, French
Canadians did not. Laurier compromised, sending 7000 volunteers.
The compromise pleased no one.
1914-1918 Conscription Crisis: English Canada felt French Canada not doing
its share: Major election issue, 1917, which split the country
between French and English voters
1935 Maurice Duplesis became Union Nationale premier of Quebec:
followed Quebec nationalist policies (Maitre Chez Nous)
1939-1945 Second Conscription Crisis: Just like WWI, it was felt that the
French were not contributing their fair share, and just like WWI
very few of the soldiers conscripted actually were needed overseas
1960s Quiet Revolution: Quebec modernized and demanded more rights
within Confederation
Bilingualism and Biculturalism Royal Commission:
recommended bilingual policies, pleased no one
Charles De Gaulle incident in Montreal, 1967 (Vive la Quebec
Libre)
1970 October Crisis: Two prominent people kidnapped, and one, Pierre
LaPorte, was killed by his captors (the FLQ). Violent end of the
Quiet Revolution
1976 Election of the Parti Quebecois-led to Bill 101, making Quebec a
unilingual (French) province. Also led to the 1980 referendum on
sovereignty association, which Quebeckers rejected in favour of a
new constitution
1982 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of
Canadas new Constitution. Quebec refused to sign on to the new
constitution
1987-1990 Failure of the Meech Lake Constitutional Accord, designed to
convince Quebec to sign the Constitution
1992 Charlottetown Accord also rejected by Canadians
1995 Second referendum-just barely rejected by Quebeckers
Since then, separation has become a very cold issue in Quebec and
the rest of Canada
 First Nations

Prior to Indian Act had a huge impact on First Nations Peoples (FNP) lives
1920 Disease had killed 60-70% of FN population
Cultural practices (potlatch and the Sun Dance) had been outlawed
by the Indian Act
Indian Act dictated status
Duncan Campbell Scott: supt. of Indian Affairs, called for the
complete assimilation of FNP
Biggest tool of assimilation-residential schools (remove aboriginal
children from homes at an early age, force them to abandon cultural
practices and language). Federal government wanted to destroy the
nomadic lifestyle, and missionaries wanted to convert FNP to
Christianity. Meanwhile, FNP wanted their children to get an
education to compete in the modern world
50% of children in residential schools died of diseases contracted
by the unhealthy living conditions of the schools, and the physical
and sexual abuse of children was rampant
1920s Allied Tribes formed to fight for aboriginal rights. Federal
government responded by making it illegal to elicit funds for land
claims
1939-1945 3000 FNP volunteered to fight in WWII (all automatically lost their
status by joining in the war effort). Few ever received their
pensions
1946 Hearings into amending the Indian Act (They fought for their
country, but they were not allowed to vote)
1948 FNP granted suffrage in BC
1960 FNP got the right to vote in federal elections
1969 Federal government recommended an end to the Indian Act (White
Paper). FNP appalled; the Act was flawed but it provided the only
protection for rights they had. As well, Trudeau announced his
plans to phase out the Indian Act without consulting with FNP.
Plans eventually dropped
1983 Self-government endorsed by the federal government
1986 Sechelt FN band became the first to have a form of self government
1999 Nunavit Territory established (another form of self government
for the Inuit)
1990s In 1992, BC decided to negotiate treaties with the BC FNP, after
more than a century of pretending aboriginal title did not exist.
First treaty signed with the Nisgaa in 1999.
Treaty making in BC involves the BC Treaty Commission-issues
involve land ownership, economic development, and education
practices
 6. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
This theme focuses on a wide range of social and physical issues within the realm of
geography. An understanding of key environmental issues facing Canada and the world,
with reference to the impact humans have on their physical environment, will be
included.

Era Event
1900-1911 Growth of cities, such as Vancouver
Land in cities designated residential, business, industrial, etc.
Transportation always a big issue (no busses, cars, etc)
Huge increase in the % of people moving into cities-large working
class areas developed, most people lived under the poverty line.
Few taxes paid to cities to permit improvements in transportation or
sanitation
High infant mortality rates because of unhealthy conditions
1919 Department of Health established in response to the influenza
epidemic of 1918-1919 which killed 50,000 people in Canada.
Attempted to improve living standards throughout Canada
1930s Dust Bowl-poor farming methods had stripped the topsoil from
western farmlands, which led to droughts and dust storms
throughout the decade.
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA)
established, 1935, to introduce anti-erosion measures and water-
storage facilities
Trail: Cominco smelters spewing pollution into the air with high
smoke stacks-destroyed local vegetation
Washington State complained-International Joint Commission
formed to examine the problem-Cominco forced to reduce its sulfur
output, but not until the 1960s did vegetation return to Trail
Late 1940s Baby Boom and the post-war economic boom led to the growth of
and 1950s suburbs and improvements in Canadian living standards
This increase in urban populations, along with the growth in
popularity of the automobile would lead to other problems, such as
air pollution and traffic gridlock
1960s Damming of the Columbia River in BC-led to destruction of
salmon habitat, and increased farming in irrigated areas led to
increased use of fertilizers and pesticides flowing into the Columbia
River
Creation of Greenpeace-environmental activists who used attention
grabbing techniques to bring issues to the forfront of public opinion
(seal hunt off the East Coast, dumping of toxic waste, logging old
growth forests)
1970s Acid Rain became a recognized problem
 Higher oil prices led to the development of nuclear energy (with
accidents occurring at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and in
Chernobyl in the Soviet Union)
1990s Salmon stocks on the west coast had been drastically reduced
(overfishing), leading to a long-running dispute between Canada
and the US on how to deal with the issue
On the east coast, the Grand Banks of Newfoundland had been so
over-fished by both Canadian and foreign vessels that it was
decided to stop all cod fishing in that area, a moratorium that lasts
to the present day.
Outside of Canada and the other developed nations, there has been
a huge increase in the population, which has led to a reduced
standard of living in the developing parts of the globe
 Possible Questions
Canada began the 20th century as a colony of Britain and ended it a colony of the United
States. Evaluate this statement

Canada has had more influence on world affairs after 1945 than before 1945. Evaluate.

Describe the influence of the United States on the Canadian economy throughout the
1900s.

Canada has been a good place to live for everyone throughout the 1900s. Evaluate this
statement.

Explain how women have gained rights throughout the 20th century, but still have not
reached equality with their male counterparts in the country.

How have First Nations people managed to avoid assimilation in the 20th century?

Analyse Canadas environmental record during the 20th century.

Compare the treatment of Canadas immigrants and First Nations peoples during the 20th
century.

Discuss the role of the prime minister (or cabinet, executive branch, judicial branch,
legislative branch, governor general, premier, etc.)

Compare the jurisdictions of the federal and provincial governments in Canada. In your
answer, explain why there may be conflict between the two levels of government during
the 20th century.
 A good answer should include the following:
Canada began the 20th century as a colony of Britain and ended it a colony of the United
States. Evaluate this statement

A strong thesis: Explain to the reader exactly what you set out to prove.
It is true that both Britain and the United States have had a great deal of
influence on Canadian affairs throughout the 20th century. However, there have
been many instances when Canada has clearly asserted its independence.

Definitions (if necessary): Be clear about what you are describing in your answer. For
example, if you wanted to describe Canadas role as a colony, you should explain exactly
what you mean by colony and how it applies to your answer.
In this instance, a colony means when one nation has a great deal of influence
over another, either militarily, politically, economically, or culturally.

Appropriate examples from throughout the century:

Canada did send troops to assist Britain during World War I, but insisted that
Canada have a say in how they were used in an Imperial War Cabinet;
Canada did not send assistance to Britain during the Chanak Crisis in 1922;
While Canadas military policies after World War II were greatly influenced by
the United States (i.e NATO, NORAD, northern radar bases), Canada also did not
follow American policies on China after 1970 and the Canadians offered
sanctuary to American draft dodgers during the Vietnam War.

Be certain to provide details about each of your examples.

In 1922, Britain asked the dominions to send troops to Turkey in order to put
down a potential revolt against British rule in the country. However, Canada
chose not to participate. The general feeling in the country was that we had just
finished fighting a major war, and that Britains dispute with the Turks was not
Canadas concern. Prime Minister Mackenzie King informed the British that
Canada could not simply send troops whenever Britain required assistance to get
out of a jam. King told the British that this was a matter for Parliament to decide.
However, Parliament was not in session and King refused to call it together until
the crisis was over. Thus, the Chanak Crisis became the first time Canada refused
to send help to Britain when she called for Canadian help.

A strong conclusion:
Both Britain and the United States have greatly influenced Canadian policies
during the 20th century. However, as the noted in the examples, their influence
has not led to Canada being a colony of either nation. Instead, Canada has
attempted to assert its independence in nearly every situation in dealing with both
of these powerful nations. During World War I,
 SOCIAL STUDIES 11
COMMAND TERM LIST FOR WRITTEN-RESPONSE QUESTIONS
Successful results can be achieved by addressing the specifics of the question. Most
questions contain a key-word or command term. The following list will help students to
read, analyze, and respond to written-response questions more effectively.

Support or refute a statement; give the positive or negative

AGREE OR
features; express an informed opinion one way or the other;
DISAGREE
list the advantages for or against.

To divide a complex whole into its component parts. This

ANALYZE process should involve not only breaking down the whole, but
also showing the relationship between the various elements.

Command words such as these strongly suggest to the student

ASSESS THE that two schools of thought exist about a given subject. These
DEGREE / TO questions often involve weighing the relative merit of
WHAT EXTENT conflicting points of view; e.g., negative vs. positive, strong
vs. weak, fundamental vs. immediate.

COMPARE / Give an estimate of the similarity and dissimilarity of one

COMPARE AND event or issue to another; give an estimate of the relationship
CONTRAST between two things.

CONTRAST Give an estimate of the difference between two things.

Give the meaning of a word or concept and provide a relevant

DEFINE
context.

DESCRIBE Give a detailed account of a situation.

Present the various points of view as in a debate or argument.

DISCUSS Points-of-view arising from the topic should be supported
and/or challenged.

Making a judgement which involves determining the value of

EVALUATE a statement and/or assessing the relative significance of that
idea.

Make plain or intelligible the relationship which is asked for;

EXPLAIN e.g., Explain the similarities between . . . , or Explain the
differences between . . . .

GIVE THE Present information which determines the importance of an

SIGNIFICANCE OF event or issue. Quite often used to show causation.
 Clearly establish the identity of something based on an
understood set of considerations; recognize the unique
IDENTIFY
qualities of something and state the criteria used to identify it.
Often used in conjunction with EXPLAIN.

Defend or agree with a particular, predetermined point-of-

JUSTIFY
view; give evidence, reasons, or examples.

Give a catalogue of names, ideas, or events which belong to a

LIST
particular class of items.

Give a description of only the main features; summarize the

OUTLINE
principal parts of a thing, idea, or event.

Give an account of the main points. This implies a degree of

SUMMARIZE evaluation as the student weighs the relative merit of the more
important versus the more trivial.

Give the points in favour of, or opposed to, a predetermined

point of view or particular position. Also see AGREE /
SUPPORT /
DISAGREE. While students should generally support or refute
REFUTE
the given statement, their responses may include opposing
points.
 SOCIAL STUDIES 11
WRITTEN-RESPONSE SCORING CRITERIA
An essay may or may not conform to each and every descriptor within a
particular scale point. The marker should classify the essay into a category
based on general impression rather than by checking off each descriptor.
6 Answer
Thesis is supported with precise and relevant details.
Content is applied in a superior manner; all major points are identified.
Documents are insightfully analyzed and evaluated. Sophisticated
conclusions drawn.
Expression is clear and fluent with few flaws in communication.

5 Answer
Thesis is consistently supported.
Content is applied in a proficient manner; most major points are
identified.
Documents are thoroughly analyzed and evaluated. Effective
conclusions are drawn.
Expression is generally fluent with few flaws in communication.

4 Answer
Thesis is evident with some supporting evidence.
Content is applied in a competent manner; many major points are
identified.
Documents are satisfactorily analyzed and evaluated. Adequate
conclusions are drawn.
Expression is sufficiently fluent with few flaws.

3 Answer
Thesis is attempted with limited supporting details.
Content is applied in a satisfactory manner; some major points are
identified.
Documents are minimally analyzed and evaluated. Few or flawed
conclusions.
Expression is satisfactory with limitations and flaws.
 2 Answer

Thesis is insufficient.
Content is applied in a poor manner; insufficient points are identified.
Documents are poorly analyzed and no conclusions evident.
Expression is awkward, which impedes understanding.

1 Answer

Thesis is irrelevant.
Content is vague; major points are absent.
Documents are not analyzed.
Expression is full of errors, making understanding difficult.

0 Answer

While writing is evident, no attempt has been made to address the

topic given or the writing is illegible.