THE DAWN OF THE 20TH CENTURY

CHC 2D1

The Shoulders of Giants

“If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Ever Met a Giant?

Johannes Gutenberg

• Invented the printing press in 1440.

• Allowed for the mass production of printed material.

The Progress of the 20th Century

What was the 20th century’s printing press?

The Progress of the 20th Century

• Take a moment to list as many significant events to the 20th century that contributed to the progress of the human race.

• Your list may include historical events, but should also include advancements in technology that have made a significant contribution to man kind.

The Progress of the 20th Century

GPS Technology Internet

Microwaves Penicillin

Microchip Mobile Phone Barcodes

Personal Computer Television

World Population

• In 1900, the world’s population was 1.6 billion.

• Today, the world’s population is approximately 6.5 billion.

Canada’s Largest City

• In 1900, Canada’s largest city was Montreal.

• Montreal’s population was about 270 000.

• Today, Canada’s largest city is Toronto.

• There are about 2.5 million people living in Toronto.

Average Life Span

• In 1900, the average human lived for 45 years.

• Today, the average human lives for 76 years.

Military Conflicts

• In 1900,Canada was participating in the Boer War.

• This war took place in South Africa, where Great Britain fought against the Boers.

• Currently, Canada’s military is fighting a war in Afghanistan.

• Canada’s military is also an active peacekeeping force.

World Powers

In 1900, the world’s superpowers were:

• Ottoman Empire

• Austro-Hungarian Empire

• Britain

Today’s superpowers might include:

• United States of America

• China

• Britain

Methods of Communication

In 1900, people communicated via:

• Mail

• Telegraph

Today, preferred methods of communication include:

• Telephone

• Text and Email

Coast-to-Coast Transportation

• When traveling from coast to coast in 1900, you would take a train.

• Today, you would likely fly on a plane.

Immigration to Canada

• In 1900, most people immigrating to Canada were European.

• They were “funneled” to the West.

• Today, immigrants to Canada are often from south-Asia.

• The immigrants of today prefer larger urban centres.

Relationship with England

• In 1900, Britain controlled Canadian foreign policy and the Canadian constitution.

• Today, Britain is considered one of Canada’s closest allies and partners.

• Most Canadians are proud of the historical ties Canada has to Britain and the British monarchy.

Relationship with the U.S.A.

• Canada spent most of the 19th century threatened by American manifest destiny.

• In 1903, Canada and the U.S.A. mediate a settlement over the disputed Alaskan panhandle.

• Today, Canada maintains a close and cooperative relationship with America.

• Is Canada still threatened by America today?

Major Industries

• In 1900, Canada’s economy was predominately agriculturally based.

• Today, Canada’s economy is also very strong in technology and natural resources.

Types of Employment

• In 1900, employment was based on gender.

• Women were most likely domestic servants, and men either labourers or professionals.

• Today, labour is shared between the genders much more equally.

• Do gender inequalities still exist?

Family Life

• In 1900, 63% of Canadians lived on farms.

• Today, most Canadians live in an urban or suburban setting.

Entertainment

• In 1900, wealthy people went to the theatre, attended poetry readings or sporting events.

• Less wealthy attended social gatherings like “clambakes.”

• Today, the theatre and sporting remain popular forms of entertainment.

• These activities are no longer reserved for the wealthy.

The Dawn of the 20th Century

• In 1900, Canada’s Prime Minister was Sir Wilfred Laurier.

• Do you recognize him? You should!!

The Dawn of the 20th Century

Laurier’s Optimism

“Canada has been modest in its history. In my estimation, it is only commencing. As the nineteenth century was that of the United States, so I think the twentieth century will be filled with Canada.”

The National Mood

In 1900, Canada was only 33 years old, but had a very promising future.

Canadians were swept up by the promise of a strong economy and a growing population.

The National Mood

Canada had an abundance of natural resources that was driving the

Canadian economy.

Canada’s west was attracting many European and Asian immigrants,

fuelling Canada’s population growth.

The National Mood

The Canadian railway provided for the transportation of products from “sea to sea.”

However, the prosperity in Canada at the turn of the century was not

shared equally by all Canadians.