UNIT 1 WORLD WAR I
Consequences of the War

“Canada emerged from the First World War a proud, victoriousnation with newfound standing in the world. It also emergedgrieving and divided, forever changed by the war's unprecedentedexertions and horrific costs.”

Question: To what extent did the war have a positive and negative effect on Canada?

Positive Consequences / Negative Consequences
Evidence/Reasons / Evidence/Reasons
  • Canada had separate representation at Paris Peace Conference marking a step towards independence from Britain (long term)
  • Canada independently signed the Treaty of Versailles (short term)
  • Canada became a member of the League of Nations advancing its national status as well as its independence/autonomy (short term)
  • the war lead to the British Statute of Westminster (1931) that gave Canada full control over its foreign policy (long term)
  • the war united Canadians in a common cause (short term)
  • some women received the right to vote
(short term)
  • government introduced policies that eventually matured into a social welfare system (long term)
  • conscription helped to secure victory
(short term)
  • the need for war supplies stimulated the
economyresulting in major growth in Canadian industry (short term)
  • demand for shells,rifles, tanks, aircraft and all types ofarmaments created a new industrial manufacturing sector (short term)
  • military victories such as Vimy Ridge brought pride and helped develop Canada’s identity
(long term) /
  • around 61,000 Canadians were killedand another 172,000 were wounded (short term)
  • new immigrants from enemy countries lost the right to vote (short term)
  • the war resulted inbusinesses profiteering (making excessive profit) (short term)
  • the financial cost of the war produced $2 billion debt (short and long term)
  • conscription divided the nation primarily between English and French speaking Canadians (long term)
  • workers demanded more rights by striking
(short term)
  • farmers upset over agricultural policies and conscription (short term)
  • War Measures Act suspended civil libertiesand led to the internment of some immigrants from enemy countries as well a discrimination (short term)
  • inflation increased and higher prices bit into the income of families causing hardship (short term)
  • the government introduced income tax (short term)

Source: Peace and Impact of War, Treaty of Versailles, The War’s Impact on Canada, Did the war have a positive or negative effect on Canada? Counterpoints p.55

Determining Important Consequences

Criteria for judging important consequences

Depth of impact

How deeply felt or profound were the consequences?

Breadth of impact

How widespread were the impacts?

Duration of impact

How long-lasting were the consequences?

Use the criteria and select the five most important consequences. Provide a reason why each consequence is important by referring to the criteria.

World War I
Consequence / Reasons/ Evidence

Positive or Negative Effect

Inquiry Question:Did the war have more of a positive or negative effect on Canada?

Select three reasons/evidence to support your position.

PositiveEffect
OR
Negative Effect / Evidence/Reasons