Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Change and Continuity Over Time-Canada in the 20th Century

Canada is strong and influential country in North America and all around the world. The country appeared in many great wars throughout the 20th century and made many technological achievements. Throughout the century Canada has changed in many was and also managed to remain true in other areas. Aspects that changed over the years for Canada includes its economy,modernization, and many inventions. Areas that Canada remained constant in the 20th century include its overall government system and Canada's loyalty to its allies. Like all great countries throughout the 20th century Canada was able to adapt to the ever changing world and society as a whole.
In the 20th century Canada underwent many ups and downs. There were times when the government leaders need to make choices to adapt the evolution of world events. Along the way Canada changed a few aspects that had never been suggested before. Canada's economy saw a depression and boom during the century that changed to course of the country. Also, Canada made many changes with their inventions and advancements in areas such as aviation. Canada also modernized during this time updating school systems, roads, highways, and strived to build up its cities.
In the time Canada was making all these changes, the country also realized the areas that need to remain the same. Canada noticed how well their form of government was working so they kept it the same in the 20th century. Also, managed to keep healthy foreign relations in North America and helped create many organizations to ensure the safety of North American Countries and in crease trade by making it more affordable. Canada also remained the same with their support and loyalty to their allies in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.
Canada is a prosperous country with a rich history. It's a country that understands the meaning of comradeship and team work. Throughout the 20th century Canada showed its true colors with its perseverance and a desire to strive for greatness. With these goals in mind Canada knew they must change things such as improving the economy and increase in education. Also, Canada knew to keep the things that work such as their government and foreign relations in order to remain a strong country. Overall Canada is a wonderful country that will be around for years to come because of their ability to when to change and when not to change.

 

"Did You Know?"- Quarrels in Quebec

     At the end of World War I, Canada was sent spinning into a looming future of economic struggles and depression.The country was struggling to keep order among the people and was barely surviving as a nation. Then in the 1940's Canada and its allies, France and Britain, embarked on daring journey, later known as World War II, when they declare war on Germany. Ironically, the war proved to be a God-send for Canada in a sense because in order to keep up with the demand for war supplies millions of Canadians were able to find work manufacturing ammunition and vehicles. At the end of the war, Canada experienced an economic boom as manufacturing jobs spread across the nation like wild fire. However, all good things must come to an end and as the economy began to slowly decline once again Canada would soon be faced with a problem which it had never encountered before.
     At the begging of the 1960's in Canada, there was a dull roar that began to steadily get louder and louder and spread throughout the nation. This roar was coming from the soon to be notorious province of Quebec, located in the eastern part of the country. This province is the home to many French-Canadians who's descendants had immigrated to Canada from Europe in the 1800's. When the 60's came the people of Quebec began to fear that their French culture would be stomped out and replaced if they didn't not take action in order to protect it. Quebec at this time was behind the rest of Canada in its attempt to modernize, because the people felt an enormous sense of pride in preserving the tradition and culture that they had valued for so long. Soon the people of Quebec would show the nation just how much their culture means to them. 
     In 1960 Quebec's greatly loved prime minister, Maurice Duplessis, dies and in turn leaves behind a mourning province of anxious French-Canadians. With the loss of their prime minister Quebec would now have the flood gates open upon them for the change they had been fearing to begin. Many new politicians began to step in in an attempt to modernize Quebec known as the "Quiet Revolution". In this attempt many educated officials flocked to the province in order to lay a foundation to make Quebec transform into an iconic province in the Canadian nation. However the people of Quebec had a different plan brewing in order to make Quebec an important part of Canadian history.
     In a desperate attempt to save their changing province radical separatists groups began to form in Quebec. These groups quickly turned to violence in order to convey their message to keep the traditional French beliefs and culture that the have cherished for so many years.Terrorism started to become an every day occurrence in Quebec with the radical groups setting off hundreds of bombs in government buildings all across the crumpling province. In the terrorists most notorious attack they kidnapped and murdered the vice-premier of Quebec which caused to prime minister to declare martial law in order to regain control. 
     In recent years Quebec has sorted out all of its cultural disputes and remains a fairly peaceful province. The majority of the people who live there today continues to be French-Canadians and people of French descent. Quebec is a beautiful province with many sites to witness the true beauty of nature. However, Quebec will always have this dark spot on their history and will forever be notorious for their passion to fight for their culture and beliefs. 



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