This amazing remastered footage takes us back in time to the 1920s, and passes through major Canadian cities and landmarks.
The 1920s in Canada, often known as the “Roaring Twenties” or the “Jazz Age”, witnessed a significant confluence of economic, social, and cultural transformations. The country experienced an economic boom, driven by post-World War I recovery and increased demand for Canadian goods, particularly in the resource and manufacturing sectors.
This era saw a notable shift towards urbanization as people migrated from rural areas to cities, fostering the growth of urban centers like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Technological advancements, such as the widespread use of automobiles and radios, began to shape Canadian society, influencing lifestyle, communication, and entertainment. Culturally, the 1920s brought about a more liberal and modern atmosphere, influenced by American jazz music, dance crazes like the Charleston and the emergence of flapper culture that challenged traditional norms.
Prohibition, from 1918 to 1920, led to the rise of illegal bars, known as “speakeasies”, and increased organized crime activity. Women’s rights saw progress, with women gaining the right to vote in federal elections in 1918, leading to increased social and economic opportunities.
The political landscape was characterized by the dominance of the Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Arthur Meighen, although political instability and economic challenges marked the decade. The prosperity of the 1920s, however, came to an abrupt end with the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, causing widespread unemployment, economic hardship, and social upheaval that would shape Canada’s trajectory in the subsequent years.
Remastered by History Shorts