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Women In The 1920s

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The Booming Roar of The Canadian 1920’s
Many Countries go through the business cycle throughout their history, and prosperity is the part of the cycle that truly roars. In 1920’s, Canada, the great prosperity roared, and it was great for all. Everything in Canada roared by 1924 and life was extremely satisfying for the average Canadian, as quality of life was at an all- time high. The future for Women began to appear to be very bright as they made many big steps for the purpose of women’s rights. There was a great deal of women who began to get involved with government. Therefore, the Canadian government recognized the change beginning, and the growing number of women who were starting to make a stand for their rights, and consequently creating …show more content…
Even though they were not seen as equals to men still, women still made some big steps towards gender equality. In 1921, Agnes Macphail became the first woman to ever sit in parliament as she was elected to the house of commons (Canadian Encyclopedia). “Macphail was an outspoken advocate of gender equity and strove to end legal discrimination against women, including modifying the grounds for divorce. She continued to support women’s rights when she became a member of the Ontario Legislature in 1943” (Canadian Encyclopedia). Agnes Macphail, the first woman to become truly involved with the government, stressed women’s rights and played a big role in suffrage. Suffrage is the right for women to be able to vote in an election (Creating Canada 152). In 1925 the women of Newfoundland earned the right to vote (Morrison). Other laws, encouraging women’s rights included the federal divorce law, meaning that women would have a say in getting a divorce, maternity leave, and women being viewed as persons, when “The British Privy Council decides that Canadian women are persons under law” (Morrison). During the 1920’s, women also began to challenge the status quo of acting ‘feminine’ and started to rebel against what they were expected to do and how they were expected to behave. Young women all over Canada made difference by wearing clothing that was deemed as inappropriate for a female to wear by wearing flappers. Many believed that …show more content…
Canada no longer planned to help Britain in battle, even when it was demanded of them to do so. During the “Chanak Affair”, in 1922 British forces struggled to contain a rebeling Turkey, due to the fact that they were heavily outnumbered. Britain then asked Canada to send troops in order to help Britain, but “King refused to send Canadians without question. King wanted Parliament to decide whether Canadian force should go” (Creating Canada 198). Prime Minister, Mackenzie King makes a bold statement when refusing to fulfill Britain's demands to send troops. This demonstrates the independence of Canada as they pull themselves out of Britain’s affairs when they do not send soldiers to help fight the Turks. Until 1923, all negotiations with other countries had to include Britain and any treaties made had to be co- signed by Britain. During the “Halibut Treaty” in 1923, Canada was in negotiation with the United States and eventually agreed on a treaty that included Halibut stocks. “Britain expected to co- sign the treaty as usual, but King said that the agreement did not concern Britain and Canada would sign on its own” (Crating Canada 198). Canada continues their clear desire to gain independence and fully depart from any British control by standing up to Britain and advising them that

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