The 1920’s was an overwhelmingly successful time for Canada. The 1920’s were the interwar years. Also, for a decade people suffered due to the Great Depression. Despite the troublesome times, Canada achieved numerous accomplishments, independence being one of them. Although Canada lost their dependence on Britain they were becoming increasingly dependent on the United States.
Canada was doing well economically. Britain was no longer their main trading partner, though their trade with their neighbor country, the United States, was increasingly growing. Canada continued to be a major exporter. Wheat remained the biggest export of Canada; there was also an enormous growth in the exploitation of natural resources and manufacturing. There was also an increasing boom in the mining industry. Record amounts of lead, silver, copper and zinc were mined and used in consumer goods. Most of the materials mined were used in products made in the United States. Canada also had a boom in their forestry industry. Canadian pulp and paper were being exported, and new mills were built in several provinces. This expansion created the need for hydro-generating stations; they provided cheap energy for Canadian industries. Canada’s dependence on the United States began to show when U.S. investors started to set up branch plants. These were businesses controlled by companies in the United States, but operated in Canada. By the end of the 1920’s the Canadian auto industry had been taken over by the “Big Three” U.S. car companies. The “Big Three” consisted of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The U.S. also owned a high percentage of Canada’s oil business, nearly half the machinery and chemical industries, and over half the rubber and electrical companies.
Canada was growing in their own social independence despite the continuing influence of the United States. Because of the growing economy, people had the money to participate in various activities. This caused...