Post WWII Politics

Adding Newfoundland Newfoundland suffered during the Depression After WWII, the citizens were asked to vote on their political future 1.Continue under the existing British government 2.Return to the status of self-governing dominion 3.Join with Canada J.R. “Joey” Smallwood advocated for option 3 and thought that Newfoundland would become more modernized and have higher standards of living The first vote was inconclusive and so option 1 was dropped during the second vote Newfoundland joined Canada (52%) on March 31, 1949

Joey Smallwood

Mackenzie King 1948 Retired from politics at 73

Louis St. Laurent Lawyer, from Quebec First to govern during the “media” age – image became very important Nicknamed: “Uncle Louis” Image – caring family member, in reality he was aloof and enjoyed a rich lifestyle 1957: Uncle Louis (75)looked tired and depressed in the media, John Diefenbaker won the next election and Lester “Mike” Pearson replaced St. Laurent as leader of the Liberal Party

John Diefenbaker First prime minister whose father was not of English or French descent Trained as a lawyer – very theatrical Wanted to preserve ties with the British and stand up to the Americans

Diefenbaker – Rights for all… Advocated “unhyphenated Canadianism” – believed that all Canadians were equal regardless of heritage Introduced Canada Bill of Rights (1960) –First PM to include a women in his cabinet –First PM to appoint an aboriginal senator –Gave status Indians living on reserves the right to vote in federal elections (1960)

Bill of Rights 1960 "I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind." From the Canadian Bill of Rights, July 1, 1960.

Erin Fairclough

Question: Who would Diefenbaker be popular with? Why? Who would dislike his policies? Why?

Lester B. “Mike” Pearson His vision of Canada revolved around the French and the English – believed that ties with Britain would eventually be severed Thought Canadian identity needed to represent all Canadians (including 2 million immigrants since WWII)

Pearson – Foundation for modern Canada: Trial abolition of capital punishment –Formally abolished in 1998, last hanging in Canada: December 11, 1962 Relaxed divorce laws Improved social welfare system Created new Canadian flag

Flag Debate Archives

February 15, 1965

Pierre Elliott Trudeau “New” politician –Glamorous, charismatic Trudeaumania His vision of Canada revolved around a “just society” –Believed that government had a duty to protect the rights and freedoms of the people and foster social and economic well-being –Believed that government should not interfere in personal liberties

Trudeaumania Youthquake More than half the population was under 25 in 1965 What to protest? –Music –Fashion –Consumerism –Politics My Generation

Trudeaumania Women’s Movement Feminism –Many resented post-war expectations Royal Commission on Status of Women 1967 found that: –Women should have the right to choose to work outside the home –All society should care for children –Maternity leave –Federal government should prevent discrimination against women

Trudeaumania Environmental Movement Groups lobbied government to control industrial and residential pollution Silent Spring –1962 –Rachel Carson Greenpeace (1970) Greenpeace: Nuclear Bombs to iPhones