Canadian People’s History During the Depression and WW2

Abstract

The objective of this resource pack is to facilitate student learning of the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II on Canadian citizens. Lesson one focuses on the economic strains on families during the Great Depression, with a simulation of a budget in order for students to understand the consequences of the broken economy on every day people. Lesson two focuses on the historical significance of Prime Minister R.B. Bennett during the Depression and his contributions to individuals as well as his lasting impacts today. Lesson three examines women’s roles on the home front using primary sources to understand historical perspectives. Lesson four looks at Prisoner of War Camps in Canada examining the perspectives on these camps during World War II and on the ethical dimensions of such camps.