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History of Canada – 1867 to Present
Table of Contents
Unit 9 Overview: Post-War Canada: Growth and Social Change
9.1 Economic Prosperity and Industrial Growth
9.2 Social Welfare and the Expansion of Government Services
9.3 The Baby Boom and its Social Impact
9.4 Cultural Developments and the Emergence of Canadian Identity

Canada's post-war economic boom brought unprecedented prosperity. Fueled by consumer demand and government policies, industries flourished, and foreign investment poured in. Canadians enjoyed higher incomes, buying cars, appliances, and TVs like never before.

This economic growth reshaped the nation's landscape. The Trans-Canada Highway and St. Lawrence Seaway improved transportation. Suburbs expanded rapidly, and resource exploitation intensified to meet growing demand for raw materials and energy.

Post-war Economic Boom

Thriving Economy and Consumer Culture

  • Canada experienced a significant economic boom in the post-war period, driven by pent-up consumer demand and government policies that stimulated growth
  • The rise of a consumer society emerged as Canadians had more disposable income to spend on goods and services
    • Increased ownership of automobiles, home appliances (refrigerators, washing machines), and televisions
    • Growth of advertising and marketing industries fueled consumerism
  • Manufacturing sector expanded rapidly to meet the growing demand for consumer goods
    • Automotive industry flourished with the establishment of new plants (Ford, General Motors) and the production of popular models (Chevrolet Bel Air)
    • Other industries, such as steel, chemicals, and electronics, also experienced significant growth
  • Foreign investment, particularly from the United States, played a crucial role in Canada's economic development
    • American companies established branch plants and subsidiaries in Canada (IBM, Procter & Gamble)
    • Foreign capital financed the expansion of resource-based industries, such as mining and oil extraction

Key Terms

  • Post-war boom: The period of rapid economic growth and prosperity following World War II
  • Consumer society: A society characterized by the widespread acquisition and consumption of goods and services
  • Manufacturing sector: The part of the economy that produces finished goods from raw materials
  • Foreign investment: The investment of capital from one country into another, often in the form of establishing businesses or acquiring assets

Infrastructure Development

Transportation Networks

  • The Trans-Canada Highway, a federal-provincial project, was constructed to connect the country from coast to coast
    • Officially opened in 1962, stretching over 7,800 kilometers (4,860 miles)
    • Facilitated the movement of people and goods, promoting trade and tourism
  • The St. Lawrence Seaway, a joint Canadian-American project, was completed in 1959
    • A system of locks, canals, and channels that allows ocean-going vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes
    • Boosted the shipping industry and opened up new markets for Canadian goods

Key Terms

  • Trans-Canada Highway: A transcontinental federal-provincial highway system that spans Canada from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean
  • St. Lawrence Seaway: A system of locks, canals, and channels that enables ships to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes

Shifting Demographics and Landscapes

Urbanization and Suburban Growth

  • Suburbanization, the growth of residential areas outside city centers, accelerated during the post-war period
    • Driven by factors such as affordable housing, improved transportation, and the desire for more space
    • Development of planned communities (Don Mills in Toronto, Levittown in the United States) that offered a mix of housing types and amenities
    • Expansion of infrastructure, including roads, schools, and shopping centers, to support suburban growth
  • Resource exploitation intensified as demand for raw materials increased
    • Mining industry expanded with the discovery of new mineral deposits (Kidd Creek Mine in Ontario, Leduc oil field in Alberta)
    • Forestry sector grew to meet the demand for lumber and paper products
    • Hydroelectric projects (Niagara Falls, Churchill Falls in Labrador) were developed to provide power for industrial and residential use

Key Terms

  • Suburbanization: The growth and development of residential areas outside the central urban areas of cities
  • Resource exploitation: The process of extracting and using natural resources for economic gain

Key Terms to Review (7)

Resource exploitation: Resource exploitation refers to the process of extracting and utilizing natural resources for economic benefit. This practice is integral to industrial growth, as it provides the raw materials necessary for manufacturing and production, thereby fueling economic prosperity. However, the methods and extent of resource exploitation often lead to environmental concerns and social consequences.
Consumer society: A consumer society is a social and economic system that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. This concept emphasizes consumption as a central aspect of life, affecting individuals' identities and lifestyles. The growth of consumer society is closely tied to economic prosperity and industrial growth, as advances in production and technology have enabled mass production and widespread distribution of goods.
Manufacturing sector: The manufacturing sector refers to the part of the economy that produces goods using labor and machinery, transforming raw materials into finished products. This sector plays a crucial role in economic growth, providing jobs and driving innovation through technological advancements and industrial processes. The expansion of the manufacturing sector often leads to increased economic prosperity and industrial growth, shaping the economic landscape of a nation.
Trans-Canada Highway: The Trans-Canada Highway is a major national highway system that spans approximately 7,821 kilometers from Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. It connects all ten provinces of Canada and serves as a vital transportation route that promotes economic growth and industrial development across the nation.
St. Lawrence Seaway: The St. Lawrence Seaway is a system of locks, canals, and channels that allows ships to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, facilitating maritime trade between Canada and the United States. It opened in 1959 and has been crucial in boosting economic activity by enabling larger vessels to access key industrial centers and markets in North America.
Suburbanization: Suburbanization refers to the population shift from urban areas to suburban areas, often resulting in the development of residential communities outside of city centers. This process is closely tied to economic prosperity and industrial growth, as increased job opportunities and rising incomes made it possible for families to seek larger homes and better living conditions in less densely populated areas. Additionally, suburbanization significantly influenced social dynamics during the baby boom, as growing families moved to suburbs in search of space, safety, and community amenities.
Foreign investment: Foreign investment refers to the flow of capital from one country to another, where investors purchase assets or establish businesses in the foreign country. This influx of money can significantly impact the economy of the receiving nation by stimulating growth, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure. It plays a crucial role in shaping economic recovery, industrial development, and major infrastructure projects.