A Changed Way of Life: Life During World War One

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On July 28th, 1914, World War One was declared. On November 11th, 1918, four years later, World War One was declared over. During the four years at war, citizens living in Canada faced discrimination, new roles for women were created, and women gained rights, while the economy was forced to change its way and find new tactics. World War One had a significant impact on Canada’s homefront. World War One had a significant impact on Canada’s homefront as it triggered an increase in discrimination. “Enemy Aliens” were anyone who was German, Austrian, Hungarian, and Ukrainian. Rumours saying that these immigrants were spies started to spread, which lead to citizens demanding for the “Enemy Aliens” to be fired from their jobs and locked up. The government then created the War Measures Act to place all kinds of restrictions on “enemy aliens”, which included that if anyone was caught sympathizing with them, they could be searched or arrested. After being labeled an “enemy alien”, they were sent to internment camps. Conditions were very harsh in the camps. Men worked long hours and were poorly fed and clothed. Some of the “enemy aliens” had their homes or businesses vandalized. The government also introduced censorship which prohibited the publication and distribution of books and magazines in “enemy” languages. These acts towards the Germans, Austrians, Hungarians, and Ukrainians showed that they did not have the same rights as Canadians. They were treated differently and terribly based on where they came from. The government was so paranoid about the rumors of spies and sabotage that they took the ‘enemy aliens” rights and freedoms away from them. Canada’s homefront was significantly impacted by World War One, causing a rise in discrim... ... middle of paper ... ...he war ended. The government went to extremes just to produce munitions, food, and industrial products for soldiers at the war front. Although it provided Canadians with jobs, most people did not know how to make what they were told to make. Prices increase drastically. This impacted Canada`s homefront because it provided more jobs, but it also shows how desperate the government was for money that they would allow ultimately anything to pass, like the Ross rifle. World War One greatly impacted Canada`s homefront as it influenced the boom in Canada`s economy. Between 1914 to 1918, several aspects of Canadian`s lives changed. Discrimination increased drastically based on rumors of spies and sabotage. Women created new roles for themselves and earned their right to vote. The economy was sent booming. Life on the homefront was significantly impacted by World War One.

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