Canada's Homefront During World War I
Canada's Homefront During World War I
During the heroicness and many tragedies World War I brought, Canada strived to pursuade pleasure and entertainment. People had to pick up their lives and either decide to move on or be swallowed into the orifices of what was happening nearly half-way across the planet.
Aside from the mourning and the grieving, Canada decided they would have to provide their forces with an equitable supply of resources such as food, water, and for many, a means of entertainment, to help them regain a sense of home. Choosing this path would mean more workers would be required. But since most men [persons] were battling in Europe, businesses were forced to incorporate women, which many were opposed to. Aside from the discrimination, women were accepted, and filled the jobs that were previously run by men.
Many organizations were eventually formed to help support Canadian soldiers. Some of these groups were: Red Cross, The Good Government Club of Windosor, and the Universal Black Cross Nurses. Aside from the support they offered the soldiers, these groups helped cross the 'Men's Society' barrier by allowing women to get together and produce equipment, ammo, clothing, and food. Some were given a salary and this began to form the 'average woman' in the workplace. This process, is what kept Canada's economy moving. Without the men, many thought Canada's economy would eventually go down under, especially with a 'typical' inexperienced women taking the jobs of men. Instead, the economy became very profitable and prosperous.
A major business that contributed a great deal to Canada's ever so 'fast-paced' economy included shell and ammunition manufacturers. As the barrier of discrimination against women and the glass ceiling slowly fell, the rate of employed women increased. At the same time though, many women working in facilities that supplied shells and other dangerous explosives were under a great amount of tension and pressure. Many would fear that working in such a field proposed two risks: 1. Being a target for enemy forces 2. Dealing with a defected arsenal.
These threats were taken seriously by many. The fact that a defected shell may end up injuring or even bringing death to a Canadian soldier would make many question whether they were willing to keep this job or not. Some, had no choice.
Although this may have been quite a prosperous time for the economy,...