key term - R.B. Bennett

Definition

R.B. Bennett was the 11th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1930 to 1935 during the tumultuous times of the Great Depression. His government was marked by attempts to combat the economic crisis through various policies and programs, including the creation of the National Employment Commission and the implementation of tariffs to protect Canadian industry. Bennett's leadership and policies reflected the struggles of a nation facing severe economic challenges and laid the groundwork for political responses that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bennett's government struggled with high unemployment rates, which reached approximately 27% at the peak of the Great Depression in Canada.
2. He introduced the 'Bennett Buggy,' a term used for cars that had their engines removed and were pulled by horses due to rising fuel costs during the Depression.
3. Bennett attempted to implement a Canadian version of the New Deal but faced significant opposition from both the public and political rivals.
4. His administration is often criticized for its reliance on tariffs, which many believed worsened economic conditions by limiting trade.
5. The rise of new political parties, such as the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), can be traced back to discontent with Bennett's handling of the economy and social issues during his term.

Review Questions

• How did R.B. Bennett's policies attempt to address the economic challenges posed by the Great Depression?
  • R.B. Bennett's policies aimed to tackle the economic challenges of the Great Depression through initiatives like the National Employment Commission, which sought to create jobs and provide relief for the unemployed. He also imposed tariffs to protect Canadian industries, hoping to stimulate economic recovery. However, these measures faced criticism for being insufficient and sometimes counterproductive, leading to increased tensions within Canadian society regarding government responsibility during hard times.
• In what ways did R.B. Bennett's leadership influence the rise of new political parties in Canada during and after his administration?
  • R.B. Bennett's leadership played a significant role in shaping Canadian politics as discontent grew with his handling of the Great Depression. The failures of his government prompted a shift towards new political movements, most notably the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), which advocated for social democratic reforms. The dissatisfaction among citizens with Bennett's conservative policies fueled a desire for change, leading to a more diverse political landscape as Canadians sought alternatives to traditional party politics.
• Evaluate R.B. Bennett's legacy in Canadian history concerning his response to the Great Depression and its long-term effects on Canadian governance.
  • R.B. Bennett's legacy in Canadian history is often viewed through a critical lens regarding his response to the Great Depression. His attempts at reform were seen as inadequate in addressing widespread unemployment and poverty, which resulted in significant public disillusionment. The emergence of new political ideologies and parties during this period reflected a growing demand for social change that challenged traditional governance models. In retrospect, Bennett's tenure marked a pivotal moment that highlighted the need for more responsive government action in times of economic distress, influencing future policy approaches in Canada.

Related terms

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, characterized by widespread unemployment and poverty.

Progressive Conservative Party: A political party in Canada that emerged in the early 20th century, with Bennett serving as its leader during his time as Prime Minister.

New Deal:

A series of social and economic reforms initiated by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, which influenced some Canadian policies during Bennett's administration.