new political parties Flashcards
(2 cards)
Explain the Social Credit Party of Alberta.
-Shared the philosophy of Scottish engineer Major C.H. Douglas, who believed economic depressions were a result of underconsumption (rather than overproduction) and could be resolved by giving citizens “social dividends” or credit
-Led by William “Bible Bill” Aberhart, who used radio technology to spread his political message and promised $25 a month to every adult. Tried to get a loan from the federal government to fulfill his promise since he didn’t have the money, but was denied, so he printed out “prosperity certificates” instead; a type of currency whose value depreciated over time, thus encouraging people to go out and spend their money
Explain the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF).
-Founded in Calgary by construction workers, farmers, labour leaders, and university teachers
-Led by J.S Woodsworth
-Wanted to reform the economy and replace the capitalist system in order to improve the lives of the impoverished, the homeless, and those affected by the Great Depression
-Proposed ideas included universal pensions, health and welfare insurance, a children’s allowance, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation
-Believed to be Communists and therefore widely regarded as a threat by the general public
