History 2201E Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Imperial Munitions Board, Halifax Explosion
Document Summary
Lecture 14 part 1 - wartime economy in canada during wwi. Demand from europe stimulated canadian economy: allies demanded food, grains, minerals, etc. , canada had to step up and help out, canada leader in nickel exports. Nickel essential for armor piercing weapons as well as armour: factories that had been idle after railway was finished, opened for munitions. Munitions produced increased from 4% to 40: industry canada"s major export, port activity increased (e. g. halifax) Government controls the economy: imperial munitions board (ibm) Established government-owned factories to produce munitions and materials. Produced by the private sectors including railroad workshops and small factories to produce heavy artillery shells: munitions resource commission. Charged with researching how much canada had in terms of minerals, what can be turned into war materials, etc: war trade board. Import/export, etc: bard of grain supervisors (canadian wheat board) Controls the entire wheat crop of canada: canada food board. Public eating places under restrictions: government became the central bank.