The Baldwin Collection of Canadiana reveals that campaigns promoting Canadian-made goods emerged over a century ago amid threats of American tariffs and annexation. Wartime efforts during WWI utilized ads and slogans to instill national pride and drive the 'Made in Canada' initiative, significantly boosting fundraising through victory bonds. Despite emerging unity, Canadian identity remained fluid due to economic pressures from the US, which shaped Canada's political landscape and collective national consciousness. Thus, the historical context underscores enduring themes of nationalism and economic independence in Canada.
These words sound like a response to the tariffs and annexation threats posed by US president Donald Trump this year, but they were printed more than a century ago.
Wartime campaigns encouraged citizens to buy Canadian, with slogans and advertisements promoting domestic goods, and even a "Made in Canada Campaign Song."
Between 1915 and 1919, the campaign raised over $2 billion, far beyond what the government expected, deepening a sense of collective purpose.
Yet, even as national pride took root, Canadian identity was still in flux, shaped not only by politics but also geography and population size.
#canadian-identity #national-pride #wartime-campaigns #economic-independence #historical-advertising
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