How did work camps and tariffs effect the Great Depression? What were the strength and weaknesses of these effects?
workcamp-
strength - men got to work
weakness - ??
tariffs
strength - protected Canada's profit
weakness - slowed down trade
During the Great Depression, work camps and tariffs had both positive and negative effects. Let's analyze them:
1. Work camps:
Strength: Work camps provided employment opportunities for many individuals during a time of high unemployment. These camps, often operated by the government, allowed men to work and earn wages, providing them with at least some income to support themselves and their families.
Weakness: One weakness of work camps was that the wages earned were often very low, barely enough for basic necessities. This low income made it difficult for workers to improve their quality of life and escape poverty. Additionally, the work provided in these camps was often arduous and physically demanding, which could lead to physical exhaustion and significant strain on the workers.
2. Tariffs:
Strength: Tariffs, or taxes imposed on imported goods, were intended to protect Canadian industries during the Great Depression. By imposing tariffs, the government aimed to shield domestic producers from foreign competition, allowing them to maintain or increase their production levels. This protectionist policy helped to safeguard Canadian businesses, protecting their profits and preserving employment opportunities within the country.
Weakness: One significant weakness of tariffs during the Great Depression was that they often led to a decrease in international trade. When one country imposes protective tariffs, it can trigger retaliatory tariffs by other nations, leading to trade wars and decreased economic activity globally. In the case of the Great Depression, the general decline in international trade due to tariffs contributed to the overall economic downturn, exacerbating the severity of the crisis.
In summary, work camps provided employment opportunities during the Great Depression, but with low wages and physically demanding work. Tariffs aimed to protect Canadian industries and profits, but resulted in reduced international trade, which negatively impacted the global economy. It is crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these policies to evaluate their impact on the Great Depression accurately.