Transportation in the 1920s
Before 1920, horses were the main transportation in people's lives. However, by the mid-1920, the new invention of transportation became more efficient. These were automobiles, airplanes, bicycles, and trains.
Airplanes
On December 17, 1903 the Wright Brothers successfully flew the first airplane even though it was only air born for 12 seconds. During the 1920s air travel was not yet popular and was still in the makings. Though air travel was rare, the Canadian Government found another use towards airplanes. "Air Mail" was developed so that Canadian mail was able to travel faster over large masses of land. Bush Pilots were used to fly workers and supplies to and from mining and oil sites. Stunt flying was also beginning to become popular, due to all of the ex-fighter pilots returning from the Great War. It wasn't until later in the decade (1927) where bigger planes were being assembled for passenger travel.
Automobiles
During the early 1900s the automobile was just being introduced. By the time 1920 came, Canada saw a growth in the automotive industry. A man by the name of Henry Ford developed the assembly line. An assembly line is when there is a "line" of workers that work on different parts of the car. One group will work on the frames, while others work on the engines. The assembly line improved productivity in the work place and ensured that more goods would be produced. By 1929 the USA had only more cars per person than Canada.
Railway
The first passenger railway came to Canada in 1836, and since that time people have realized the advantages to the passenger locomotive. Railways made it easier to trade between provinces, and also provided jobs such as; train operators and cunstruction workers. Despite their popularity railways commonly became bankrupt. At the beggining of the Great War there were four independant railways, the Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian Northern Railway, Grand Trunk Railway, and the Grand Trunk Pacific. Due to heavy competition (trucks) and limited resources the Canadian Northern Railway, Grand Trunk Railway, and Grand Trunk Pacific all went on the brink of bankruptcy. In result of this crisis, the three railways joined to become the Canadian National Railways.
Bicycle
The bicycle or formally known as "The Wheel" was a popular mode of transportation in the 1920s. It was a faster and more efficient way of travel. This is because of its light weight frame and easy storage. Also the bicycle did not have to be fed like a horse. Cheap to buy, the bicycle was used by the rich and the poor. Jobs such as police officers and mail men used the bicycle to increase productivity speed at the work site.