Karl Marx once wrote, “There is a spectre haunting Europe, the spectre of communism.” The rise of socialism in the late 19th century introduced a new ideology that challenged the European system founded after the Napoleonic War. That war itself challenged the old aristocratic system of government that had led to the creation of the republic, the most notable one being the U.S. It is important to understand this, as a new ideology has always been the precursor to change within a political system, which is why those systems fear them so much.
When the communist revolution took place in Russia in 1917, Canada sent the RCMP over there to fight the Bolsheviks, but social change, fostered by gross inequalities, was imminent. Like most European states, Canada was not immune from this socialist ideology. In 1919, the Winnipeg general strike showed the desire for social change and social equality within Canada. Though the government recognized the workers’ rights to fair wages and conditions in mediating this strike, they soon passed legislation, Section 98 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which made such associations in Canada unlawful. The objective was to preserve the liberal economic system.
The Great Crash in 1929, which led to the Depression, created a fertile ground for the growth of communism within Canada. There were many sympathetic to the socialist ideology that was growing around the world, and many socialists would head over to Spain to fight in the Spanish Civil War. Bennett’s Conservative government, however, took a stand against the Communist Party in Canada, arresting its leaders in 1931 for being a danger to the moral fabric of Canada’s economy. Though convicted and imprisoned, the Liberal government, reflecting the opinion of Canadians, would release them. Though Canada would maintain an anti-Communist mindset, one could see the positive impact of socialism on Canadian values.
Why is it important to understand this ideological transition within Canada?
In short, these ideological changes are cyclical in nature, seeming to occur approximately every 100 years. Are we on the cusp of another change, seeing a repeat of history. With each of these ideological shifts, so, too, we see a change in the international system. Are we witnessing the rise of the Middle East as a global power, united through Islam?
The fears and hysteria propagated through both media and government today are eerily reminiscent of those actions taken against socialism in the early 20th century. We are told we are fighting a moral battle, a just cause, while we try to impose our values on this part of the globe. Yet our policies are inconsistent as we ignore other human rights travesties occurring in the Middle East. What is the Conservatives’ true motivation?
“History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Marx suggests it is foolish to not take note of these cyclical patterns in history. Whether wars are fought for profits or prophets, the change seems to be inevitable. Maybe we should learn from history, better positioning ourselves for the future.
John Kennair is an international consultant and doctor of laws who lives in St. Albert.
