Canada was first discovered in the 15th century and was supported financially and economically by Great Britain. Canada was slowly “growing up” and becoming less independent from its parents, Great Britain. Canada gained official independence in 1867, a milestone in Canadian history. Over the years, Canada has shown great responsibility and courage. In the early 20th century, Canada's performance in the First World War allowed it to earn respect and recognition, as a strong nation and not just a British colony. During the period between the two world wars, Canada experienced enormous economic growth in the 1920s and terrible poverty in the 1930s. These drastic ups and downs have forced the government to take a more active role in people's lives. Economically Canada experienced an economic boom in the 1920s with new inventions such as the automobile and the tractor. Canadian ties with the United States have grown closer thanks to technological advances. Canadian exports increased, and Canada became an important trading partner not only with the United States, but also with many other countries. Additionally, political events such as the King Byng Crisis and the Chanak Affair contributed to Canada's maturity. Over the years, Canada slowly distanced itself from Great Britain and became increasingly independent. By the late 1930s Canada had established itself politically, economically and as an independent nation. Politically, Canada had come a long way in the interwar period. During this period many important figures emerged such as R.B. Bennett and William Lyon Mackenzie King. They contributed to many crucial events that shaped Canada as it is today. The Canadian government has played a huge role in the lives of citizens. Also new policies... middle of paper... linked to tumultuous technological advances and dramatic economic and political ups and downs. Many new inventions such as the tractor and the automobile contributed greatly to the economy. The stock market was also an important part of Canada's prosperity, as well as the desperations of the Depression. Government involvement in the lives of Canadian citizens was crucial to surviving the Depression. The introduction of women's equality was also briefly shown in politics. Mackenzie was one of the most important leaders for Canada because of his strong belief in independence and autonomy. Events such as the Chanak Affair and the Statute of Westminster contributed to Canada's independence. All of this happened in just 20 years and was arguably the most important period in Canadian history. Canada failed, learned and then matured more in the 1920s and ’30.