The Impact of the 1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic in Canada

Abstract

The 1918-1919 Spanish Influenza Pandemic was a pivotal part of both Canadian and World history yet so little is known about it. In Canada alone, conservative estimates of Spanish Influenza deaths matched WW1 deaths, and surpassed the total amount of lives lost worldwide (conservative estimates of deaths worldwide are anywhere between 20-100 million). The sheer devastation from the Influenza can be seen first hand through newspaper articles, pictures, and even reports of whole villages and indigenous communities being wiped out from this deadly virus. My aim is to shed light on this largely 'forgotten' topic and to bring awareness to such a monumental period in history for Canada.

Faculty Mentor: Mary-Ann Shantz

Department: History