A New Province: 1905 to 1930
In
1870, the area we now know as Saskatchewan and Alberta
became part of the Northwest Territories, which also
comprised the Yukon Territory and Nunavut. By 1904, it
was decided that two provinces would be carved out of
the Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan and Alberta
became provinces on September 1, 1905.
Alberta experienced an exciting first
quarter of a century. The Liberal government, faced with
the prospect of setting up the province, quickly
established a public education and provincial judicial
system, and a civil service to run these and other
government departments.
Oil fever hit Alberta as a small
drilling company in Turner Valley struck oil and gas.
The First World War put a damper on the province's
enthusiasm, however, as men enlisted and went overseas
to fight, many to never return again.
An influx of people both in and out
of Alberta characterized the 20s. It was a time of great
change, as the United Farmer's of Alberta were elected
in 1921, removing the Liberals who had spent 16 years in
office.
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