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WWII played a key role in weakening the global powers and consequently empowering colonies to conduct nationalist movements that led to them gaining their independence. The war depleted resources, shifted global power dynamics, and inspired anti-colonial resistance, all factors that paved the path for widespread decolonization. -
In 1945, labour rights were often very limited, with many workers lacking basic day-to-day protections and facing dangerous working conditions. By 2000, significant changes were made in labour laws and worker’s rights. Trade unions gained strength in many countries, advocating for higher wages and safer working conditions. Organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) also came into play and helped set proper standards and fair labour prices for workers internationally. -
Racial discrimination undoubtably continues today, despite some legal progress. Informal practices like housing segregation and unequal access to education and employment show that the struggle for equality is ongoing. These systematic inequalities often result in unfair differences in wealth, healthcare, and overall quality of life for racially marginalized groups. Although activists have worked to address these injustices and promote social change, racial predjudice and discrimination persist.
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Indigenous peoples worldwide face an ongoing struggle for recognition of their land, culture, and self-governments. In Canada, Indigenous communities on reserve land continue to fight for clean drinking water, land rights, and other injustices. The recent uncovering of hundreds of unmarked graves serves as a reminder of the historical injustices and trauma faced by Indigenous peoples, highlighting the need for reconciliation and justice as well as the protection of Indigenous rights globally.
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There has been some progress in women’s rights, but significant challenges persist in pay, political representation, access to healthcare/education, and protection from violence. Still, women in sports worlwide often receive less than 1/2 the pay of males, despite playing at very similar levels and generating similar revenue. In the USA, Roe v. Wade overturning even shows rights regressing. The fight for equality and opportunities that women deserve just as much as men continues globally.
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Beginning on September 12, and ending on December 19, 1945, the Ford strike in Windsor, Ontario lasted 99 days and included 11,000 Ford Motor Company workers in addition to 8,000 from other companies. Justice Ivan Rand of the Supreme Court oversaw the strike's final resolution through binding arbitration, which produced theRand Formula. The Rand forumla has been widely adopted and remains a crucial element of Canadian labour law, influencing labour relations and promoting workplace stability. -
Oliver Brown filed a lawsuit in Topeka, Kansas arguing that segregation in schools denied Black children the same educational quality and opportunity as their peers. The case reached Supreme Court who unanimously ruled that the segregation of public schools was a violation of the 14th amendment. This decision overturned the “seperate but equal” doctrine established in 1896 and served as a catalyst for widespread desegregation and the initiation of the civil rights movement to come. -
In 1945, much of the world, specifically Africa and Asia, was ruled by colonial powers. By 1960, most European colonies had gained independence which led to significant changes in the political and civil rights of their communities. While the history of colonialism still affects communities around the world, the rise of new nations, constitutions, and legal systems has brought big change. -
In 1945, the practice of legal segreation was still enforced globally, particularly in the USA. Significant progress had been made in dismantling these discriminatory laws through civil rights legislation and court rulings. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in businesses, public places, and banned discriminatory practices in employment. Despite these advancements, the consequences and traumas of past segregation linger, and racial discrimination and prejudice remains to this day.