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Why Canadian Children Took To The Streets To Protest Candy Bars
After World War II, the sudden hike in prices, particuarly candy bars, was enough to drive young protesters to the streets
When a person becomes passionate enough about an issue, the chance that they may become an activist to help effect change increases. Children are no different, as they can be struck by situations that they believe are unfair or unjust. One of the most unique examples of activism by youngsters came in 1940s Canada, when children outraged by the sudden and dramatic increase in price of candy bars decided to try and do something about it.
With World War II having concluded only two years earlier, Canada was undergoing a significant transition, much like other participants in the global conflict. One area this was felt heavily was in the lifting of price controls that had been implemented to help stabilize the economy. Now, those being done away with meant that many commodities, including chocolate bars, became more expensive.
When chocolate bar manufacturers decided to raise their product from five to eight cents, this 60% increase was too much for many to bear, especially the children of Canada.The dramatic hike in chocolate bar prices outraged numerous kids, who now had to scrimp and…