The Zoot Suit Riots sparked a fashion trend in the late 40s and were the inspiration for a swing band song in the mid-nineties. However, not many high school students know the historic details of the ethnic conflict. Scott Peverell from North Delta, BC (photo, far left) and Corwan Groux from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario interpreted and analyzed the 1944 riots that rocked Montreal with a series of large-scale brawls between servicemen, especially sailors, against civilians, including zoot suitwearing youths.
Scott and Corwan competed head-to-head with students from across Canada in the 2012 Begbie Canadian History Contest and scored top marks.
About the award
Cartoon: Originally published in The Times, Toronto, March 1911.
The Begbie Contest joined the Canada's History Awards in 2009.
The contest is open to high school students. The aim of the contest is to provide students with an opportunity to compare their knowledge of Canadian history with other students across Canada.
In developing and promoting the Begbie Canadian History Contest, the Begbie Contest Society believes that the effective study of our history can provide Canadian students with the opportunity to develop the research, evaluation and communication skills so necessary for citizens in modern society.
The Begbie Canadian History Contest examines Canadian History from 1850 to the present. Test your understanding of Canadian history and your ability to analyze and interpret: Statistics; Paintings; Graphs; Posters; Maps; Songs; Photographs; Political Cartoons; Advertisements; Memoirs; Diaries; and Speeches.
Prizes:
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One prize of $1000 for every 250 entrants
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A Begbie Contest medal to the top scoring contestant in each school (winning scores must be 80% or better.)
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Each contestant will receive a certificate of participation.
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The top English and top French contestant in the country will also receive a medal presented by the Governor General at a ceremony held in Ottawa.
Deadline for entries is March 8, 2013; The contest date is April 17, 2013. Visit the Begbie Contest for more information.