Although relatively isolated, national and international events did not go unnoticed in the Saint Mary's Bay area of Nova Scotia. Both the local population and the students at Sainte-Anne's felt the repercussions of these world developments.

International events

World War I, the economic crisis of 1929, World War II… no need to elaborate on these unforgettable events. Yet, an interesting but little studied aspect is the effect that these events had on the Acadians of Southwestern Nova Scotia and on the population living within the confines of Collège Sainte-Anne.
The First World War (1914-1918) : a big shock for the world population in general. Like others, the people in the area of Saint Mary's Bay needed to modify their everyday life in order to adjust to the changes brought on by the war.

During these years, enrolment was low at the College and the price of lodging went up. The situation was compounded by the many students who did not pay their fees because they simply did not have the money. The war caused a vicious cycle that brought about the increase in prices, the loss of employment, a stagnant economy, etc.
Then came the crash of 1929. Few people attented university at that time because money was very rare. In addition to this, some of the Fathers from France had to do compulsory military service. Those who stayed behind were given more tasks in an already overloaded schedule. In short, the vicious cycle continued.

The authors Laliberté and LeBlanc mention in their book that the First World War did bring some positive results to the area. The creation of a shipyard in Meteghan did afford a few employment opportunities and this had some effect on enrolment at the Collège.
May 7, 1945, was a time of great rejoicing throughout the world. The College embrassed the end of the war with a campfire, a dance, and a parade. Following the war, dignitaries such as the Comte de Caix and Louis Saint-Laurent visited the institution.