Years 1939 to 1945 marked the beginning and end of World War II. Not only was Europe left broken and destroyed, this was also a time of change for North America. Specifically for Canada, World War II was not just battles and deaths, it was also a time period for growth. During World War II, Canada emerged as a stronger nation by events that illustrate growth. This can be seen through the following three examples: the changing role of women, the Hyde Park Declaration and the Battle of Ortona.
To begin with, Canada grew out of ignorance during World War II as the traditional roles of women changed when they slowly merged into the labour force. When the men left to serve in the military, the country did not stop functioning, but women stepped
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This declaration was signed in 1941 between Canada and the United States. Prior to WWII, “Canada had sixty percent of their imports come from the United States. However, only forty percent of Canadian exports went back to the United States.” (Coppa) When war broke out, Canada became financially unstable due to the unbalanced trade deficit with the United States. As Canada’s dependence on US supplies increased, Canada’s trade deficit could be resolved if the United States traded products equal in value as Canadian imports. President Roosevelt agreed with Prime Minister King’s proposal and the agreement known as the Hyde Park Declaration was signed off in 1941. This declaration had also allowed for American-produced components of war materiel to be manufactured in Canada. (Canadian Encyclopedia) This had greatly benefited the Allies, especially Britain and the USSR, and indirectly benefited Canada. As a result, Canada grew stronger economically as they balanced their trade deficit. Eventually, one billion dollars worth of goods were traded to the United States. In addition, this strengthened economic ties between Canada and the United States, which demonstrated Canadian autonomy as Canada became less dependent of Britain economically. Thus, Canada grows as a nation through the Hyde Park Declaration as they gained autonomy by becoming economically
World War 2 had a great impact on every aspect of Canada Today. Money became stronger, our power was at its peak and we were an independent country
There was a time, post-World War II when Canada had changed quite a bit. Canada’s population went up rapidly because of the boom and the veterans. The economy developed and there were no economic hardship so students did not drop out of school. It was booming, new technology, thousands of immigrants and new houses especially in the suburbs. New inventions such as the television caused consumerism and cars were being sold rapidly. The television also affected Canada politically. Teenagers with their fashion and rock ‘n’ roll music such as Elvis Presley had a big influence on the society. The baby boom, new technology and the many veterans returning home had a huge impact on Canada socially and economically.
The first major event that impacted Canada’s legacy, as a whole, was the sacrificial battle of Vimy Ridge. Vimy Ridge was proven to be essential to the foundation of Canada as it signified the birth of a new nation and it was considered to be the greatest battle fought, in World War One. Firstly, the Battle of Vimy Ridge established Canada’s emergence as a newly born nation from under the shadow of Britain and gave a verification of Canada’s prominence on the international level. For instance, after successfully regaining the ridge, it displayed to the British superpower, that Canada are worthy of independence, that must be granted upon as a reward for a significant victory (Fonseca). As a result, the Battle of Vimy Ridge, marked the end of British soldiers commanding Canadian troops, as Canada showed tremendous resilience internationally, and also proved that we are independently, capable of leading a well-organized attack against other countries (Fonseca). This milestone was a huge accomplishment for Canadians, as eventually this was the catalyst for total autonomy of Britain (“History Now”). Secondly, the Battle of Vimy Ridge gave Canada justified independence on the international stage. As a result of winning the complicated battle, Canada was deservedly permitted to their own independent seat and signature at the peace talks after the war. This then allowed Canada, to participate in voicing their thoughts, and plans as a newly independent country. This was seen to be,
When people look back and remember the First World War, they often remember the assassination of Franz-Ferdinand, the sinking of the Lusitania, or the Zimmerman telegram. Not often do they recall the role that Canada played in the war. However, Canadians were a significant factor of the Allies’ success. Although Canada only possessed two Navy warships at the time and was known for being a peaceful country, she supplied over 60,000,000 shells to the Allies’ troops and endured over 67,000 casualties and 173,000 men wounded across multiple battles. With that said, it could also be argued that internal political conflicts in Canada afflicted their overall contribution to the war. In fact,
During the time, there was an impression that women couldn't manage roles away from their normal roles within a household. There was a major change from the traditional roles of women to roles away from their households and even roles in politics and in war. This helped to greatly strengthen the argument for suffrage and helped change the negative ways, people viewed women. When people began to notice that women were contributing just as much as men were to Canada, they were able to win a renewed sense of respect and appreciation from the public. This helped change people's opinion and attract more people, in favor of suffrage. Finally in 1918,
During the period of the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, Canadian women were allowed a rapid introduction into spheres of labor previously dominated solely by
Its often said that because of the events of the Second World War that Canada grew as a country. Even noted in the London Daily Telegraph when they said “no country has grown in international stature so swiftly and markedly as Canada has done... hers has often been a lonely voice of reason,”12. This statement defines Canada's actions in its development as a middle power – the voice of reason in many international affairs. This is true especially of these two crises that Canada dealt
Although injustices were suffered at an individual level, Canada as a whole gained a great deal of respect from the majority of nations around the globe in recognition of the tremendous Canadian war effort, despite the fact that Canada was a mere dominion of the British. The war also aided in unifying the vast expanse of Canadian territory under the aegis of a single, united, and cooperative unit against a common enemy, for a common cause and through common experiences. In addition to national cohesion, economic progress and social developments can also be marked as a result of the war, but they came with a
Correspondingly, it caused Canada to become more active in the war, which in turn would affect the Canadian Identity through the country’s
The Great War from 1914-1918 in Europe had a traumatic toll on Canadians. The soldiers in the fields were forever changed by the war but they weren’t the only ones who were changed. World War 1 had a significant impact on Canada’s homefront. The impact of the Great War on Canadian civilians can be easily seen through the increased rate and level of discrimination, growth of Canadian economy and the independence of women.
World war 2, and the events throughout it, left a positive impact on Canada. Political policies including the Hyde-Park agreement and training camp, Camp X greatly effected Canada as country. Following that there were also the successful military battles for canadians, including Juno Beach and the Italian Campaign. Other individuals outside of the war also had impacts on Canada with their involvement in the social policies during the war time for instance Social welfare Programs and women's participation in the armed forces. Each of these left their own positive mark on Canada bringing it to be what it is today.
In the past, WWII and WWI, women were very dominant; they had to take care of their children, do all the chores and also had to cook the food. During WWII, women had to take place for the men (First world war.com). The war changed the life for all Canadian women. When men went to fight, women were called upon to fill their jobs, and this included many jobs that were previously thought of unsuitable for women. Women were called up for war work from March 1941(Women during World War II). The roles of the women were positively impacted by World War II, because they had the potential to re-enter the workforce, control the farms and join the military for the first time. Taking control of the military was tough, but women had shown that they could work together and handle the situation.
The three events that have had the greatest impact on defining Canada are The Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Conscription Crisis and lastly, The Great Depression. The Battle of Vimy Ridge, was one of Canada's finest battles of the war, as Canada fought together for the first time. The Conscription Crisis was a defining moment for Canada as this was the first time women could vote and men were also forced to join into the war. The Great Depression was also another defining moment for Canada as Canada independately dealt with their economic issues without help from abroad. These three events all had their parts in shaping Canada as it is today. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining moment in Canada’s history as it represents the “Birth Of A Nation”
Canadian women started their path in the military during the first Great War where they played a small but impactful role. They continued to push boundaries and were able to achieve successes such as the creation of the Canadian’s Women’s Corps by World War II. Even with the constant criticism they faced, the female soldiers continued to fight for military equality. Canadian women achieved small successes over time which lead to needed evolution.
Canada has been tested time after time, whether through war or with its own people, but it is because of this struggle that Canada has become the country it is today. Through World War 1, Canadians learned that unity is strength. Bringing people together to work towards a shared goal and to set aside differences, has proved to be effective during the war. While there was still ongoing discrimination towards those of different colour and gender, some of it were put aside to aid the Allies. Men of different ethnicities were able to join the Canadian forces, only if they met certain requirement however, and helped the army grow in numbers. Especially in battle did they move as one. The victory of Vimy Ridge united Canadians together and gave them pride for their country as well as the people serving her.