Canada and the Cold War

Canada and the Cold War When the fighting ended in Europe it was clear that the “uneasy alliance” between the Soviet Union and the western democracies would not last. The explosion of the atomic bomb in 1945 made the secrets of this weapon of vital importance to the Russians. A spy ring was uncovered in Canada in September of 1945 when Igor Gouzenko a Soviet cypher clerk handed vital information to the RCMP.

What was the Cold War? The Cold War is the term used to describe the relations between the USSR and the USA after the Second World War ended.   During WW2, The Soviet Union and The United States fought on the same side due to the fact that they were both enemies of Germany.   

What was the Cold War? (cont…) No actual fighting but tension that developed because of the nations different political and economic ideologies.   Arms Race. Both sides feared the other ideology taking control in their country

Middle Power

American Sphere of Influence A Middle Power Canada emerged from the war with a new sense of confidence about her place in the world. During the war we were increasingly pulled into the American sphere of influence and away from Britain. American Sphere of Influence

Middle Power II Mackenzie King was determined that Canada should go its own way in the post-war world. He believed that Canada had an important contribution to make in many international areas. We were a prosperous nation undamaged by the war but not a great military power.

Middle Power III The term “middle power” reflected the strength of Canada’s economy and our ability to positively influence world affairs. We became members of the newly formed United Nations and served on most of this organization’s important committees. This included the Atomic Energy Commission where we were the only nation not identified as a great power.

The United Nations and the Korean Conflict

The United Nations Canada was a very involved member of the United Nations Organization. We were members of all thirteen of the Specialized Agencies. Between 1947 and 1967 we were three times a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

The Korean Conflict In 1945 Korea had been divided at the 38th parallel of latitude. 38th parallel

The Korean Conflict II In the north a Communist government held power while in the south the Americans supported the government of Syngman Rhee. On June 25, 1950 the forces of North Korea struck across the border in an effort to unite the country under a Communist government. North Korea

Korea and the United Nations 1950 - 1953 The United Nations Security Council was able to act without fear of the Russian veto because the Russian representative had absented himself. Troops were authorized in a “police action” to drive the North Koreans out of South Korea. The major contributor of troops was the United States but Canada, along with many other nations, sent over 25,000 soldiers and sailors to fight in Korea. United Nations

Chinese Communists counter attack driving UN troops back across 38th parallel, November, 1950. UN forces advance to Yalu River. UN forces attack and capture Inchon, September, 1950. North Korean attack across 38th parallel, June, 1950. North Korea occupies most of South Korea. Pusan perimeter held by UN forces. Korea 1950 - 1954

Suez Crisis 1956

Suez Crisis 1956 Egypt under the leadership of Colonel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal Company and began guerrilla attacks on neighboring Israel. The Israelis struck back in October of 1956 and were supported in this military action by Britain and France. Canada refused a British request for support in this very unpopular conflict. Colonel Abdel Nasser

The Suez Crisis 1956 Mediterranean Sea Israel Suez Canal Egypt Jordan Saudi Arabia

Suez Crisis 1956 II Lester Pearson was Canada’s Secretary of State for External Affairs and very opposed to the British and French decision to go to war in Egypt. He believed that the United Nation’s motion for a cease-fire was inadequate and proposed that an international United Nations force be sent to the region.

Pearson returning home after accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in 1957. Suez Crises III Pearson’s idea for a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was accepted and our contribution of 800 men and the first force commander - General E.L.M. Burns - was of great importance. Lester Pearson’s role in this crisis earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957. The crisis marked a further distancing of Canada from Britain. Pearson returning home after accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

Canada’s Importance as a Peace Keeping Nation Since 1956 Canada has continued to contribute small numbers of troops to various parts of the world where problems have been experienced. These included Lebanon - 1958, Cyprus – 1964, and

NORAD

North American Air Defence The cold war led to an expansion of the arms race and the development of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. North America was now just as vulnerable to Soviet attack as was western Europe. In 1958 the United States and Canada formed NORAD to co-ordinate the air defence of the continent. NORAD

North American Air Defence II The headquarters of this organization were located in Colorado Springs. An American was placed in overall command but supported by a Canadian deputy commander. Radar warning systems in Canada’s arctic were constructed to provide early warning of impending Soviet attack.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization The response of the West to the growing fear of Soviet power and the rhetoric of the cold war resulted in the formation of NATO in 1949. Canada was one of the organizers of this alliance and an original member. Membership in the alliance forced Canada to dramatically increase its military budget. NATO