Canada: The Arsenal of Democracy How the War Changed our International Identity

Democracy Def’n: – the political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives – a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them What does democracy mean to you, knowing so many Canadian soldiers gave their lives for the preservation of this process?

How we helped Canada provided a great deal of economic support to Allied countries during World WarII – Gave $3.4 billion to Allied countries In 1939 Canada put $5.6 billion into the war – By 1945 Canada invested $11.8 billion per year in to the war

Our Economic Boom Aluminum – Used in the production of aircraft because it is rust proof and light weight Paper – Previous world leaders in paper were Norway and Sweden, but that area was German occupied and shipment to Allied countries was prohibited Oil – It takes oil to wage war, and we found some in Alberta

Gross Domestic Product The value of all goods (such as food, cars, airplanes) and services (such as nursing, insurance, and education) produced in a country in one year. Value of Canada’s gross domestic product (total value of all goods and services produced)

Changes to Canada’s Economy Canada’s economy was previously based on agriculture – It was overtaken by industry Manufacturing was now much more important Investments in mining, production, transportation and service industries increased Cities and suburbs became the big contributors to the Canadian economy

Canadian Identity World War II is often called the good war? Why?

He says it was a good war It was a good war. I’m not talking about a good war from the standpoint of a high moral purpose. If going out and killing millions of Germans to get Hitler off his pedestal is a high moral purpose, then I’m all for it. But it was a good war for Canada too, because it made us a great nation. I mean it showed what we could do. We just weren’t a bunch of wheat farmers and Nova Scotia fishermen and lumberman in BC. We were a nation. A big and tough and strong nation. – Barry Broadfoot

International Effects Canada established itself as a middle power – Smaller than the big, but wealthier than the small Started taking on a globally active role As a middle power Canada would play a vital role in creating the United Nations

Internationally our soldiers … Our soldiers through some very heroic fighting gained a reputation for being effective and fearless – Especially in: Dieppe Hong Kong Normandy Liberation of Holland

Back at home There were large contributions to the war by black and aboriginal people – This was formally recognized by the Canadian Government and the international community This helped with the cause of civil rights in Canada Women also were recognized for their contributions

And this all lead to … The recognized contributions by minority groups lead to: – Canada being a more tolerant nation (less discrimination of minorities) The other effect of the war on Canada was the baby boom – Men who came home started families (large families) – Many women who met soldier over seas moved to Canada with the families that they started while the war was in progress These women were called the “war brides”

Start Studying Your test for WW II is on February 22, 2011 You will need to know – Why WW II happened The rise of totalitarianism Germany under Hitler Fundamental causes Immediate causes – The events of the European and Pacific theaters The battles and battle styles

Start Studying Canada on the home front – Conscription and the plebiscite – Japanese internment – Spies – NRMA Issues and Politics – Holocaust – Atom Bombing What we learned about today – Our international image post war

Vocabulary TotalitarianismU-Boats MussoliniConvoys HitlerItalian Campaign NAZIOperation Overlord/ D Day Anti-SemitismV-E Day BlitzkriegPearl Harbour LuftwaffePOW Battle of BritainV-J Day DieppeRCAF Women’s Division

Vocabulary BCATPNRMA Enemy AliensInternment Camps HolocaustFinal Solution AuschwitzTehran YaltaPotsdam