World War 2 was a defining event in history, which had a considerable effect on Canada. World War 2 affected Canada socially, politically, and economically. Canada assisted in multiple assaults that led to the substantial victories. Canada’s contributions to the war led to drastic changes to Canada, which includes technology advancement, baby boomers , better economy and a higher prowess.
Ever since World War one, Canada was starting to grow away from the British Empire. Canada achieved more independence from the British Empire as time went by because Canada received greater recognition as a more of a sovereign country through the fact that they invested so many lives into the war. By the end of the war, Canada was known as the arsenal of
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The most drastic changes that applied to Canada were the independence of Canada, investing a huge army force into World War II and getting recognition from it. Canada soon becomes a separate country from Mother Britain. Also, the conscious effort of the Canadian Government to avoid a repeat of the economic destruction was a necessity for the economy to regain its centre. The support for the returning veterans was crucial because the veterans were worried that they had no job when returning as a veteran. However, that wasn’t the case, veterans returning from World War II were returned to their original jobs and with benefits. The veterans also had the choice to go back to education. Since the veterans were coming back from war, everyone wanted to have families because they couldn’t have babies while the soldiers were at war. This was the reason for baby boomers, which was a huge spike in population and with the increase in population, people had to move to the suburbs. With the babies populating Canada, people had to create factories and schools in order to educate and create the necessary baby needed goods. By creating these factories and schools, jobs were plentiful. The final drastic change to Canada was the advance in technology. Cars, electric mixers, refrigerators, vacuum machines, and clothes washers and dryer were created and advertised through television, which over 75% of the population had. With the introduction of the television, many goods were encouraged by television and bought by the population. The demand for so many goods built a healthy manufacturing industry. With these events in the history of Canada, the Canadian country became
One of Canada’s largest military endeavors was the battle of Vimy Ridge during World War One. It was a fierce battle between Germans and Canadians. Canada was trying to take over the German controlled ridge, which ran from northwest to southwest between Lens and Arras, France. Its highest point was 145 feet above sea level, which was exceptionally helpful in battle because of the very flat landscape. Already over 200,000 men had fallen at Vimy, all desperately trying to take or defend this important and strategic ridge. As a result of its success in taking the ridge, Canada gained a lot more than just the strategic point. Canada was united as a nation, and the victory changed the way other counties viewed them. Canadians no longer viewed their soldiers as merely an extension of allied forces; they now viewed their troops as an independent and unified entity.
participated in the war, by the end of the war, Canada was left with a very strong armed forces
Canada became increasingly autonomous throughout the 1920's and 1930's. Being established officially as a nation apart from Britain certainly helped, but there were more than just official pieces of paper at play. The negotiation of the Halibut treaty was a large push towards become an autonomous nation from Britain. The final push were the seats Canada was given at various significant events.
Canada also became a leader internationally as well. With such an enormous military contribution during the war, other countries began to recognize the success of Canada. People wanted to know more about Canada. Consequently, the war advanced Canada’s sense of identity.
This aspect was something which Canadians should still be proud of to this day due to the growing number of inventions. New technologies greatly shaped the look of Canadian culture (Bain et al, 219). Canada was beginning to be recognized around the world for their identity as a country with new products (Bain et al, 219). A few of the products included radios, record players, cars, and many other forms of technology (Bain et al, 219). Especially in the 1950’s, Canadians fell in love with cars, buying 3.5 million of them during that year (Bain et al. 217). By the end of the 1950’s, 66% of families owned a car, with 10% owning more than one (Armstrong et al,137). This led to families being expected to take a yearly vacation (Bain et al. 216). This meant that local businesses like hotels, and stores were also benefitting from this cause as more people were visiting their businesses. All these new items made Canadians happy and they also massively contributed to the economy. Many Canadians bought new homes as well which came along with flooring, appliances, furnitures and televisions (Armstrong et al. 136). It was evident that Canada was beginning to become a modern, urbanized country with the addition of housing. Televisions also played a big role in the development of Canadians. The first television set appeared in 1952, and by the end of the 1950’s, 90% of Canadians owned a TV (Armstrong et al. 137).
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
World War Two had a significant impact on Canadian history as the Canadian government revoked many rights and changed the lives of Japanese-Canadians that were interred. Between 1941 and 1945, over 21,000 Japanese-Canadians (in which over two thirds were born in Canada) were limited of their rights and freedom and were forced into internment camps "for their own good". The Japanese-Canadians were considered as enemy aliens by the Canadian government the day after Japan bombed Pearl Harbour. They lost many rights along with it and their property was confiscated as well even though the Canadian government promised that they would receive their property back after the war was over. While the Japanese-Canadians were living in the internment camps, they were forced to suffer from the harsh nature and living conditions of the camps. Also, after all those these years of internment, the end result was that the Japanese-Canadians were given the freedom to move and were given a formal apology from the government in 1988. Not only did the internment of Japanese-Canadians tear families apart and scar the lives of many innocent civilians, but it also made the Canadian government open their eyes and realize how they were treating different ethnicities even though Canada was supposedly a free country.
As Canada entered the post war period (1946 - 1967), the experiences of the Second World War and its aftermath had dramatically changed the attitudes of Canadians towards foreigners and immigration. Canada began to transform from a nation of closed doors to one that was beginning to open them. For the majority of the war
The 1920's and into the 1930's was when Canada began to be more indepenant by slowly cutting ties with Britian, but lost its new found indepence by being swayed by America. Canada was influenced with its inventions, cultural trends, and economics. Canada adopted many of America's inventions into their homes, along with their cultural trends through entertainment and way of life. Also, Canada was economically dependent on America. Overall, Canada was influenced throughout the 1920's that by 1929, Canada became very similar to America.
The Great Depression in Canada posed many problems for Canadians. During this period the economy suffered, unemployment rates raised, and farmers struggled through the drought of the Dirty Thirties. The Great Depression truly was an uncontrollable force assisting the shape of present day Canada.
One would have to admit that World War One did give Canada a reputation and Canadians pride. Canada’s accomplishments in the war, notably the victory at Vimy Ridge and Canadian troops holding against the German attack in the Second Battle of the Ypres, not only gave Canadians a reason to be proud of their country, but also let other countries to see that Canada was a very helpful and useful. Also, Canada representing itself in signing the Treaty of Versailles increased Canadian pride and further showed Canada’s contribution to the war. However, this increased Canadian pride and reputation came at a heavy price. As
...socially by removing racial barriers and uplifting women’s rights. Also economically which helped us get out of the great depression by the war production Canada created. Last but not least politically, by making Canada a more independent country and giving Canada a recognizable identity. If the war didn’t happen we would still be a country that didn’t have much power or an identity and still be stuck behind racial barriers. We wouldn’t still be in the great depression but the great depression would have been much longer if it wasn’t for the WW2.Canda went through so many changes but not as many as it did during this time. All aspects of Canada were impacted and changed because of this war. The war was such a horrific event but out of the horrific event a great country grew and prospered. Now Canada wonders, would Canada be who it is today if this war didn’t occur?
The events of July and early August 1914 are known as the sparks that lit the explosion of World War I. Uneasy tensions that had been boiling beneath the surface of Europe for many years soon erupted and with that several alliances that were formed over the past decades were invoked, so within weeks the major powers were at war; via their colonies, the conflict advanced rapidly. When war officially broke out in 1914, Britain joined in the defense of Belgium and in reaction to Germany's violation of the treaty in which the countries neutrality was to be respected by all other nations. Upon this Britain requested that all dominions of the British Empire, including Canada were to fight on its behalf. Canada’s involvement in the War changed history, deepening our independence, strengthening our right the self govern and opening a gap between the French and English-speaking populations. Canadian's were a great asset in WW1, and it marked the beginning of independent Canadian forces fighting under a Canadian-born commander. On August 5, 1914, the Governor General declared a war between Canada and Germany.
Canadians were frustrating, wonderful, and hard. Soldiers returning from the war expected jobs, but were faced with unemployment, inflation and strikes. Inflation had doubled the cost of living where wages had not and those fortunate to be employed still faced immense financial difficulty. Many people joined unions for better pay and working conditions, 1919 saw the most strikes at a staggering three hundred and six, people were angry and discontented. The 1920s were a time of crime corruption and extreme poverty, yet by mid era difficult conditions began to improve. Foreign investors gained confidence in Canada and as a result new industries were developed, The twenties really did 'roar' and with this boom of change Canada underwent the transformation that was the gateway to the future.
Currently, Canada remains the world’s second largest country, full of vast and rich resources from all corners of the nation. None of the accomplishments and achievements that Canada has made to date would have been possible without Confederation. Without intense pressure from the Americans, and without the common goal that a few men shared of unifying a country, Canada would not be the strong, free, independent and united nation that it is today.