1939-1945

The Second World War

War Begins The Second World War grew out of the

depression. In their misery and suffering many people turned away from democratic governments and toward extremist leaders. Countries like Germany, Italy and Japan were taken over by aggressive leaders who thought war was the solutions to their problems.

WWII began on September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. In response to his aggression Britain and France declared war on Germany. Other countries joined later.

WWII was fought on a global scale on land, on the sea and in the air.

Enlistments

Newfoundland had three units fighting overseas in WWII. The 166th Field Regiment The 59th Heavy Regiment The 125th Royal Air Force Squadron In total over 15 thousand Newfoundlanders

served in the Armed Forces during World War 2.

Newfoundland’s Strategic Importance

Newfoundland was so important because it was the last stop for Canada and the U.S. on the way to War in Europe. This is where they would come to fuel up and gear up for war.

As a result they built many bases and airfields. Places such as Argentia, Fort Pepperrell, Gander, Torbay, Goosebay, etc…

Results of Our Strategic Importance

1. Blackouts in St. John’s With the threat of enemy air raids during WWII,

curfews and blackouts became mandatory and air raid sirens, were installed.

All windows and doors had to be covered with black material or shutters, lights on wharves to be extinguished and cars to have visors over their headlights.

When the sirens sounded citizens had to stand still.

2. Internment Camps Temporary places of confinement in Canada for

people who had the same ancestry as the enemy (I.e. Germans and Japanese).

They were used because they thought some of these people could be spies and threaten National Security.

They were disbanded in 1940 when Prisoners of War were put in these camps and the government thought the enemy would attack the camps to free their soldiers, therefore, endangering their bases.

3.The Sinking of the S.S. Caribou A reminder of Germany’s naval power and the

close proximity of the war to Newfoundland occurred on October 14, 1942 with the sinking of the S.S. Caribou.

The caribou was torpedoed travelling across the Cabot Strait.

137, of the 238 people aboard, were killed.

4.The Sinking of the Ore Ships off Bell Island

In 1942 5 ore ships were sunk off the coast of Bell Island in two separate U-boat attacks. The attack killed 69 sailors.

The attack was an attempt to destroy the valuable ore supply used to make tanks, guns, bombs, planes, etc…

One ship had over 17 000 pounds of ore aboard and was blown over 250 feet in the air.

Impact of World War II

The impact of WWII had a Major effect on NFLD both economically and socially.

Economic Effects Unemployment in NFLD almost

entirely disappeared because so many bases were constructed and it was the last stop on the way to the war in Europe.

The standard of living rose Public health improved People became more attracted to a

modern North American lifestyle

Social Effects

Bases were equipped with modern equipment and services. These new foods, entertainment, and conveniences attracted many Newfoundlanders. As well, Canadian and American music was on the radio; American cars and movies were now popular.

Changes were taking place such as indoor plumbing and pasteurization.

Pop Culture had hit NFLD!!! There were also problems:

Venereal diseases Single parenthood Alcoholism increased