The Canadian Parliament declared war on Sept. 10, 1939, and by
the end of the first month 70 000 Cdns. had signed up. (One million
would serve by the end of the war) The Canadian Parliament declared
war on Sept. 10, 1939, and by the end of the first month 70 000
Cdns. had signed up. (One million would serve by the end of the
war) in 1940 the Blitzkrieg struck Denmark and Norway and by May
both had fallen to the Nazis. The Germans then conquered the
Netherlands and Belgium and pushed into France. in 1940 the
Blitzkrieg struck Denmark and Norway and by May both had fallen to
the Nazis. The Germans then conquered the Netherlands and Belgium
and pushed into France. Retreating British soldiers were trapped in
the French coastal town of Dunkirk. Retreating British soldiers
were trapped in the French coastal town of Dunkirk. Hitler ordered
the Luftwaffe (German air force) to bomb the Br. forces, while
ordering the Wermacht (Ger. army) to pull back; this would prove to
be one of Hitler's costly errors. Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe
(German air force) to bomb the Br. forces, while ordering the
Wermacht (Ger. army) to pull back; this would prove to be one of
Hitler's costly errors.
Slide 3
Miracle of Dunkirk Fortunately a dense fog pinned the Luftwaffe
to the ground giving the British troops a chance to escape Dunkirk.
Fortunately a dense fog pinned the Luftwaffe to the ground giving
the British troops a chance to escape Dunkirk. A call went out to
all British vessels to cross the English Channel and rescue the
men. 900 boats - ferries, fishing boats, pleasure boats- joined the
British destroyers. A call went out to all British vessels to cross
the English Channel and rescue the men. 900 boats - ferries,
fishing boats, pleasure boats- joined the British destroyers. It
was believed that only It was believed that only 10 000 men could
be rescued, but by the end 340 000 soldiers were rescued from
certain destruction. 10 000 men could be rescued, but by the end
340 000 soldiers were rescued from certain destruction. Many
historians believe that "the Miracle of Dunkirk" prevented Hitler
from winning in 1940. Many historians believe that "the Miracle of
Dunkirk" prevented Hitler from winning in 1940.
Slide 4
Meanwhile, the French army had fallen. On June 14, 1940 the
Nazis marched into an undefended Paris and 3 days later France
surrendered. Meanwhile, the French army had fallen. On June 14,
1940 the Nazis marched into an undefended Paris and 3 days later
France surrendered. Hitler had conquered most of w. Europe. Only
the Soviet Union remained to the East and the British Isles to the
West. Hitler had conquered most of w. Europe. Only the Soviet Union
remained to the East and the British Isles to the West.
Slide 5
The German plan to invade Britain was code named Operation Sea
Lion they were going to land 25 divisions along the south coast of
England and make a quick thrust forward to take London. they were
going to land 25 divisions along the south coast of England and
make a quick thrust forward to take London. tank divisions and
infantry troops could only reach Br by ship tank divisions and
infantry troops could only reach Br by ship Germany would have to
control the ocean; they could do that only by controlling the air.
(Br. defences were limited, apart from the Royal Navy) Germany
would have to control the ocean; they could do that only by
controlling the air. (Br. defences were limited, apart from the
Royal Navy)
Slide 6
The Battle of Britain July 1940: Hitler unleashed a savage air
attack on British ships in the English Channel. By mid Aug., 2000
German aircraft were in the skies over Britain. July 1940: Hitler
unleashed a savage air attack on British ships in the English
Channel. By mid Aug., 2000 German aircraft were in the skies over
Britain. The British RAF was small in comparison to the German
Luftwaffe (LW). At first the LW was very successful, knocking out
air fields and supply factories. The British RAF was small in
comparison to the German Luftwaffe (LW). At first the LW was very
successful, knocking out air fields and supply factories. Then the
LW tried to break the will of Britain by targeting cities/civilians
(Blitz) Then the LW tried to break the will of Britain by targeting
cities/civilians (Blitz) (The Germans feared that winter might
delay the planned invasion.) (The Germans feared that winter might
delay the planned invasion.)
Slide 7
In response, PM Churchill ordered bombing raids on Berlin.
Hitler was outraged with what he called "terror bombings In
response, PM Churchill ordered bombing raids on Berlin. Hitler was
outraged with what he called "terror bombings German air attacks
peaked on Sept 15, 1940 when 1000 LW bombers and 700 fighters flew
over London in a daylight raid. German air attacks peaked on Sept
15, 1940 when 1000 LW bombers and 700 fighters flew over London in
a daylight raid. RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes climbed high to meet
them, and spectacular air battles took place. RAF Spitfires and
Hurricanes climbed high to meet them, and spectacular air battles
took place.
Slide 8
The LW losses were great and Germany realized that their
tactics were not working. Operation Sea Lion was abandoned (another
of Hitler's errors). By 1941, Hitler had redeployed the LW to the
Balkans and later the Russian front. For Br. the worst was over.
The LW losses were great and Germany realized that their tactics
were not working. Operation Sea Lion was abandoned (another of
Hitler's errors). By 1941, Hitler had redeployed the LW to the
Balkans and later the Russian front. For Br. the worst was over.
The Reasons for the Br. victory: The Reasons for the Br. victory:
radar radar insular geography insular geography ability to hold out
ability to hold out RAF ("Never have so many owed so much to so
few.") RAF ("Never have so many owed so much to so few.")
Slide 9
Germany's Invasion of the Soviet Union On June 22,1941 Hitler
attacked the Soviet Union. This was Operation Barbarossa. The
Soviet Union found itself in the allied camp. On June 22,1941
Hitler attacked the Soviet Union. This was Operation Barbarossa.
The Soviet Union found itself in the allied camp. What would have
motivated Hitler/Ger. to attack the USSR? What would have motivated
Hitler/Ger. to attack the USSR? At first, the Soviets were unable
to stop the German blitzkrieg and suffered over 1 million
casualties. At first, the Soviets were unable to stop the German
blitzkrieg and suffered over 1 million casualties.
Slide 10
But the Soviet army just kept retreating into the massive land
area But the Soviet army just kept retreating into the massive land
area By late fall, the Ger. soldiers were headed for Moscow. They
did not get there before winter, and suffered great hardships
temps. as low as -50 c, no warm clothing, no anti-freeze, no oils
suitable for winter operation of their tanks.... By late fall, the
Ger. soldiers were headed for Moscow. They did not get there before
winter, and suffered great hardships temps. as low as -50 c, no
warm clothing, no anti-freeze, no oils suitable for winter
operation of their tanks.... Siberian troops were brought in to
defend Moscow. Hitler's gamble failed and a quick, decisive victory
did not occur. It would be a long, hard fought war. Siberian troops
were brought in to defend Moscow. Hitler's gamble failed and a
quick, decisive victory did not occur. It would be a long, hard
fought war.
Slide 11
The War in the Pacific Relations b/n Japan and Western nations
had reached a breaking point. Relations b/n Japan and Western
nations had reached a breaking point. Japan was hard hit by US
tariffs and had begun to build its empire in the Pacific (the
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere), having invaded Korea and
China Japan was hard hit by US tariffs and had begun to build its
empire in the Pacific (the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere),
having invaded Korea and China The U.S. had stationed a naval fleet
in Hawaii in case of war in the Pacific The U.S. had stationed a
naval fleet in Hawaii in case of war in the Pacific Britain wanted
to help. but could not spare the troops. Canada helped by sending
soldiers to Hong Kong. Britain wanted to help. but could not spare
the troops. Canada helped by sending soldiers to Hong Kong.
Slide 12
The Attack on Pearl Harbor U.S. and Japan were trying to sign a
peace treaty. Secretly, Japan was planning an attack because they
wanted the West's colonies U.S. and Japan were trying to sign a
peace treaty. Secretly, Japan was planning an attack because they
wanted the West's colonies Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto planned a
surprise attack using fighter planes launched from Japanese
aircraft carriers. Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto planned a surprise
attack using fighter planes launched from Japanese aircraft
carriers. Dec. 7, 1941 the attack began Japan had not declared war
(it was late) and the U.S. was caught off guard. Dec. 7, 1941 the
attack began Japan had not declared war (it was late) and the U.S.
was caught off guard. After 2 hrs. the U.S. fleet was destroyed and
1000s were killed After 2 hrs. the U.S. fleet was destroyed and
1000s were killed
Slide 13
The U.S. immediately declared war. (Dec. 8, 1941- "A day that
will live in infamy") The U.S. immediately declared war. (Dec. 8,
1941- "A day that will live in infamy") The US was the richest
nation in the world and could invest enormous amounts of $ and pop.
to the war effort. (The US became the "Arsenal of Democracy") Japan
had awoken the sleeping giant The US was the richest nation in the
world and could invest enormous amounts of $ and pop. to the war
effort. (The US became the "Arsenal of Democracy") Japan had awoken
the sleeping giant
Slide 14
The Canadians at Hong Kong A few hrs. after Pearl Harbor, Japan
invaded Hong Kong A few hrs. after Pearl Harbor, Japan invaded Hong
Kong Every Canadian soldier there was killed or taken prisoner. The
battle was considered a "death trap: Every Canadian soldier there
was killed or taken prisoner. The battle was considered a "death
trap: 1. More than 50 000 Japanese soldiers were stationed 50 km
from Hong Kong 1. More than 50 000 Japanese soldiers were stationed
50 km from Hong Kong 2. The Japanese were well- equipped and
experienced 2. The Japanese were well- equipped and experienced 3.
Plans for the Japanese attack had been drafted 1 yr. earlier-code
name was Hana-Saku "flowers in bloom 3. Plans for the Japanese
attack had been drafted 1 yr. earlier-code name was Hana-Saku
"flowers in bloom 4. Canadian troops were insufficiently trained -
30% of them had not even fired a gun 4. Canadian troops were
insufficiently trained - 30% of them had not even fired a gun 5.
Can & Br. troops did not total more than 14 000, including
nurses and civilian volunteers. 5. Can & Br. troops did not
total more than 14 000, including nurses and civilian
volunteers.
Slide 15
On Dec. 8, 1941, Japan launched its attack on Hong Kong. Their
air force destroyed docks, military barracks, airplanes etc. On
Dec. 8, 1941, Japan launched its attack on Hong Kong. Their air
force destroyed docks, military barracks, airplanes etc. Dec. 19,
1941- Japanese soldiers attacked. Canadians were outnumbered 10 to
1. Dec. 19, 1941- Japanese soldiers attacked. Canadians were
outnumbered 10 to 1. By Christmas 1941, Hong Kong surrendered after
only 17 days. 286 Canadians died and another 266 would die in
Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) camps. By Christmas 1941, Hong Kong
surrendered after only 17 days. 286 Canadians died and another 266
would die in Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) camps.
Slide 16
Prisoners in Japan Canadian prisoners were brutalized and
starved. They stayed in crowded barracks and were used as slave
labour, building landing strips and shipyards, etc. Canadian
prisoners were brutalized and starved. They stayed in crowded
barracks and were used as slave labour, building landing strips and
shipyards, etc. Served a single serving of plain rice 3 times a
day. Many fell ill from exhaustion, malnutrition, pneumonia, or
cholera. Served a single serving of plain rice 3 times a day. Many
fell ill from exhaustion, malnutrition, pneumonia, or cholera. Red
Cross medicine was sent to the camps but was stolen and sold on the
black market. Red Cross medicine was sent to the camps but was
stolen and sold on the black market. Death rates in Japanese P.O.W.
camps were 6 times higher than in German camps. Death rates in
Japanese P.O.W. camps were 6 times higher than in German
camps.
Slide 17
The Battle of Dieppe Aug. 1942, 5000 Canadian soldiers were
picked up from England for a raid on the French port of Dieppe.
They had trained for 3 years. Aug. 1942, 5000 Canadian soldiers
were picked up from England for a raid on the French port of
Dieppe. They had trained for 3 years. The Canadians, with 1000 Br.
and some Americans, were to attack Dieppe. The Canadians, with 1000
Br. and some Americans, were to attack Dieppe. The raid was
intended to pull German forces away from the Russian front and to
test Ger. defences. The raid was intended to pull German forces
away from the Russian front and to test Ger. defences.
Slide 18
German forces were planted on the cliffs above the Dieppe
beaches; they started shooting as the Canadians charged down the
landing ramps. German forces were planted on the cliffs above the
Dieppe beaches; they started shooting as the Canadians charged down
the landing ramps. The few who made it to the beach were killed
there; only a few made it to the town. The few who made it to the
beach were killed there; only a few made it to the town. Out of
5000, almost 1000 died, more than 500 were wounded, 2000 were
captured and became POWs Out of 5000, almost 1000 died, more than
500 were wounded, 2000 were captured and became POWs
Slide 19
Allied Successes and the Shifting Tides of War American armies
were successful against the Axis powers in North Africa, where
Italy and Germany had invaded Egypt. American armies were
successful against the Axis powers in North Africa, where Italy and
Germany had invaded Egypt. The Soviets were holding off the Germans
- after 6 months at Stalingrad, the Soviets were able to encircle
German forces and cut off their supply lines, reducing them to
starvation. The Soviets were holding off the Germans - after 6
months at Stalingrad, the Soviets were able to encircle German
forces and cut off their supply lines, reducing them to starvation.
In North Africa the British were winning battles. The Allies landed
in Algeria and Morocco and began moving east across North Africa.
In North Africa the British were winning battles. The Allies landed
in Algeria and Morocco and began moving east across North
Africa.
Slide 20
The Canadians in Sicily and Italy In the summer of 1943, after
3 yrs. of training, Canadians were sent to Sicily In the summer of
1943, after 3 yrs. of training, Canadians were sent to Sicily They
were to join Br. troops under General Montgomery. The plan was to
trap the Italian and Ger. soldiers before they could escape to the
mainland. The next step would be to attack Italy, the weakest of
the Axis powers. They were to join Br. troops under General
Montgomery. The plan was to trap the Italian and Ger. soldiers
before they could escape to the mainland. The next step would be to
attack Italy, the weakest of the Axis powers. The Canadians (along
with Br. and U.S. forces) landed on the Italian mainland in late
1943. The Canadians (along with Br. and U.S. forces) landed on the
Italian mainland in late 1943. Italy surrendered by the end of
Sept. (Mussolini was deposed), but the Germans had taken over the
country. Italy surrendered by the end of Sept. (Mussolini was
deposed), but the Germans had taken over the country. The Allies
moved towards Rome, but it would be a difficult campaign The Allies
moved towards Rome, but it would be a difficult campaign
Slide 21
The Canadians at Ortona The route to Rome was blocked by the
Germans at Ortona and Cdn forces were ordered to capture the town.
The route to Rome was blocked by the Germans at Ortona and Cdn
forces were ordered to capture the town. The Germans had blown up
all the bridges in the area and the steep countryside gave them an
advantage. The Germans had blown up all the bridges in the area and
the steep countryside gave them an advantage. On Dec. 27th the
Canadians captured Ortona On Dec. 27th the Canadians captured
Ortona Can. casualties were high many had to be evacuated because
of sickness and battle fatigue. Can. casualties were high many had
to be evacuated because of sickness and battle fatigue. By June
1944. the Allies captured Rome. By June 1944. the Allies captured
Rome. Canadians continued fighting until 1945 in Italy, and then
were re-united in northwestern Europe as the 1st Canadian army.
Canadians continued fighting until 1945 in Italy, and then were
re-united in northwestern Europe as the 1st Canadian army.
Slide 22
D-Day/The Normandy Invasion The lessons of Dieppe (?) were
taken into account in 1944 - better planning & communications
and a unified command were in place The lessons of Dieppe (?) were
taken into account in 1944 - better planning & communications
and a unified command were in place Supreme Allied Supreme Allied
Commander = The invasion was preceded by: effective training
attention to detail The invasion was preceded by: effective
training attention to detail - Meteorology/Geology -
Meteorology/Geology Espionage/Disinformation (La Resistance)
Espionage/Disinformation (La Resistance) Massive naval/aerial
prelim. bombardment Massive naval/aerial prelim. bombardment Tech.
improvements ("Funnies")... Tech. improvements ("Funnies")...
Slide 23
all were taken into acc't in this ambitious plan that sought to
open a 2nd front against Ger. in W. Europe and therefore bring WW
II to an end. all were taken into acc't in this ambitious plan that
sought to open a 2nd front against Ger. in W. Europe and therefore
bring WW II to an end. The plan was to invade Normandy w/ an
invasion force of 150 000 men, inc. 30 000 Cdns. The plan was to
invade Normandy w/ an invasion force of 150 000 men, inc. 30 000
Cdns. The Americans attacked on the w. (Utah and Omaha beaches), w/
the Br. and Cdns. taking the e. (Gold, Sword, and Juno beaches. The
Americans attacked on the w. (Utah and Omaha beaches), w/ the Br.
and Cdns. taking the e. (Gold, Sword, and Juno beaches. 7000 ships
played a role here too, and all the allied air forces participated
in this largest invasion in world history. 7000 ships played a role
here too, and all the allied air forces participated in this
largest invasion in world history.
Slide 24
After all the planning, the invasion (Op. Overlord) - surprise
intact - took place on June 6, 1944. After all the planning, the
invasion (Op. Overlord) - surprise intact - took place on June 6,
1944. There were still sig. probs. - American forces at Omaha beach
were hard hit, and Cdn. forces were delayed b/c of high seas and
reefs. There were still sig. probs. - American forces at Omaha
beach were hard hit, and Cdn. forces were delayed b/c of high seas
and reefs. But beach heads were established that first week But
beach heads were established that first week by August, Paris would
be liberated. by August, Paris would be liberated. Ger. was on the
run on 3 fronts now - in France, Italy, and E. Europe... Ger. was
on the run on 3 fronts now - in France, Italy, and E.
Europe...
Slide 25
At this point, the Allies began to plan for the end of the war,
scheduling the Yalta Conference for Feb. 1945 At this point, the
Allies began to plan for the end of the war, scheduling the Yalta
Conference for Feb. 1945 FDR, Churchill, and Stalin planned for
postwar Europe, deciding that Ger. would be demilitarized and
de-nazified, FDR, Churchill, and Stalin planned for postwar Europe,
deciding that Ger. would be demilitarized and de-nazified, as well
as divided into 4 occupation zones. zones. The groundwork The
groundwork for the United Nations was also set out here.
Slide 26
The final events of the war: The final events of the war:
Winter 1944-1945 - The Battle of the Bulge it was Hitler's last
counteroffensive, intended to stop the W. Allies from crossing the
Rhine River into Ger. Winter 1944-1945 - The Battle of the Bulge it
was Hitler's last counteroffensive, intended to stop the W. Allies
from crossing the Rhine River into Ger. it delayed them until
March, but the result was inevitable by this time... it delayed
them until March, but the result was inevitable by this time...
Soviet forces were in Berlin by April, and on April 30, Hitler
committed suicide in his bunker. Soviet forces were in Berlin by
April, and on April 30, Hitler committed suicide in his bunker.
Command of the 3rd Reich passed to Adm. Doenitz, who surrendered on
May 8,1945 Command of the 3rd Reich passed to Adm. Doenitz, who
surrendered on May 8,1945 (V-E Day) Cdn. troops during this period
were charged w/ the job of liberating the Netherlands, under the
command of Gen. Harry Crerar. (Battle of the Scheldt, Antwerp) Cdn.
troops during this period were charged w/ the job of liberating the
Netherlands, under the command of Gen. Harry Crerar. (Battle of the
Scheldt, Antwerp)
Slide 27
The Atomic Bomb and Victory in the Pacific kamikaze kamikaze
Manhattan Project Manhattan Project August 6,1945 August 6,1945
Enola Gay Enola Gay "Little Boy "Little Boy VJ Day VJ Day
Slide 28
Chapter 16: War on the Home Front in May 1939 King George and
Queen Elizabeth landed at Quebec for a tour of Canada and to gain
support for the war effort. in May 1939 King George and Queen
Elizabeth landed at Quebec for a tour of Canada and to gain support
for the war effort. about 1/2 of Cdns. were of Br. ancestry, so
support for the war was nearly unanimous about 1/2 of Cdns. were of
Br. ancestry, so support for the war was nearly unanimous but
opposition did exist: Quebec, pacifists/conscientious objectors
(Mennonites, Hutterites, Doukhobors), while many other Cdns. wanted
"friendly neutrality" but opposition did exist: Quebec,
pacifists/conscientious objectors (Mennonites, Hutterites,
Doukhobors), while many other Cdns. wanted "friendly
neutrality"
Slide 29
The BCATP and the East Coast King hoped that Canada's major
contribution to the war would be the British Commonwealth Air
Training Plan (BCATP) King hoped that Canada's major contribution
to the war would be the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
(BCATP) Air crews were brought over to Canada from all over the
Commonwealth for training as pilots, navigators, air gunners,
bombardiers, wireless operators. Air crews were brought over to
Canada from all over the Commonwealth for training as pilots,
navigators, air gunners, bombardiers, wireless operators. Canada
provided air fields, air craft, basic services and Britain provided
the instructors. 130 000 graduates: 50 000 were pilots, & 73
000 grads were Canadian. Canada provided air fields, air craft,
basic services and Britain provided the instructors. 130 000
graduates: 50 000 were pilots, & 73 000 grads were
Canadian.
Slide 30
Halifax Became the center became a port for ships escaping war
from Europe-refugees, evacuated British children. Became the center
became a port for ships escaping war from Europe-refugees,
evacuated British children. for Canadian naval operations. Convoys
of ships formed in Halifax harbour loaded with troops, guns, tanks,
shells, foodstuffs and headed across the Atlantic. for Canadian
naval operations. Convoys of ships formed in Halifax harbour loaded
with troops, guns, tanks, shells, foodstuffs and headed across the
Atlantic. Convoys: Groups of merchant ships that are protected from
enemy attack by naval escort ships or air force planes. Convoys:
Groups of merchant ships that are protected from enemy attack by
naval escort ships or air force planes. Germans did everything to
stop supply lines. Convoy ships were mined or torpedoed within
hearing distance of Halifax Germans did everything to stop supply
lines. Convoy ships were mined or torpedoed within hearing distance
of Halifax
Slide 31
Battle of the Atlantic Submarine teams of U- boats called "wolf
packs" attacked merchant ships broke through convoys and attacked
merchant ships. Submarine teams of U- boats called "wolf packs"
attacked merchant ships broke through convoys and attacked merchant
ships. By the end of the war- 175 allied ships, 500 merchant ships,
and By the end of the war- 175 allied ships, 500 merchant ships,
and 50 000 men had gone to the bottom of the Atlantic. 50 000 men
had gone to the bottom of the Atlantic. new tech. was developed:
corvettes, depth charges, sonar new tech. was developed: corvettes,
depth charges, sonar In Halifax, "Plotters" tracked ship movements
and U-boats. Many of them were the women In Halifax, "Plotters"
tracked ship movements and U-boats. Many of them were the women of
the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) of the Women's
Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS)
Slide 32
The Battle of the St. Lawrence U-boats began attacking ships in
the St. Lawrence river. On Aug. 27, 1942 the American ship Chatham
was sunk U-boats began attacking ships in the St. Lawrence river.
On Aug. 27, 1942 the American ship Chatham was sunk Oct. 13,1942
the passenger ferry, the SS Caribou going from Nfld. to Nova Scotia
was sunk by a single torpedo =173 dead civilians Oct. 13,1942 the
passenger ferry, the SS Caribou going from Nfld. to Nova Scotia was
sunk by a single torpedo =173 dead civilians From the summer to the
fall of 1942, German U- boats sank 21 ships in the St. Lawrence.
From the summer to the fall of 1942, German U- boats sank 21 ships
in the St. Lawrence.
Slide 33
Newfoundland's Role in the War Was still independent in 1939
Was still independent in 1939 Cooperation was needed between Nfld
and Canada Cooperation was needed between Nfld and Canada Did not
have the $ or the people to keep the Germans out Did not have the $
or the people to keep the Germans out Canadian troops were
stationed there and the RCAF flew out of Gander and Labrador
Canadian troops were stationed there and the RCAF flew out of
Gander and Labrador Nfld troops joined Canadian forces Nfld troops
joined Canadian forces People here began to believe that joining
Canada would be good-they were bankrupt and needed financial aid.
People here began to believe that joining Canada would be good-they
were bankrupt and needed financial aid.
Slide 34
Canada's Wartime Economy Total War: a war fought w/ no limits
put on the resources used to achieve victory Total War: a war
fought w/ no limits put on the resources used to achieve victory
With the attacks on the East Coast, and once Germany had occupied
most of Europe and the Japanese were taking over the Far East;
"total war" was decided upon in Canada. With the attacks on the
East Coast, and once Germany had occupied most of Europe and the
Japanese were taking over the Far East; "total war" was decided
upon in Canada. By 1941 industries were working overtime to produce
war materials; unemployment vanished. By 1941 industries were
working overtime to produce war materials; unemployment vanished.
The Government created the National Selective Service (NSS) to
place workers in industries where they were needed. If workers took
jobs without NSS approval they could be fined $ 500 and jailed for
a year. The Government created the National Selective Service (NSS)
to place workers in industries where they were needed. If workers
took jobs without NSS approval they could be fined $ 500 and jailed
for a year.
Slide 35
Bumper crops were experienced in the Prairies. Britain needed
food desperately, so Canada started to produce new products - pork,
beef, dairy products, oil seeds, lumber from B.C., mineral ores
from mines in the Canadian Shield, fish from the Maritimesall
shipped overseas Bumper crops were experienced in the Prairies.
Britain needed food desperately, so Canada started to produce new
products - pork, beef, dairy products, oil seeds, lumber from B.C.,
mineral ores from mines in the Canadian Shield, fish from the
Maritimesall shipped overseas Manufacturing changed as well -
Toronto had munitions plants and ship building; Montreal had
aircraft factories. Manufacturing changed as well - Toronto had
munitions plants and ship building; Montreal had aircraft
factories. Canadians started to produce diesel engines, synthetic
rubber, roller bearings, electronic equipment, high octane
gasoline. Canadians started to produce diesel engines, synthetic
rubber, roller bearings, electronic equipment, high octane
gasoline. By the end of the war, Canada had given Britain $ 3.5
billion in aid. By the end of the war, Canada had given Britain $
3.5 billion in aid.
Slide 36
Managing the Wartime Economy: The Problem of Inflation Canada's
gov't adopted a more active role in the economy and day-to-day
functioning of society. The changes in the role of gov't became a
permanent feature of post-war society. Canada's gov't adopted a
more active role in the economy and day-to-day functioning of
society. The changes in the role of gov't became a permanent
feature of post-war society. A real worry with all the prosperity
was rising inflation, similar to that during WWI A real worry with
all the prosperity was rising inflation, similar to that during WWI
Consumer goods were scarce (due to rationing) and prices would go
up. Consumer goods were scarce (due to rationing) and prices would
go up. King wanted to avoid this. He placed James llsley in charge
of Canada's financial affairs. King wanted to avoid this. He placed
James llsley in charge of Canada's financial affairs. James llsley
used 3 methods to keep prices down: James llsley used 3 methods to
keep prices down: 1. tax increases-people had less $ to spend 1.
tax increases-people had less $ to spend 2. sale of Victory
Bondstook money out of the economy 2. sale of Victory Bondstook
money out of the economy 3. forced savings-increased savings
interest rates to lure people to save rather than spend. 3. forced
savings-increased savings interest rates to lure people to save
rather than spend.
Slide 37
Canada in 1938 collected $42 million in taxes, by 1945 they
took in Canada in 1938 collected $42 million in taxes, by 1945 they
took in $ 815 million $ 815 million Propaganda was intensified.
Propaganda was intensified. Posters were made up with celebrities
(like the Dionne Quintuplets) Posters were made up with celebrities
(like the Dionne Quintuplets)
Slide 38
Wage and Price Controls and Rationing Despite llsley's
programs, prices continued to rise Despite llsley's programs,
prices continued to rise Nov. 1941: the Wartime Prices and Trade
Board (WPTB) froze all prices and wages to prevent inflation.
People had to get permission from the WPTB to buy electric stoves,
typewriters, or rubber tires Nov. 1941: the Wartime Prices and
Trade Board (WPTB) froze all prices and wages to prevent inflation.
People had to get permission from the WPTB to buy electric stoves,
typewriters, or rubber tires food rationing was introduced in 1942
food rationing was introduced in 1942
Slide 39
Government Controls on the Economy Mackenzie King put together
a group of cabinet ministers in charge of the wartime economy.
Mackenzie King put together a group of cabinet ministers in charge
of the wartime economy. C.D. Howe (minister of munitions and
supplies) was in charge of the war production effort. C.D. Howe
(minister of munitions and supplies) was in charge of the war
production effort. He turned to business people to help him and
asked them to take a "holiday" from work to become civil servants.
They became known as "dollar-a-year men" for their token salary. He
turned to business people to help him and asked them to take a
"holiday" from work to become civil servants. They became known as
"dollar-a-year men" for their token salary. C.D. Howe and the
Department of Munitions and Supplies had been given powers over
private enterprise. They could tell companies what to produce,
where to sell products, and when to deliver them. C.D. Howe and the
Department of Munitions and Supplies had been given powers over
private enterprise. They could tell companies what to produce,
where to sell products, and when to deliver them. If companies did
not agree, the dept. could take over the plant. If companies did
not agree, the dept. could take over the plant.
Slide 40
New crown corporations were created by Howe when existing
companies could not supply a particular demand. New crown
corporations were created by Howe when existing companies could not
supply a particular demand. These measures limited the scandal and
profiteering experienced during WW1 These measures limited the
scandal and profiteering experienced during WW1 Canada had to earn
American dollars in order to keep helping Britain in the war
effort. Canada had to earn American dollars in order to keep
helping Britain in the war effort. The U.S. agreed to purchase
Canadian goods under the Hyde-Park Declaration-$ 1billion worth was
sold to the U.S. The U.S. agreed to purchase Canadian goods under
the Hyde-Park Declaration-$ 1billion worth was sold to the
U.S.