Canada and World War II

Canadian_forces_Liri_Valley_May_1944-Italy

•May 1939 •British King and Queen visit Canada hoping to get support•Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada, did not want to join another war: •Lost too many Canadian in WWI•Conscription divided the country•Just recovering from Depression

The Munich Agreement

                                                            

   

CBC archives—CanadianGreetings to Queen and King-hyperlink

September 1, 1939•Germany invades Poland•Britain and France declared war on Germany•In WWI, this would mean that Canada also declared war on Germany.•But by 1939, Canada was an independent country, so it could decide whether or not it wanted to join the war.•They take a vote in Parliament•September 8, 1939•Government meeting•King wanted to support the war•Ernest Lapoint (minister of Justice) from Quebec also supported war•Helped convince people from Quebec to vote Canada’s involvement of war as necessary.•King promised no conscription

Mobilizing Canada’s ResourcesMobilizing Canada’s Resources•Not prepared for war•Small army, air force, and navy troops•Old equipment•Canadians were cheering on the streets when Canada decided to join WWI•Still there were many volunteers•Aboriginal people volunteered more than other groups join CanadaExample:•Thomas Prince•No African Canadians (racist)-more acceptance later•Canadians wanted to join the war because:•Pay•$1.30/day & $60/month for depended spouse and $30/month for each child•Sediment towards Britain•Newfound national pride•Why?

POLITICAL CARTOON-SAMPLE PE

A political cartoon of the time shows Canada as a huge goal net and three small figures (all equal size) labelled “Army”, “Air force” and “Navy” trying to guard it. It is called the “National Nightmare” 1939 (start of war!). What do you think this represents? See image to the right

a. Canada’s air force was much smaller than its other branches

b. Canada’s armed forces were too small to defend Canada properly

c. Canada’s coasts were defended by only one branch of the military

d. Canada’s army was prepared for war and could defend its homeland.

The War in EuropeThe War in EuropeAllies•Britain, France, Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia and New ZealandAxis•Germany, Italy, and Japan•Allied troops along France’s borders and waited for Germany’s next move•Nothing happened for seven months•Called a “phoney war” (attrition?)April 1940 April 1940 Blitzkrieg (see animation)•“Lightning War”•Powerful and successful war tactic•Surprise and fast attacks•German tanks, warplanes, and soldiers in enemy territory and destroying communication and transportation links.•Countries attacked became confused and trapped•Attacked Denmark and Norway

http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/media_nm.php?lang=en&ModuleId=10005137&MediaId=3376

Key battle: Evacuation at Dunkirk May 10, 1940May 10, 1940Invasion of NetherlandsGerman forces went into Belgium and into FranceGermans almost reached Dunkirk, near the English ChannelAllied forces were surrounded and had to escapeThey could only escape by the sea May 26, 1940May 26, 1940Britain decide to organize all its boats, from ferries to fishing boats to go to the beaches of Dunkirk, so they can save the Allied forcesLuftwaffe, German air force, bombed Dunkirk.Escape from Dunkirk was hard, but Allies were able to escapeJune 22, 1940June 22, 1940Because of Germany’s strong army, Germany soon captured France.France surrendered.Only Britain and the Commonwealth countries fought against GermanyBattle of Britain

July 10, 1940-Battle of BritainJuly 10, 1940-Battle of Britain“Operation Sea Lion”•Germany’s plan to attack Britain•Destroy Britain’s air power•Massive bombing of harbours and shipping facilities in Southern England•Bombing raids of airfields and aircraft factories•Bombing of civilian targets for almost 55 nights Scared and killed many people•Destroyed buildings and streets•Called the “Blitz”•Germany had more planes than Britain, but Germany could not win war against British•Radar System•Britain could know when German raids will be•Spitfires and Hurricanes•Good fighter planes•Joined by many pilots from Commonwealth countries•Britain was successful in shooting German bombers •May 1941•Hitler decided to stop trying to invade Britain

The War SpreadsThe War Spreads•Germany lost the Battle of Britain•“Operation Barbarossa”•Invasion of Russia•Germany and the Soviet agreed before in 1939 that they would not invade each other, but Hitler did not keep his promise!•Hitler needed to control Russia because he wanted a greater Germany, a big German Empire•Russians were surprised and unprepared fro this attack.•German troops were successful in surrounding Russian troops•BUT Germany troops were not prepared for the long and bitterly cold Soviet winter •1942•Germany launched another attack to gain control of Russia’s oil fields in the south•German troops were able to reach one of Russia’s main cities, Stalingrad, but the winter made them suffer•Germany surrendered in 1943•1943•Soviet army was able to take the territory Germany gained from their invasions.

The War in the PacificThe War in the Pacific•Japan was an Axis power but not involved in war in Europe•December 7, 1941•Pearl Harbour•Japanese planes bombed naval base in Pearl harbour, Hawaii, USA•Destroyed half of US navy•US declared war on JapanWatch Attack Scene!•Germany and Italy declared war on the US since they were allies with Japan•Also bombed Philippines•Also invaded Hong Kong, British Hong Kong, British colonycolony•Hong Kong surrendered on Christmas Day, 1941•Canada had sent troops to Hong Kong•1975 Canadians were either killed or taken prisoner by the Japanese•Canadians were scared to learn of the fate of the Canadians and angry that troops had been sent to Hong Kong•Japan continued to invade most of Southeast Asia and Burma and the Netherlands East Indies and headed towards Australia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZukA-TBPWA&feature=PlayList&p=16793064F34C217A&index=0&playnext=1

Canada’s Role in EuropeCanada’s Role in Europe19421942Soviet UnionOne of the Allied powersLost many soldiers against German invasionsWanted Allies to invade Europe from the WestWould weaken German army because it would fight two fronts 

The Dieppe Raid, August 19, The Dieppe Raid, August 19, 19421942•Second Canadian Division was chosen to be the ones to attack the French port of Dieppe, under German occupation•Canadians had been training in Britain, and had been excited to join the war effort in Europe.•Four attacks along the coast•One main attack on Dieppe•Allied troops were to be protected by air force bombers and tanks were to be landed on town•Plan failed•Germans met Canadians at sea•Noise alerted German troops on shore•Late start •Poor communication•Many died•Dieppe was a valuable lesson•Allies will be able to launch a successful invasion next time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMwunLwmu50

Canadians at SeaCanadians at SeaRoyal Canadian Navy rushed into a massive building and training program1940-1944: The Battle of the 1940-1944: The Battle of the AtlanticAtlanticCanada’s help was neededFood and military suppliesAllied ships to England were being sunk by German submarinesConvoy systemWarships escort and protect ships that carry important suppliesGerman still destroyed these shipsCorvettesCorvettesEscort convoysQuick, small, and easily controlledUnsteadyBuilt by Canadians1942-3Seemed like Allies were losing Battle of the Atlantic, but they start to win.http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/sackville/ve10/index.html

Britain found out Germany’s naval codeAllies could know German submarine movementsBuilding more shipsBetter training of Royal Canadian NavyBetter equipmentLiberator bombers that can protect convoy’s route19431943Germany suffered lossesCanada’s navy grew significantly as wellCanadians in the AirRoyal Canadian Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)(RCAF) increased in numbers and became more importantParticipated in bombing raids in Britain, North Africa, Northwest Europe, and Southeast AsiaParticipated in night bombing in Germany (US participated in day bombings)Example: Hamburg, GermanyCreated firestorm (City was in flames)Many died

1941RCAF formed Women’s Division to support the war effortWomen were trained as clerks, cooks, hospital assistants, drivers, telephone operators, welders, instrument mechanics, and engine mechanics.Women were not allowed to fly in combat, but in delivering planes to Britain.

Operations monitoring at the Eastern Air Command HQ, Halifax, January 9th, 1943.

Three photographers getting ready to take off; from left to right: Flight Sergeant A.D. Lang, Aircraftswomen M. Dudlyke, M. Clayborne and Jeanne Farris.

The Tide TurnsThe Tide Turns19421942Allies gained strength when the US entered the conflict in Dec. 1941Allies began to win the Battle of the AtlanticAllies made important advances in Asia19431943Allies cleared North Africa of Axis forces and could turn their attention to the invasion of Europe

                                                                                                                                                

American Troops coming ashore Omaha 1944

The Invasion of ItalyThe Invasion of ItalyBritish PM, Winston Churchill, said that the best way to get to Europe from Germany was through the “soft Underbelly” of Europe—Italy and SicilyInvasion of Italy and SicilyThought it would be easyLasted almost tow years and cost many livesTherefore, not so easyJuly 10, 1943July 10, 1943Canadians participated in Allies’ invasion of SicilyAllies were successfulSeptember 1943Moved to mainland ItalyRugged terrain, muddy conditions, and cold rainy weather (similar to WWI)Slow battlesExample:Battle over one town, OrtonaOrtonaCanadians fought for a long timeGermany withdrew eventuallyAllies advance through Italy was hardJune 4, 1944Reached Rome and gained control of itContinued in Italy until the spring of 1945—http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Znr-eaov20Bug Ms. D about this!!! It is really cool!

Canadian troops moving anti-tank gun into position during street fighting in Ortona, 21 December 1943.

D-day and LiberationD-day and LiberationJune 6, 1944“D-Day”“Operation Overlord”•A full-scale invasion of Europe•Five landing points along the beaches in Normandy in northern France•Beaches called “Sword,” “Juno”, “Gold”, “Omada”, and “Utah”•Attacks on the beaches were preceded by massive air attacks and paratroopers were parachuted in behind the German lines•Allied troops had two advantages•Massive air and naval support with the ability to land more than a million troops within two or three weeks•Details of the attack were secret•German defense was poorly planned•Allied began an eleven-month advance through France and Belgium, towards Germany•Campaign was tiring and dangerous•Allies were liberators of Europe•Canadians marched triumphantly through the streets of Dieppehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys4734ip0kEhttp://www.junobeach.org/e/2/can-eve-rod-nor-e.htmhttp://www.schoolshistory.org.uk/dday.htm

A LCA just launched off HMCS Prince Henry carrying troops towards the Normandy beaches.

March 1945March 1945

Allied forces attacked Germany

Task of Canadians: Free Netherlands

This was done before, but unsuccessful

Slow fighting

Lots of casualties

April 17, 1945April 17, 1945

Canadians able to defeat German army and free Netherlands

Also, air drops of food and convoys of trucks carrying food and fuel

Canadians seen as heroes in Netherlands http://www.junobeach.org/e/2/can-eve-rod-rhi-e.htm#null

May 7, 1945May 7, 1945

Germany surrendered

Allies attacked Germany in the West, while the Soviet Union attacked in the East

Hitler killed himselfdidn’t want to surrender

Two German officers in a group of prisoners who surrendered to Canadian troops in Courseulles, June 6th, 1944.

The Holocaust DiscoveredThe Holocaust DiscoveredAllies pressed closer to Germany and discovered the actions of the Nazis—The HolocaustMillions of people murdered and many dead people and hungry people in concentration campsAnti-Semitic and racist views of Hitler and Nazi were known in the 1930s.1941““Final Solution”Final Solution”Germany’s plan to rid their society of all people they considered undesirableDeath camps were built in a number of placesGerman scientists experimented with the best way of killing lots of people at one timeJews from all over Europe were shipped to death campsStripped of their clothes and valuablesHeads were shavedFamilies were separatedWeak, old, and young sent to “showers”No water, just gasStrong and healthy were put to workKilled when too weak1945Germans had murdered 6 million Jews, Roma (Gypsies), Slavs and other people they thought was inferiorHolocaust (massive killing of people)

Japan surrenders1945Japanese air force and navy destroyed Army was still strongUS government wanted to end war, so used an atomic bombManhattan ProjectManhattan ProjectUS and British scientists working on a secret plan to make a nuclear bombAugust 6, 1945US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima-”Little Boy”(Enola Gay—airplane)70,000 killed130,000 people were woundedAugust 9, 1945US dropped an atomic bomb (“Fat Man”) on Nagasaki40,000 people killedWWII is over. 

The rest of these slides focus on the Home Front-

Political/Social and Economic Changes!

Japanese Canadians• Animation/Letter Assignment• After the bombing of bombing of

Pearl Harbour on ? there was a fear that Japanese would invade Canada.

• 22, 000 Japanese-Canadians (out of 23, 000 in Canada) are placed in Internment Camps in the interior of British Columbia

• All their possessions were taken and sold houses, cars, shops, fishing boats, and other property (for practically nothing!)

• In 1945 the Canadian government decided to deport Japanese Canadians back to Japan

• In 1988, the Canadian government agreed that it was wrong -- > paid 1400 people who were affected $21,000/each -- > gave citizenship back to those deported

• Was it enough?

The British Commonwealth Air The British Commonwealth Air Training PlanTraining Plan•War effort was at home, so no conscription•British instructors would train pilots and other flight personnel from all over the Commonwealth in Canada•Open skies •Climate•Distance from enemies•Major Canadian contribution to the war effortTotal WarTotal War•Government planned and controlled economy•Department of Munitions and Supplies

C.D. Howe as its ministerC.D. Howe as its minister•Controlled production•Crown corporations•Vancouver building ships for navy.•Montreal was building new planes and bombers.•Canada’s car industries were building military vehicles and tanks.•Munitions factories in Quebec and Ontario•Government controlled telephone companies, refined fuel, stockpiled silk for parachutes, mined uranium, and controlled food productionPolicy of Total WarPolicy of Total War•Canadians willing to do whatever it took to defeat the enemy.

Important World War II Documents:War Mearure’s Act (1940) detainment of Japanese Canadians and take civil liberties away (suspend them)National Selective Services Act able-bodied male and female had to do essential war workLend-Lease Act – Supplying War goods to G.B. from CAN and U.S.National Resources Mobilization Act: required adult males to register for military service within Canada (conscription?) – I’ll talk about this laterOgdensburg Agreement-The Ogdensburg Agreement is an agreement signed in 1940 between Canada and United States. Closer Canadian-American military co-operation and established the Permanent Joint Board of Defence.

The War at Home (cont’d)The War at Home (cont’d)•Workers working long hours and many working seven days a week•All women asked to work (esp. single women! Why?)•Moved from rural to urban•Companies built dormitories•Married women also found factory work•Provincial governments funded day care facilities

Canada’s Wartime EconomyCanada’s Wartime Economy•Increased production and employment•More money to spend•Not many products to buy•King also wished to prevent the massive debt problem

IlsleyIlsley•Minister of finance•Lawyer•Victory Bonds•Government will make sure that Canadians are saving money•Use money to help the cost of war•Increase income taxesInflationInflation•Rise in prices for goods and services that increases cost of living and triggers the demand for a rise in wages•Wartime Prices and Trade Boards•Freeze all wages and prices as a way to prevent inflation•King introduced food rationinghttp://canadaonline.about.com/od/canadaww2/ig/Canadian-Posters-World-War-II/

The Growing Demand for Social The Growing Demand for Social ChangeChange•Limit unions•Shortage of labour helps the unions•Workers=higher wages and collective bargaining•Unions=striked19441944•Acknowledge unions•War changes role of government•More involvement in economy•The CCF (Cooperative Commonwealth Federation) party and its belief of social change was becoming popularKing knew that he had competition, so he thought of:(Is he borrowing ideas from somewhere? The PM of the 1930s?•Unemployment insurance program•Expanded social assistance programs•Family allowance program•“Cradle to grave” social security•Meaning that government will support everyone from young to old.

Committee in House of Commons discussing the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1940

The Conscription CrisisThe Conscription CrisisNational Resources Mobilization National Resources Mobilization ActAct (NRMA)•Gather all resources in the nation to defeat the enemy.•Conscription, but only for home defence•pressured to adopt overseas conscription•King decided to hold a plebiscite April 27, 1942April 27, 1942•Plebiscite results: All provinces except Quebec voted “yes”•Issue of conscription divided the nationAugust 1942August 1942•King allowed overseas conscription•Quebec felt betrayed by King’s actions•“Not necessarily conscription, Not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessarybut conscription if necessary.”•King did not want a divided Canada, so he tried to avoid overseas conscription until 1944.

           

                                     

Political cartoon concerning the conscription crisis, November, 1944.

19441944Invasion of EuropeInvasion of Europe•lost almost 23,000 soldiers•Minister of Defence, Ralston, visited Europe•More troops needed•Replaced by General Andrew McNaughton, commander of the Canadian Army (1939-1943)•King thought that a military man would be able to convince the men conscripted under the NRMA to volunteer for duty overseas •McNaughton failed to do so!•King agrees to send conscripts overseas•12000 NRMA conscripts to Europe (not all went peacefully)•Riots•Quebec legislature passed a motion that says it was against what the government was doing•Only 2463 Canadian conscripts reached Europe

                                                                           

Anti-conscription rally in Quebec City during World War II.

What the war Meant to What the war Meant to CanadaCanada•Military and economic support to the Allies•Known as the “arsenal [military] storehouse of democracy.”•GDP increases from 1939-1945•Financial aid to the Allies•Employment increased•Wartime boom brought another important change in Canadian economy•Agriculture decreased in importance•Industry was more important.•Manufacturing•Investment in mining, production, transportation, and service industries•Post-war immigration increased (Why?)

Women workers producing primers (A cap or tube containing a small amount of explosive used to detonate the main explosive charge of a firearm or mine. )

Building an IdentityBuilding an IdentityCanada’s contribution to the war: soldiers, money, and productsCanadians now major players in the global conflict3rd largest navy4th largest air forceMany Canadians killed, wounded, or captured, but WWII helped show how Canada will be in the years to come.

                       

           

V-E Day Celebrations

V-E (Victory in Europe) Day was celebrated all across Canada, as in Ottawa shown here on 8 May 1945