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Production of War Materials
Throughout the entirety of World War II, Canadian factories produced large quantities of aircrafts, ammunition, ships, and tanks. Canada became known as the “Arsenal of Democracy” due to its importance in supplying the Allied war effort with adequate resources. The drastic increase in Canada’s industrial capabilities is an example of Historical Significance. WWII’s increase in product demand led to a sense of urgency to improve production techniques, allowing fast production of products today. -
Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic involved “the Allies striking a naval blockade against Germany” (History), which therefore caused control issues regarding sea routes in the Atlantic Ocean. Canada’s important role during this event was Escorting merchant ships across the Atlantic to make sure that necessary supplies could be transported between North America and Britain. -
Creation of Air Training Program
Canada trained tens of thousands of airmen from Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. This was one of the largest and most successful air training programs in history, in which more than 131,000 of those airmen were trained in Canada. -
Battle of Britain
During the Battle of Britain in 1940, Canada contributed by sending Canadian airmen to fight and join the Royal Air Force. As stated in ‘A Chronology Of The War In Europe: 100 Outstanding Dates’ on September 27 1940, the Royal Air Force “turns the tide in the Battle of Britain by shooting down 185 Nazi planes”. This act helped defend Britain from the German aerial-warfare branch, Luftwaffe. Historical Thinking Concept ‘Evidence’ is used in this primary source to support historical understanding. -
Dieppe Raid
“Canadians were the force for the frontal attack on Dieppe, and also went in at gaps in the cliffs at Pourville, four kilometres to the west, and at Puys to the east“ (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2023). The Dieppe Raid involved over 5,000 Canadian soldiers attempting to storm the Nazi-occupied French port. This was an act of ‘practice’, designed to test the equipment and procedures that would one day be needed to defeat Germany. -
Royal Air Force Bomber Command
Canada provided an “extremely powerful aerial striking force” (Canadian War Museum), in which 10,000 Canadians served in the Royal Air Force. Thousands of young men passed away while participating in bombing raids over German-occupied Europe. -
The Italian Campaign
Canadian forces fought alongside Allied troops in Italy, resulting in their victory. In “The Long Road to Victory”, the toll on Allied forces is acknowledged stating, “It was not a war of quick decisions and swift movements, but one of steady attrition, where every victory came at a high price”. Creating Allies to aid other countries in times of distress is an example of Continuity and Change. Although the details of wars are changing, Allies continue to play important roles in achieving victory -
Battle of Normandy
On one of the military’s largest water invasions, “American, British, and Canadian troops storm five beaches at Normandy France” (History). On this day, Canada was assigned an important role in the Normandy landings. They faced fierce German resistance, but remained successful. -
Establishment of the “C.D. Howe” War Economy
C.D. Howe led Canada through the transition between a peaceful economy, to a wartime economy. This included the nationalization of industry for war production, managing resources effectively, and ensuring Canada could supply both its military and its allies with critical supplies. This industrial ramp-up helped Canada’s economy recover and thrive post-war. -
Liberation of the Netherlands
As the war came to an end, Canadian forces freed the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Many Dutch people sent flowers to Canadian soldiers to express their gratitude.