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Quebec's Padlock Law
The Padlock Act was introduced to protect itself from communist propaganda and the promotion of communism and bolshevism. It was inspired by an amendmant created in the Winnipeg General Strike which said the federal govenrment could deport or charge citizens if they promoted revolution or disturbed social order -
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Canada's Involvement in the Cold War
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Spies In Canada: Gouzenko Affair
Gouzenko Testimony
Igor Gouzenko was a Russian ambassador who traded secrets of Russian spies for permanent safety and protection in Canada. This helped Canada elimindate 18 Russian spies operating Canada -
Berlin Blockade
Berlin BlockadeThe Soviets attempted to block all supply lines to West Berlin in response to the French, British and Americans agreeing on a joint economy for their portions of Germany. Allies still found way to get to them by airlift, however it created tension between the 2 sides. -
International Alliances: NATO
Several Nations formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to protect members against further soviet aggression from countires behind the iron curtain (Warsaw Pact). By 1950, both sides had hydogen bombs after they had just kept building their military. NATO consisted of Belgium,Canada,Denmark,France,Iceland,Italy,Luxemberg,Netherlands,Norway,Portgual,the UK and the U.S. -
Korean War
Korean WarCommunist North Korea decided to attack capitalist South Korea to show its superiority. The U.S and the U.N supported the south while the Soviets and the Chinese; both communist countries; support the north. Canada provided the third most total aid to South Korea before an eventual cease fire in 1953 -
UN Peacekeeping: The Suez Crisis and Pearson wins Nobel Prize
Suez CrisisThe Egyptian government tries to claim control of the Suez Canal as it's already part of their land but run by the French and British. As Israel invaded Egypt, the UK and France joined forces with Israel as "peacekeepers", but weren't really trying to keep the peace. Lester B. Pearson decides a meeting must be held between all heads of the countries involved and suggests the UN peace-keeping force for the first time. -
Continental Alliances: NORAD and DEW Line
The North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) was developed so that Canada and the U.S. would help each other if necessary. Canada granted The U.S. permission to build a defence system in the Yukon and other warning posts throughout Canada to detect any long range missile threats and fire back if necessary. -
Sputnik and Canada's Space Program
Sputnik Satellite The Soviets launched the first satellite ever in 1957. This was a massive bonus on the communist side as they seemed to win the space race against the United States.The Rocket that put Sputnik into orbit around the Earth could also deliver a nuclear bomb to anywhere in North America. Americans started to fear the military advantage had shifted to the Soviets side so they replaced their existing long-range bomber aircraft with Intercontinental ballistic missiles or ICBMs -
Avro Arrow and it's Cancellation
Thought to be the fastest plane of all time, these supersonic jets developed for defence against the soviets were abruptly stopped almost without reason. Lots of money had already been invested and the cancellation in 1959 cut 14000 jobs which angered many people. Avro Cancellation -
Diefenbaker, Bomarc missiles and nuclear warheads in Canada
Prime Minister Diefenbaker approved and ordered ready-made American Bomarc missiles for Canada's defence. However, he didn't allow a for nuclear warheads to enter Canada which made the newly purchased missiles seemingly useless. This limited the American's control on our military affairs. -
The Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States Armed Forces were at their highest state of readiness after news of Soviet missiles spotted in Cuba. The United States had put up a blockade around the entire island and if it were to be crossed by the soviets, a real nuclear war would've started. Thankfully, the Soviets listened to their warnings and war was averted thanks to the bravery of President John F. Kennedy and Premier Nikita Krushenev. -
Draft Dodgers
During the Vietnam war, the people back home in the U.S. didn't support the methods the soldiers were using to try and defeat the enemy. This led to extremely low numbers for volunteered soldiers so the U.S. ordered mandatory conscription for certain people. Many avoided this by coming in to Canada until the war was over, but some ended up staying permanently. -
Canada-Soviet Summit Series
Canada had claimed they were the best hockey nation and wouldn't possibly lose with a team of the best Canadian NHL players after losing multiple International games to top European teams. However, They were rudely awakened after splitting the series 3-3 with the Soviets, but Henderson scored to win the last game and take the series to give Canada a huge sense of pride during the Cold War. Paul Henderson's Iconic Series Ending Goal -
The Fall of The Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall Destruction The Berlin Wall was started on August 13th, 1961 to separate Soviet owned West Berlin from East Berlin and the rest of East Germany. The wall set by governent was officially destroyed in 1989 marking the end of separation between capitalist and communist Germany. -
The Fall of The Soviet Union
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was the world's first and largest communist state and was ended after President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned declaring his office extinct. The Soviet flag was lowered from the Kremlin and replaced with the Russian Tricolour. The 15 countries became their own independent states.
