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Quebec's Padlock Law
A video explaining the Padlock Law The Padlock Law was created to prevent Communist Propaganda from spreading across the country. More specifically, the law prevented anyone from using a house to propagate Communism (or Bolshevism) in any way at all. -
The Gouzenko Affair
Igor Gouzenko worked as a spy in Ottawa in the Soviet Embassy for Russia. He found out that several spy networks were operated in Canada and other western countries. Gouzenko decided to report these networks to the Canadian government after finding out he and his family were about to be sent back to Russia. At first the government did not believe him, but when Soviet agents tried to kidnap him the officials got involved. -
Berlin Blockade
Youtube Video The Soviet Union broke an agreement with its allies, and forced them to give up their rights that were earlier established. This was done in order to occupy the capital city of Berlin. They attempted to block off all supply lines to West Berlin, but this failed as the allies provided an airlift to deliver food and other supplies to those cut off when needed. -
International Alliances: NATO
The Anthem of NATO Canada and the US were very concerned about the Soviet Union spreading communism to their land.
They formed the National Atlantic Soviet Treaty Organization, which consisted of Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United States among other countries.
To defend themselves from a potential NATO attack, the Soviet Union created an alliance known as the Warsaw Pact in 1955. -
"The Forgotten War" - The Korean War
Youtube Video (Short Summary) Communist North Korea (supported by China at the time) planned an attack on South Korea, who were supported by the US. Canada was ranked 3rd in total aid to South Korea. About 25,000 Canadians were involved in the war before the truce was signed in 1953. Over 1,000 Canadians were wounded, and 406 were killed. -
The Suez Crisis
Due to a lot of interest in the Middle East by the world powers such as Britain, France, US, and the Soviet Union, many people sided with either the Arabs or Israelis. The Soviet Union sided with Syria, Egypt, and Iraq, while the US supported Israel. Egypt decided to take over the entire Suez Canal, which was bad for Britain and France since this meant that they would lose power and wealth. -
The Suez Crisis
France, Britain and Israel secretly agreed to attack Egypt to take back control of the Canal, while the Soviet Union sided with Egypt. Lester Pearson, Canada’s secretary of state for external affairs, called for immediate withdrawal of all invading forces in the area, and an end to the shooting as well. Canada provided 800 soldiers to the United Nations Emergency Force, which allowed for there to be peace in the area before being asked to leave in 1967 by the Egyptian Government. -
The Suez Crisis
1948, the United Nations recognized the new state of Israel. The Arabs refused to acknowledge Israel as it’s own state, and were determined to destroy it before they took over more land. In 1948, the Israeli forces defeated the Arab forces and took over more land. A truce was signed by both sides, and lasted until 1956. Lester Pearson, Canada’s secretary of state for external affairs, called for immediate withdrawal of all invading forces in the area, and an end to the shooting as well. -
Sputnik and Canada's Space Program
A Sputnik 1 News Report In 1957, the Soviets launched the first Sputnik satellite. The rocket that launched the Sputnik in orbit also had the ability to launch a nuclear warhead to North America, giving the Soviets a big advantage. The US responded to this by preparing themselves with long-range missiles known as ICBM’s (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles). The Soviets then built their own ICBM’s, still giving them the advantage. -
Continental Alliances: NORAD and DEW Line
The North American Air Defense (NORAD) agreement was signed in 1958. The agreement was make to have Canada and the US help defend each other.
Canada allowed the US to build several defense installations in the Northwest Territories in order to create the Distant Early Warning system (DEW Line).
Canadians criticized the government because after all the years of finally showing independence as a country, they felt that Canada was now back to relying on others (in this case, the US). -
Diefenbaker, Bomarc missiles and Nuclear Warheads in Canada
Diefenbaker opted for American Bomarc Missiles to be used for Canada’s defense instead of Avro Arrow’s, a decision that made many unhappy and resulted in the conservatives losing power in the next election. -
Avro Arrow and it's Cancellation
First Flight of the Avro Arrow The Avro Arrow was a supersonic, jet aircraft that was being developed and built by Canadians.As part of his dream of a strong and independent Canada, Prime Minister Diefenbaker cancelled the Avro Arrow’s production and use, and instead ordered ready-made Bomarc missiles for Canada’s defense.• Voters were not happy about this at all, as the cancellation had caused the economy to slow down and also resulted in 14,000 Canadians losing their jobs. -
The Cuban Missile Crisis
A Broadcast about the Cuban Missle Crisis The Soviets began building missile sites on the island of Cuba. This put all of North America in danger since from Cuba, the missile could hit anywhere in the continent.The Canadian government proposed to the US that instead of another blockade, it would be a better idea to send experts over to the suspected bases for examination. This was ignored however and the blockade continued.Eventually the Soviets called back the ships before reaching the blockade in the US. -
Canada-Soviet Hockey Series
The Final Game of the Series Canadian hockey teams playing the Olympics could not defeat Russia's teams. Since they were amateur teams though, Canadians still believed that no European team could win against a NHL team. In 1972, a series between NHL Canadian and Russian players was organized. Canada was shocked as Russia was mainly winning the games, however a goal was scored against Moscow in the final minutes in the final game. -
Vietnam War and Draft Dodgers in Canada
A draft dodger was an American soldier had a draft card which was illegal to burn, since it was the equuivalent of being conscripted. Many of these people did not want to fight in Vietnam, so they escaped to Canada and settled there. -
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
There was a wall that was splitting Western Germany and Eastern Germany and seperating the two, with Eastern Germany supporting communism. After many years, the wall opened up and people from both sides could cross through the border, some seeing their families for the first time in years. -
The Fall of the Soviet Union
Video explaining the fall of the Soviet Union The Soviets were spending too much money on military funding, causing them to lose a lot of money. People weren't seeing the benefit of a communist system, as their lifestyles weren't improving as promised.In August 1991, people grew tired of the communist system and kicked Gorbachez out of office to make way for a new system.
