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The Battle of the Atlantic
This was Canada's longest military engagement of the Second World War. This battle was fought by men and women of the Canadian Merchant Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. More than 4,600 courageous service men and women lost their lives at sea. This event is significant because Canada showed leadership and loyalty to Britain fighting the nazi's. This is progress because the world looked at Canada as a stronger nation. -
Germany Invades Poland
Adolf Hitler sent the German army into Poland. This event is significant because it was seen by some as the start to WW2. This event showed decline because Canada like other countries didn't take Germany as seriously as they should have as a threat to global peace. -
Canada Declares War on Germany
Seven days after Britain and France declared war Canada declared war against Germany. Even though Canada was obligated to go to war along side Britain, we declared a week later as an active independence. This is significant because it showed they could make choices on their own as a country. This was progress for Canada because it helped strengthen their identity and showed independence. -
Canada Declares War on Japan
Canada declares war on Japan one day after the attack on Pearl Harbour. Pearl Harbour was the Japanese attack on American soil as a result the government uses the war measures act to order the removal of all Japanese Canadians on the Pacific Coast. This was significant because Canada used the war measures act. This showed decline because the war measures act significantly limited the rights of some (Japanese Canadians) citizens. -
The Dieppe Raid
Started August 19, 1942. It was the bloodiest single day for Canadas Military in World War 2. Almost 5,000 Canadian soldiers who took part in this raid on France more than half became casualties. Sadly, a total of 916 Canadians would lose their lives. This was significant because the number of casualties were huge and lots of mistakes were made. This represents progress because Canada was able to learn from these military mistakes since Canada was ale to learn from their battles later on. -
Japanese Canadian Internment
Thanks to the war measures act, over 20,000 Japanese were interned in Canada. 75% of them were Canadian citizens. They remained in camps for all of the second world war. This was significant because although Canada has been known as being a fair country they showed very poor treatment for Japanese Canadians at this time. This was decline because Canada had the opportunity to treat them better at this time but chose not too. -
D-Day
June 6, 1944 Canada and allied forces landed at the beaches of Normandy, France in attempt to take over the western front. It was one of the turning points of the war. 14,000 Canadians landed at Juno Beach, and were successful in defeating the Germans, This was important because this battle was the battle that signified winning the war. This was progress because Canada took a leadership role on Juno Beach showing their independence. -
VE Day
This day is the end of WW2 in Europe. The germans surrender to the allies. This date was significant because it marked the end of the war. This showed progress because we won the war.