Impact of WWII on Canadian Society

What was the time period of World War II described in this note?

1939–1945

What is the main thesis about World War II's impact on Canada?

WWII transformed Canada’s economy, military, politics, and society, strengthening national identity while exposing inequalities.

When did Canada declare war in WWII, and what was significant about it?

September 10, 1939; it was Canada's first independent war declaration. Mackenzie King avoided conscription to maintain French Canadian support.

What powers did the War Measures Act grant during WWII?

It allowed censorship, detention, bans, rationing, and wage control.

What was the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and what was its cost?

It was a program that trained pilots and aircrew from across the Commonwealth, costing 1.5 billion.

How did WWII transform Canada's economy?

It led to rapid industrialization, with 28 Crown Corporations producing ships, planes, and ammunition. Wage and price controls (under C.D. Howe and Jack Granatstein) stabilized the economy.

What were some key homefront contributions in Canada during WWII?

Victory Bonds, scrap drives, volunteering, and Victory Gardens.

How many Canadians served in the military during WWII, and what were some key battles?

1.1 million Canadians served; key battles included Hong Kong, Dieppe, Italy, Normandy, and Scheldt.

How did Indigenous people participate in WWII?

At least 3,000 enlisted, demonstrating patriotism and resilience.

What was the role of women in the military and workforce during WWII?

Over 50,000 served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, RCAF Women’s Division, and Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service. Over 1 million women worked in factories, farms, and airfields, with Elsie MacGill symbolizing their contributions.

Describe the conscription challenges Canada faced during WWII.

Prime Minister Mackenzie King initially resisted conscription for overseas service, but a 1942 plebiscite and the 1944 Conscription Crisis forced deployment, leading to incidents like the Terrace Mutiny of 1,500 soldiers.

How were Japanese Canadians treated during WWII, and what did this expose?

23,000 Japanese Canadians were interned under harsh conditions, which, as Audrey Kobayashi pointed out, exposed the fragility of civil liberties during national crises.

What was the historical significance of WWII for Canada?

Canada's industrial power increased, women's and Indigenous participation expanded, and national identity strengthened, while existing inequalities remained. It laid the foundation for postwar prosperity.

What did J.L. Granatstein emphasize regarding Canada's war declaration and C.D. Howe?

He noted Canada’s independent declaration of war showed growing independence from Britain and also emphasized C.D. Howe’s effective industrial management.

What did Jack Granatstein highlight about Canada's wartime production?

He highlighted that centralized wartime production allowed Canada to produce military equipment faster than almost any other nation.

What did Audrey Kobayashi point out regarding Japanese Canadian internment?

She pointed out that Japanese Canadian internment “exposed the fragility of civil liberties during national crises.”