World War II Homefront Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts and details from World War II homefront lecture notes.

Blackout

A blackout was when they cut out the electric power circuits during an air raid.

Halifax Blackout Rehearsal

Halifax had a blackout rehearsal due to the inauguration of air-raid precautions as they were likely to be the first target if airplanes came.

Air-Raid Shelter

Canadians were encouraged to maintain air-raid shelters in their basements in the event of an air attack.

Export Products

Ten products Canada exported during the war included wheat, arms, automobiles, meats, wood-pulp, nickel, newsprint, aluminum in bars, fish, and whiskey.

Cheese Export Growth

Canada’s cheese export nearly doubled from $15,723,486 in 1940 to $27,909,305 in 1945.

War Supply Board

The War Supply Board was formed to coordinate economic and industrial facilities, procurement of supplies, and production of munitions.

War Production Figures

During the war, Canada produced 16,000 aircraft, 900,000 rifles, 6,500 tanks, and 244,000 machine guns.

Women in Wartime Production

Around 500,000 women worked directly in wartime production, performing various roles.

Women's Job Roles

Six jobs women performed included ferrying air force bombers to Britain, driving ambulances, aiding the underground war, working in canteens, handling tools on equipment, and serving as nursing aids.

Requirements for Women Joining War

Women had to be 18-45 years old, single or married, with specific family conditions and good health to join the war.

Uses of Household Bones

Household bones were used to create glue for airplanes and glycerine for explosives.

National Maximum Speed Limit

The Canadian government set a maximum speed limit of 64 km/hr to save on rubber and gas.

Halting Civilian Automobile Production

The government halted production of civilian automobiles to redirect materials like rubber to the war effort.

Youth Contributions to War Effort

Young people contributed by buying War Saving’s Stamps, joining army cadets, and donating lead soldiers to be melted into munitions.

Japanese Canadians during the War

Japanese Canadians were moved to Interior Housing Centres, with their property confiscated and sold at auction.

Soldiers' Overseas Life

Three aspects included dealing with mosquitoes, hand-burying the dead, and hunting for meat despite it being forbidden.

Geneva POW Convention

It requires that names of POWs be sent to the International Red Cross, allowing them to receive mail and send limited letters.