Canada and the Cold War: IB HOA Paper 3 Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary terms and their definitions related to Canada's involvement in the Cold War and its implications.

Gouzenko Affair

Event in 1946 where Soviet cipher clerk Igor Gouzenko defected, exposing a Soviet spy ring in Canada.

Pearsonian Internationalism

An approach to foreign policy shaped by Lester Pearson emphasizing collective security and mediation in conflicts.

Canada's role in NATO (1949)

Canada became a founding member aimed at containing Soviet expansion and fostering unity among Western allies.

Korean War (1950–1953)

Conflict in which Canada sent 26,000 troops, becoming the 3rd largest UN contingent and solidifying its role as a global peacekeeper.

UN Emergency Force (UNEF)

First real UN peacekeeping mission during the Suez Crisis, conceived by Pearson to create a buffer between conflicting forces.

NORAD (1957)

Canada-US defense pact formed to protect against Soviet air attacks, featuring joint command and deployment of nuclear-armed missiles.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

Crisis marked by Diefenbaker's emphasis on UN intervention over US military response, straining relations with President Kennedy.

Diefenbaker and Civil Rights

Diefenbaker's government focused on civil rights, including the Canadian Bill of Civil Rights and support for First Nations' voting rights.

Agent Orange Scandal (1981)

Public outrage over the testing of Agent Orange at CFB Gagetown, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.

Indochinese Boat People

Refugees from Vietnam, with Canada admitting 60,000 refugees from 1979–1980, surpassing US intake.