Exam Review: Key Themes in Canadian History

Truth and Reconciliation

This refers to the process of addressing the historical and ongoing harms against Indigenous peoples, particularly stemming from the residential school system.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

The TRC in Canada listened to over 7,000 survivors of the Indian Residential School System for more than six years.

Calls to Action

The final report of the TRC, released in December 2015, includes 94 Calls to Action, with a significant focus on education (11 calls).

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

UNDRIP serves as an international framework for justice and reconciliation, now supported by Canada after initial opposition.

Residential Schools

These were government-sponsored religious schools that operated from the early 1830s until 1996, aiming to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.

Assimilation Purpose of Residential Schools

The explicit purpose was to 'kill the Indian in the child' by severing their ties to language, culture, and family.

Conditions in Residential Schools

Conditions were often harsh, with poor food, isolation, and physical, emotional, and sometimes sexual abuse.

Intergenerational Trauma

The residential school system is identified as a major cause of intergenerational trauma, poverty, and social issues within Indigenous communities today.

Elijah Harper

Recognized as an Indigenous leader significant in Canadian constitutional discussions, particularly noted for his refusal to approve the Meech Lake Accord.

Causes of WWI

The outbreak of World War I can be understood through the MANIA acronym.

Militarism

An aggressive build-up of military forces and weaponry by European powers, leading to an arms race.

Alliances

A complex network of defense agreements between countries, including the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance.

Nationalism

Intense pride in one's nation and the desire for national self-determination, often leading to rivalries.

Imperialism

Competition among European powers to acquire colonies and expand their empires, leading to disputes over territory and resources.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The immediate spark of WWI, occurring on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist group known as the Black Hand.

No. 2 Construction Battalion

A segregated, all-Black Canadian military unit formed during World War I, allowing approximately 624 Black men to serve overseas.

Francis Pegahmagabow

An Ojibway soldier from Ontario, highly regarded as a scout and sniper during WWI with an impressive record of 378 kills.

Trenches

These were deep ditches (about 2 meters deep) used as defensive positions on the Western Front, stretching nearly 1,000 kilometers across Belgium and northern France.

Life in the trenches

Characterized by constant mud, unsanitary conditions, and infestations of rats and lice.

Trench Fever

A disease caused by lice.

Trench Foot

A fungal infection from wet conditions.

No Man's Land

The area between opposing trenches, a deadly expanse of barbed wire and shell craters that soldiers had to cross during attacks.

Second Battle of Ypres

The first major battle involving Canadian troops, where Germany first used poisonous chlorine gas in April 1915.

Battle of the Somme

A prolonged battle from July to November 1916 where Canadian soldiers saw heavy action and captured the town of Courcelette on September 15, 1916.

Battle of Vimy Ridge

An April 1917 battle where the Canadian Corps seized key high ground, marking the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together.

Creeping barrage

An artillery tactic involving fire advancing with infantry used during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Battle of Passchendaele

A battle from July to November 1917 characterized by heavy rains and deep mud, where Canadian and British troops captured German positions.

Canada's Hundred Days

The final period of the war from August to November 1918, where Canadian soldiers led attacks into German defenses, advancing 20 kilometers in three days.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to prevent future wars through peaceful dispute resolution.

Treaty of Versailles

Signed on June 28, 1919, this treaty officially ended World War I and included harsh terms for Germany.

War Guilt Clause

A term in the Treaty of Versailles forcing Germany to accept sole blame for the war.

Reparations

Germany and its allies had to pay massive reparations of £6.6 billion / $33 billion USD for the damage caused during the war.

Germany's military restrictions

Germany was forbidden to have submarines or an air force, could have a navy of only six battleships, and an army limited to just 100,000 men.

Territorial losses of Germany

Germany lost territory in Europe, and its colonies were given to Britain and France, including the return of Alsace-Lorraine to France.

Germany's humiliation

Germany was shocked and humiliated by the Treaty of Versailles, which fueled resentment and contributed to future conflicts.

Schlieffen Plan

This was a German military strategy devised in 1905 to prevent a two-front war by rapidly defeating France (within six weeks by invading through neutral Belgium) before turning attention to Russia.

Internment Camps (WWI)

Under the War Measures Act (1914), the Canadian government gained sweeping powers, including the ability to imprison people without trial, leading to the internment of thousands of Canadians of German and Ukrainian heritage.

Famous Five / Persons Case

This refers to a landmark legal challenge initiated by five prominent Canadian women to legally define women as 'persons' under the British North America Act (1867), necessary for women to be appointed to the Canadian Senate.

Inventions (1920s)

In the 1920s, radios became extremely popular in Canada, connecting people across the country, while automobiles gave Canadians greater freedom and mobility, and insulin transformed the lives of diabetics.

Flappers

A cultural symbol of the 1920s, flappers were young women who embodied a new, unconventional lifestyle, challenging traditional norms with shorter hemlines, bobbed hair, and behaviors such as smoking and drinking.

Buying on Credit

During the prosperous 1920s, widespread 'easy credit' allowed consumers to borrow money for high-ticket items, contributing to consumer debt and investor speculation, significant background causes of the Great Depression.

On-to-Ottawa Trek

In 1935, unemployed men from federal relief camps in British Columbia organized to take their grievances to Ottawa, leading to the Regina Riot on July 1, 1935, where police attacked a public meeting.

Bennett Buggy

A car with its engine removed, pulled by horses, symbolizing the inability to afford gasoline during the Great Depression.

Bennettburghs

Shanty towns or 'hobo jungles' where the homeless lived during the Great Depression.

Bennett Blankets

Newspapers used for warmth by people with nowhere else to sleep during the Great Depression.

Statute of Westminster

Passed by the British Parliament on December 11, 1931, this act formalized Canada's legislative independence.

Winnipeg General Strike

In May 1919, over 30,000 workers in Winnipeg, including metal trade workers, went on strike to demand better wages and working conditions, culminating in 'Bloody Saturday' on June 21, 1919.

Black Tuesday

This refers to October 29, 1929, the day the Stock Market crashed in New York and other financial centers, causing the value of shares to plummet by $30 billion.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

As Prime Minister during WWII, King promised to avoid conscription for overseas service, later holding a plebiscite in 1942 to release him from this promise.

Women's Contributions (WWII)

During World War II, Canadian women entered the workforce in large numbers and around 50,000 enlisted in non-combat roles within newly formed female military divisions.

Battle of Hong Kong

In December 1941, Canadian troops were sent to defend Hong Kong against the Japanese invasion, ultimately surrendering on Christmas Day, 1941.

Battle of Dieppe

The August 1942 raid on the German-held French port of Dieppe involved over 5000 Canadian troops and aimed to gather intelligence and test invasion techniques.

Canadian Campaign in Sicily and Italy

From 1943-1945, Canadian troops participated in 'Operation Husky,' the Allied invasion of Sicily, and continued fighting in Italy after the Italian surrender.

Battle of Ortona

In December 1943, Canadian forces captured the heavily defended city of Ortona after fierce house-to-house combat, suffering significant casualties.

National Resources Mobilization Bill

Implemented in 1940, this bill allowed conscription for home service only, reflecting King's initial stance on conscription during WWII.

Plebiscite of 1942

A vote held by King to determine whether he should be released from his promise to avoid conscription, with majority Anglophone support and Francophone opposition.

Bloody Saturday

The culmination of the Winnipeg General Strike on June 21, 1919, where police and the RCMP violently dispersed a demonstration.

Great Depression

A global economic downturn triggered by the Stock Market crash on Black Tuesday, leading to widespread unemployment and factory closures.

Japanese Imperial rule

The oppressive regime under which Canadian POWs endured brutal conditions after the surrender at the Battle of Hong Kong.

Operation Jubilee

The code name for the failed raid on Dieppe in August 1942, which aimed to gather intelligence and test new invasion techniques.

Operation Husky

The Allied invasion of Sicily in summer 1943, aimed at trapping German and Italian forces.

Technical jobs in war industries

Roles taken on by Canadian women during WWII, including positions in aircraft and munitions production.

Female military divisions

Newly formed units during WWII that included women serving in non-combat roles such as nurses and drivers.

Significant Canadian Battles (WWII)

A collection of key military engagements involving Canadian forces during World War II, including Hong Kong, Dieppe, and Ortona.

Casualties at Dieppe

The heavy losses suffered by Canadian troops during the failed raid on Dieppe, which provided crucial lessons for future operations.

Resentment among Québécois

The feelings of discontent among French-Canadian populations due to King's decision to send conscripts overseas despite initial promises.

Government-funded daycare

Support provided to working women during WWII to facilitate their entry into the workforce.

Lower pay and limited roles

The conditions faced by women who contributed to the war effort in various capacities during WWII.

Battle of the Scheldt

After capturing Antwerp, the Allies needed control of the Scheldt River to access the port for supplies, leading to five weeks of intense fighting that included amphibious assaults and mine clearing.

First Canadian Army

Tasked with clearing the heavily defended riverbanks during the Battle of the Scheldt.

Juno Beach

On June 6, 1944, as part of Operation Overlord, 15,000 Canadian troops were assigned to capture Juno Beach, establishing a crucial foothold for the Allies in France.

Operation Overlord

The massive Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Holocaust

The systematic annihilation of six million Jews by the Nazi regime in Europe between 1933 and 1945.

Final Solution

The official Nazi policy for the complete and mass annihilation and extermination of the Jews and other targeted groups, decided at the Wannsee Conference on January 20, 1942.

Wannsee Conference

The meeting where the Final Solution was decided on January 20, 1942.

Death Camps

Six major camps established in occupied Poland for the systematic murder of victims, primarily through gas chambers.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

A major death camp where up to 8,000 people were gassed per day.

Canada's treatment of Japanese Canadians

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese-Canadians faced severe discrimination, forced into internment camps under the War Measures Act.

Pierre Trudeau

Served as Prime Minister, championing individual freedoms and a Charter of Rights, and faced challenges with Quebec nationalism and separatism.

Official Languages Act

Passed in 1969, making Canada officially bilingual.

Repatriation of Canada's Constitution

Incorporated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982.

White Paper

A proposal by Pierre Trudeau to abolish the Indian Act and integrate Indigenous peoples, later withdrawn due to opposition.

Lester B. Pearson

Prime Minister from 1963-1968, introduced significant social programs and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

Canada Pension Plan

A significant social program introduced by Lester B. Pearson.

Canada's national flag

Adopted in 1965, played a key role in its creation was Lester B. Pearson.

Nobel Peace Prize

Awarded to Lester B. Pearson in 1957 for his role in resolving the Suez Canal Crisis by proposing the first UN peacekeeping force.

UN General Assembly

Lester B. Pearson served as president and contributed to various UN agencies.

World Health Organization (WHO)

An agency Lester B. Pearson contributed to during his time in international service.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Another agency Lester B. Pearson contributed to during his time in international service.

1972 Summit Series

This is listed as a topic for review, but the provided sources do not contain specific information about the 1972 Summit Series.

Quiet Revolution

This refers to a period of rapid and profound social, economic, and political change in Quebec, roughly from 1960 to 1966. Led by Premier Jean Lesage and his Liberal government, its slogan was 'Maitres chez nous' (masters in our own house). Key reforms included: nationalization of hydro-electricity (creating Hydro-Quebec), modernization of the education system (removing it from church control), and the implementation of progressive social and labour laws. This period fostered a strong sense of Quebec nationalism and autonomy, leading to the rise of separatist movements.

October Crisis and War Measures Act

In October 1970, the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ), a Quebec separatist terrorist group, kidnapped British Trade Commissioner James Cross and later Quebec Minister of Labour Pierre Laporte. In response, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act on October 16, 1970. This act granted the federal government emergency powers, including the right to suspend civil liberties and arrest people without charge. While the crisis led to the end of the FLQ's violent activities, it caused significant controversy over civil rights and further intensified the debate over Quebec's place in Canada.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

Negotiated by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and US President George Bush Sr., NAFTA came into effect in 1989 (with Mexico joining in 1990). It established a free-trade region across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, aiming to drop cross-border tariffs and facilitate trade in areas like energy, investment, and financial services. The agreement was renegotiated in 2018 and ratified in 2020 as USMCA.

Meech Lake Accord

Proposed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1987, this accord aimed to bring Quebec into the 1982 Constitution by recognizing Quebec as a 'distinct society'. It also included provisions for provincial input on Supreme Court appointments and amendments to the Constitution. It ultimately failed when not all provincial legislatures, notably Manitoba and Newfoundland, ratified it by the deadline, partly due to opposition from Indigenous groups and public dissatisfaction over the 'distinct society' clause.

Charlottetown Accord

A subsequent attempt to achieve constitutional consensus after Meech Lake in 1992, this accord proposed even broader changes, including Aboriginal self-government, Senate reform, a new division of powers, and a 'Canada Clause' that affirmed Canada's values and Quebec as a 'distinct society'. It was put to a national referendum but was resoundingly defeated by Canadian voters, who found it overly complex and believed it gave too much (or not enough) to various groups.

FLQ (Front du Liberation du Quebec)

A radical separatist terrorist group formed in Quebec in 1963. The FLQ sought to achieve Quebec independence through violent means, including bombings and the kidnappings that led to the October Crisis in 1970.

Suez Canal Crisis

In 1956, after Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, British and French forces intervened, leading to international tensions and threats from the Soviet Union. Canadian External Affairs Minister Lester B. Pearson proposed the solution of sending a United Nations Emergency Force to de-escalate the conflict. This innovative approach to international peacekeeping earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

NATO vs. Warsaw Pact

These were the two main military alliances during the Cold War, reflecting the ideological division between Western democracies and the Soviet bloc.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

Formed in 1949, Canada was a founding member, alongside the US, Britain, and other Western European nations. It was a collective defense treaty, stating that an attack on one member was an attack on all. Its primary purpose was to deter Soviet aggression.

Warsaw Pact

Formed in 1955, this was the Soviet Union's counter-alliance with its satellite states in Eastern Europe (e.g., East Germany, Poland, Hungary). It served as a military means for the Soviets to control Central and Eastern Europe.