Modern Canadian History Feb 24th

Overview of Topics Covered

  • Enjoyment of the break and reflections on teaching

  • Upcoming guest lecture on the Cold War

  • Due dates for assignments and opportunities for extensions

  • The connection between Canadian history and the World Wars

Canadian History and the World Wars

  • Exploration of darker aspects of Canadian history, particularly pertaining to the World Wars

  • The textbook provides insight into Canada’s role in the Second World War, especially the narrative of Canadian troops as shock troops during D-Day.

  • Personal anecdotes discussing family experiences in World War II, including the impacts of relatives’ participation in the war.

The Home Front During the World Wars

  • Focus of this lecture on the home front during World War II rather than on the war itself.

  • Discussion of social dynamics, particularly the role of women in the workforce and the ramifications post-war.

  • The internment of individuals as a crucial topic, tracing its roots back to World War I.

The War Measures Act

  • Passed in 1914, provides the Canadian federal government with powers during wartime to:

    • Suspend civil rights of groups deemed a threat to the war effort.

    • Target groups suspected of espionage or opposing the war.

  • Examples of groups affected by the Act include:

    • Residents in Quebec opposing conscription during the conscription crisis.

    • Religious minorities like Mennonites who oppose military service.

    • Members of leftist political parties like Communists after the Russian Revolution.

    • Immigrants from enemy nations, especially Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Internment Policies in Canada

First World War Internment (1914-1918)

  • Government proclamation established before the War Measures Act, leading to the detention of many

    • Detained many enemy aliens, primarily Germans and Austrians, with many being Ukrainians (termed Ruthenians at the time).

  • Of 80,000 enemy aliens, approximately 8,500 were interned, with Ukrainians being the largest group.

  • Details on how immigrants were surveilled, restricted in their freedoms (voting, carrying firearms, publishing in other languages).

Second World War Internment (1939-1945)

  • The revival of the War Measures Act and the introduction of the Defense of Canada Regulations.

  • Powers granted to:

    • Suspend civil rights, surveil, intern perceived threats, and censor media.

  • Major groups targeted included:

    • German and Italian immigrants, especially those with ties to fascism.

    • Japanese Canadians, subjected to presumption of collective guilt rather than concrete evidence.

  • Legendary figures in internment discussions, e.g., Mayor Chameleon of Montreal.

Impacts and Realities of Internment

  • Internment camps were staffed primarily by World War I veterans, known as Veterans guards.

  • Outlined conditions endured by internees including forced labor, poor living conditions, and the loss of property due to internment.

  • Specific cases of wrongful internments were mentioned, highlighting injustices faced by individuals wrongly accused.

Japanese Canadian Internment

  • Influences of racism against Asian immigrants in British Columbia and the specific targeting of Japanese Canadians.

  • Events leading to internment after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

    • Thousands had fishing boats confiscated, schools and newspapers shut down, and were forced into camps.

  • Reference to significant political meetings shaped by anti-Japanese sentiment, with British Columbian politicians amplifying fears of Japanese Canadians.

    • The paradox of broader views that Japanese Canadians did not pose a threat vs. strong political pushes for internment.

Post-War Realities and Long-Term Impacts

  • After the war, internees faced harsh choices, losing homes and properties as the government sold them off.

  • Discussions surrounding refugee policies during and after the war, particularly regarding Jewish refugees from Europe.

    • Historical data on Canada’s treatment of Jewish refugees as some of the worst among nations during that time.

  • The deep-seated prejudices that persisted in Canadian society post-war, affecting multiple minority groups including indigenous and Black veterans.

Key Statistics and Comparative Data

  • During World War II, approximately 24,000 individuals were interned by Canada, surpassing numbers from World War I.

  • Comparative casualty rates mentioned:

    • Canada: 0.38% of its population.

    • The USA: 0.32%

    • The British Empire: 0.94% (including colonies).

    • The Soviet Union: Close to 14%.

    • Poland lost 17%.

  • Jewry's plight detailed with historical accounts revealing the magnitude of horrors faced by European Jews during Nazi rule.

Reflections and Connections to Present

  • Summary of lessons from internment practices and the impacts on society.

  • Call for students to engage in critical discussions around the lecture's themes, considering historical prejudices and contemporary implications.

Final Remarks

  • Opportunity for students to ask questions or comment on the lecture.

  • Reminder of the significant guest lecture on the Cold War to come next week.