Second World War (WWII)

The Path to War

• Memories of WWI influenced Canadian aversion to another war.
• Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King initially supported appeasement of Hitler.
• The Munich Crisis shifted opinion towards war against Nazism.
• Canada was inclined to join Britain if involved in a major war.

Declaration and Mobilization

• Germany's attack on Poland in 1939 led to war declarations by Britain and France.
• Canada's war declaration was delayed to maintain neutrality temporarily.
• War declared after Parliament approved support for Britain and France.
• Initial rejection of conscription for overseas service.
• Military expansion following Allied defeats in 1940.

Dieppe, Hong Kong, and Italy

• Canadian Army expanded to five divisions overseas by late 1942.
• Participated in Dieppe Raid and Defence of Hong Kong.
• 1st Canadian Infantry Division joined the attack on Sicily in 1943.
• Heavy engagement in the Sicilian campaign and Italian mainland.
• Canadian forces broke Gothic Line in Italy, suffering heavy casualties.
• 1st Canadian Corps moved from Italy to Northwest Europe in 1945.

The Normandy Campaign

• First Canadian Army played a key role in Operation Overlord (Normandy Invasion).
• Canadians landed on Juno Beach on D-Day.
• Participated in breakout from Normandy bridgehead and Battle of Falaise.

Belgium, Holland, and Germany

• Canadian Army cleared coastal fortresses and battled in the Battle of the Scheldt.
• Major operation in 1945: Battle of the Rhineland.
• Liberated parts of the Netherlands and advanced in Germany.
• Campaign cost Canadian Army 11,336 fatalities.

The Air Campaign

• RCAF managed British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
• 48 RCAF squadrons overseas by German surrender.
• Established No. 6 (RCAF) Bomber Group for night bombing.
• RCAF squadrons served in multiple theaters, facing high casualties.

The Naval War

• Rapid expansion of the Royal Canadian Navy.
• Role in convoy protection and battles with U-boats.
• Canadian Northwest Atlantic Command established in 1943.
• Participated in multiple campaigns including Normandy landings.

The Industrial Contribution

• Canada’s industrial output increased significantly during the war.
• Major producer of military vehicles and aircraft.
• Financial assistance to Britain through billion-dollar gift and mutual aid.

Atomic War

• Limited Canadian role in atomic energy development.
• Uranium supply from Great Bear Lake.
• Canada involved in Anglo-American atomic agreements.

Relations with the Allies

• No significant role in wartime strategy.
• Stronger ties with the US, led to the Ogdensburg Agreement.
• Hyde Park Declaration: economic cooperation with the US.
• Concern over US influence and projects in Canada.

The Conscription Issue

• Conscription question caused political issues in Canada.
• 1942 plebiscite led to conscription for overseas service being considered.
• 1944 reinforcement shortages pushed conscription issues further.

Making the Peace

• Limited Canadian role in the peace process.
• Signed treaties with Italy, Hungary, Romania, and Finland.

Cost and Significance

• War expenditure was significant, impacting Canada’s economy.
• Over 1 million Canadians served, nearly 44,000 died.
• Strengthened national unity and economic capacity.
• Established Canada as an independent middle power.