Canada During & After the second world war

1. Canada During & After the second world war

2. Social Effects • Government restricts unions, but labour shortage allowed unions to demand many rights. • C.D. Howe (Minister of Munitions and Supply) lost battle with unions. • Government involvement in people’s lives increases – CCF party helps bring about social reform. • Growth of left wing parties encouraged social changes such as: unemployment insurance, social assistance, and family allowance.

3. Social effects • Women achieved greater recognition for their contributions to the war effort. • Canada became more tolerant by accepting refugees from Europe. • A “baby boom” and a significant wave of immigration occurred. • 42,000 people lost to the war.

4. Conscription as a Social and Political Issue • Mackenzie King promises no conscription at the beginning of WWII. • As the war progressed the need appears great, and many Canadians support the idea. • National Mobilization Act – gives gov’t special powers (like the War Measures Act). • Conscription allowed only for home defence. • Plebiscite held in April 1942; majority voted yes except in Quebec.

5. Conscription as a Social and Political Issue • King reluctantly allows conscription stating “Not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary”. • Most conscripts were not sent overseas until 1944. • Quebec Provincial gov’t passed a law condemning the Fed gov’ts decision. • This help to fuel poor relations between Quebec and Fed Gov’t. • Only 2463 conscripts ever reached the front.

6. Political effects • Gained an international reputation and established itself as a middle power. • Canada had a role in the creation of the UN • Troops recognized for: Hong Kong, Dieppe, Normandy, Italy, Liberation of Holland. • King averted a conscription crisis and managed to maintain strained English-French relations. • Government began to intervene more and strengthened the social safety net. • Contributions of black and aboriginal peoples advanced the cause of civil rights.

7. Economic effects • Inflation – “too many dollars were chasing to few goods”. • Victory bonds (James Ilsley – Minister of Finance) • Wartime Prices and Trade Board (1941) – froze wages. • Food rationing. • Economy boomed after the war. • Industry and manufacturing grew to overtake agriculture as the most important economic sector.

8. The end of world war ii • Canada’s contribution to the war was enormous: • Human lives(45,000) • Billions of dollars • Canada received a new role on the world stage • Canada had built the world’s third largest navy and fourth largest air force. • The war stimulated Canada’s economy and helped to bring it out of the depression of the thirties. • Although many Canadians were killed, wounded, or captured, WWII became a defining point in the development of Canada’s identity.

9. Final Thoughts • Is Conscription ever justified? • What are the pros and cons of conscription? • Is war ever justified? • Can war be justified whatever the method used?