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Effect of world war 2 in canada on economic growth
World war 2 effect on canada
World war 2 effect on canada
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The result of the Second World War fundamentally changed Canada and its economy started booming. There are many reasons for this change and if you remember, World War I also made a big impact on the development of Canada. However, in the next few paragraphs I will talk about how Canada gained much more respect and autonomy from the Second World War than ever before and also the change from a country into an industrialized nation.
After greatly contributing to the war, especially in the Battle of the Atlantic, Canada ended up having the 3rd largest navy and 4th largest air force. Now, for such a small nation of only around 11 to 12 million, this was a large military force. Since Canada had done so well in the war (already their second world war as a country) Canada started to grow further and further apart from Mother Britain. There was a feeling a greater sense of pride and a more nationalistic notion. Canadians everywhere no longer saw themselves as British, Scottish, or American, they were Canadian. Canada was now a respected country, and I might add, a pretty powerful one too.
Canada also became a leader internationally as well. With such an enormous military contribution during the war, other countries began to recognize the success of Canada. People wanted to know more about Canada. Consequently, the war advanced Canada’s sense of identity.
Before the war, Canada’s most important sector in its economy was agriculture. However, this was changing drastically after and during the war as industry began to take over as being more important. Canadian production of war material, food supplies, and raw materials had been crucial during the war. After the war, it was only natural that big investments were being made in mining, production, transportation, and services industries. Canadian cities were becoming very important contributors to the economy. This was also bringing in waves of post-war immigration, the backbone of Canada’s multicultural society we know today.
Because of Canada’s boost in the industrial economy and its status in World War II, job options were abundant. By 1942 there was a full employment as hundreds and thousands of Canadian men and women found work in war industries.
Before the General Strike, the Canadian government was fully invested in WWI, whereas most Canadian citizens were not; the dissonance urged industrial workers to unionize. From the beginning of Canada’s involvement in the Great War, their industrial complex mass-produced supplies and armaments for the Allied Powers. Most Canadian citizens had no qualms with the shift in the job market until there were not enough workers to produce the basic material goods necessary within Canada’s borders. The citizens began to form groups, seemingly in opposition of the government and its advocacy for war. To the Canadian government, this was incredibly concerning, presenting the possi...
By 1936 there were an estimated 35,000 unemployed veterans in depression-era Canada. In response to the need implied by this statistic, the government established the Veterans’ Assistance Commission, which sought to equip unemployed veterans for jobs and provide at least some of them with work.
One would have to admit that World War One did give Canada a reputation and Canadians pride. Canada’s accomplishments in the war, notably the victory at Vimy Ridge and Canadian troops holding against the German attack in the Second Battle of the Ypres, not only gave Canadians a reason to be proud of their country, but also let other countries to see that Canada was a very helpful and useful. Also, Canada representing itself in signing the Treaty of Versailles increased Canadian pride and further showed Canada’s contribution to the war. However, this increased Canadian pride and reputation came at a heavy price. As
The accomplishments of the Canadian army brought respect from other countries to Canada. The victory of Vimy Ridge brought confidence to the Canadian Army. The Battle of Vimy Ridge affected Canada considerably.
Canadians were frustrating, wonderful, and hard. Soldiers returning from the war expected jobs, but were faced with unemployment, inflation and strikes. Inflation had doubled the cost of living where wages had not and those fortunate to be employed still faced immense financial difficulty. Many people joined unions for better pay and working conditions, 1919 saw the most strikes at a staggering three hundred and six, people were angry and discontented. The 1920s were a time of crime corruption and extreme poverty, yet by mid era difficult conditions began to improve. Foreign investors gained confidence in Canada and as a result new industries were developed, The twenties really did 'roar' and with this boom of change Canada underwent the transformation that was the gateway to the future.
The events of July and early August 1914 are known as the sparks that lit the explosion of World War I. Uneasy tensions that had been boiling beneath the surface of Europe for many years soon erupted and with that several alliances that were formed over the past decades were invoked, so within weeks the major powers were at war; via their colonies, the conflict advanced rapidly. When war officially broke out in 1914, Britain joined in the defense of Belgium and in reaction to Germany's violation of the treaty in which the countries neutrality was to be respected by all other nations. Upon this Britain requested that all dominions of the British Empire, including Canada were to fight on its behalf. Canada’s involvement in the War changed history, deepening our independence, strengthening our right the self govern and opening a gap between the French and English-speaking populations. Canadian's were a great asset in WW1, and it marked the beginning of independent Canadian forces fighting under a Canadian-born commander. On August 5, 1914, the Governor General declared a war between Canada and Germany.
Canada's sacrifices and contributions to the war changed its history and enabled them to become more independent and they friendship with Britain grew stronger and stronger. Canada was first inducted into the World War 1 when Britain declared war on Germany, August 4, 1914. Canada being allies with Britain had to support those in the war even know they weren’t in there and fighting all on the front they were backup just in case the German soldiers broke through the trenches and head towards France. Later on the Governor General also declared war on Germany but the Canadians fought under the ruling of a Britain commander. The achievements of Canadian military during the First World War came during the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele battles and what later became known as "Canada's Hundred Days". They help fight for the freedom and peace for the small village of Passchendaele and however as it was a muddy hell, they still persevered throu...
Canada’s contribution to the war effort, especially at Vimy Ridge earned the country international respect and emerged from the war as a country more independent from Britain, to illustrate; Canada won a separate seat at the Paris Peace Conference and signed the peace treaty as a separate nation, which marked a start in Canada’s autonomy from Britain. Borden demanded Canada have its own seat because Canada had fought longer and supplied more troops than other countries, and for the first time Canada was recognized as an independent nation. Also Canada was given representation in the new League of Nations. Furthermore, in terms of economic impacts of the Great War on Canada, for one, produced a boom in Canada’s industry: steel and munitions production and manufacturing rose dramatically. During the war almost everyone could find a job. The Canadian economy relied on industry as well as agriculture, lumbering, fishing and mining. Canada had been changed from an agricultural economy into a growing industrial
During the war, Canada provisioned England with food, ammunitions, medical supplies, and other armaments without charge. During the Second World War, the Canadian Navy became the third largest in the world and escorted the convoys of supplies across the North Atlantic. As supported by historian Edward O. Gurrant, Canada greatly financed the Allies, contributing about three billion dollars to Great Britain. Canada and the United States cooperated closely in the Second World War as both nations were determined to defeat the Axis Powers. On August 1940, Canada’s Prime Minister William L. M. King and Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the Permanent Joint on Defense. When the U.S. entered the war, the Canadian aircraft industry supplied some of training aircrafts and flying boats the U.S. needed. Although relationships between Canada and the U.S were bitter prior to the war, it drastically improved post war. As stated by Roosevelt, “Our closest neighbors are good neighbors”. In stating so, he infers that it would only prove to be beneficial to the U.S. if it improves relations with its neighboring countries. As seen through the media, Canadians became deeply familiar with the United States during the Second World War. During the war, many United States citizens wanted to join Canadian air force, while Canadians wanted to join the U.S. army. During the Italian Campaign in 1943, the first Canadian infantry division advanced into the mainland of Italy and played a major role in pushing Germans back to Ortona. Over 76,000 Canadian soldiers fought alongside the Allies in Italy and played a major role in the campaign's success. Therefore, without the cooperation and military contribution of Canada during the war, the Second World War would not have ended as successfully as it
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
One of the most significant changes was economic development. The war had changed Canada’s economy greatly both during and after the war. After the war, Canada transitioned from a war based production economy, to a peacetime supply and demand economy. New jobs were created in different sectors of the economy. As R.B Bennett said in a speech “By any economic test you may employ, Canada is more prosperous today than it was two years ago...” (Bennett, Richard Bedford, 1870-1947) Canada’s manufacturing industry had grown which allowed it to become a leader in industries such as automotive manufacturing and chemical processing. Besides manufacturing, many other sectors of the economy gained success. For example, the production of newsprint became Canada’s largest industry after agriculture. Moreover, the Prairie Provinces enjoyed huge success with wheat. New mining discovers were also made in the 1920’s. By 1929, Canada was producing almost 80 percent of the world’s supply of nickel. Furthermore, the 1947 discovery of oil in Alberta made Canada a petroleum superpower. The growth of manufacturing changed the global perspective on Canada and gave Canadians a significant
Canada’s contributions in the Boer War, World War One and World War Two are well documented. The Canadians helped in the Boer War from 1899-1902, World War One from 1914-1918 and World War Two from 1939-1945. Many Canadians were killed in these three wars. Just over more than 7000 Canadians were sent out overseas to help out in the Boer War (this included 12 women nurses).1 Approximately 65 000 soldiers died in World War One.2 (see Appendix 2) Approximately 45 000 died in World War Two.3
Between 1900 and 1929, Canada had the world’s fastest growing economy with only a sharp but brief recession during world war one. The 1920’s had been a successful period of growth. The living standards were improving remarkably. Before the First World War, the American stock market was small and a relatively unimportant part of Canada’s economy. This suddenly changed bringing the onset of the great depression in the late 1920’s when the economy took a severe and devastating turn; affecting the lives of Canadians for nearly a decade.
As Canada entered the post war period (1946 - 1967), the experiences of the Second World War and its aftermath had dramatically changed the attitudes of Canadians towards foreigners and immigration. Canada began to transform from a nation of closed doors to one that was beginning to open them. For the majority of the war
According to Reader’s Digest, “Canada mobilized with amazing speed: A division of 30, 000, every man a volunteer, was sent to England in October. There were bond drives and women knitted socks and sweaters and went to work in factories. More and more volunteers went overseas, and almost missionary zeal, Canada rose to help the challenge, “the Hun”, and make the world safe for democracy.” When World War 2 broke out, Canadians rushed to help in any way they could, whether through direct military involvement, or indirectly, such as the use of drives to generate money to fund the allies. Many countries did not have a choice to go war against the Triple Alliance as they were in the center of it. However, Canada did have a choice to limit their involvement. Influenced by the British, and their loyalty to them, Canada as a country did help the war effort, but it was the people of Canada who went out of their way to help the allies win the war, even if it meant sacrificing their lives or working longer hours for less pay.