Timeline: Canada: Conflict and Cooperation

Aug 4, 1914

Britain Declares War on Germany -2

In 1823, Britain signed a treaty that guaranteed Belgium's neutrality and independence. As a result of Germany's preparations to invade Belgium. Britain declared war on Germany to protect Belgium’s neutrality, and because Canada was a part of the British Empire, they were automatically at war as well. During the war, Canada formed four divisions to provide reinforcements, each earning a solid reputation as a fighting force. A total of 619000 Canadians enlisted, with over 60 000 of them dying.

Aug 4, 1914

Britain Declares War on Germany Pt2

Canada's significant contribution to the victory in World War I instilled a sense of national pride in the country, giving it a greater say in international affairs. Yet, Canada had a gross national debt of up to $2 1/2 billion dollars in 1919, as a result of public war loans after the war. Furthermore, due of the lasting consequences of WWI, it contributed to the Great Depression, prompting me to give this event a -2 rating.

Aug 4, 1914

Britain Declares War on Germany Pt 3

WWI caused Canada to have numerous economic problems. Also, after WWI ended, it helped cause the Great Depression in the 1930s, which made life difficult in Canada. Our country was in financial ruin, and millions of Canadians were hungry, homeless, and jobless. This era was also known as the Dirty Thirties. I believe that Canada lost more than what it gained, so I stand by my rating.

Jul 18, 1932

The St. Lawrence River will be built into a seaway +2

Canada and the United States agreed to turn the St. Lawrence River into a seaway (This is the St. Lawrence Seaway) that connects to the Great Lakes. Construction started on August 10, 1952 and opened on June 26, 1959. The St. Lawrence Seaway was going to be built as a binational partnership between the two countries. In addition to that, it was going to be built to allow ships into the Great Lakes (promote trade/development), allow transportation to the interior of North America, and more!

Jul 18, 1932

The St. Lawrence River will be built into a seaway Pt 2

The St. Lawrence Seaway was also a hydroelectric project to harness one of the worlds most important rivers. Canada’s part of this waterway was between Lake Ontario and Montréal. This plan costed Canada more than 600 million and they built two canals and five locks for the navigation portion of this project. The seaway officially opened and it is now a vital waterway. It had a major economic impact on Canada and the U.S, one of the most heavily used international trade routes and more.

Jul 18, 1932

The St. Lawrence River will be built into a seaway Pt 3

This seaway provided many benefits: it’s a major source of hydroelectric energy to both countries, made trading between the two countries more efficient as it’s cost effective, reliable, and more. Even though this plan flooded 15,400 hectares, 9 communities and more, I stand by my rating as Canada solved those issues and we gained so much. We got renewable energy, brought thousands of jobs to Canadians, generated billions of economic activity and more.

Aug 19, 1942

The Dieppe Raid +1

This was a Canadian and British raid on the French port of Dieppe. Operation Jubilee was the name given to this raid. They raided the port to test Germany's defences, test new equipment, and gain knowledge/experience for a massive amphibious attack that would be required to defeat Germany in the future. The vast majority of the raid's perpetrators were Canadians. Approximately 5,000 of the 6100 troops were Canadians.

Aug 19, 1942

The Dieppe Raid Pt 2

Despite the fact that the raid lasted only about 9 hours, it resulted in the deaths of over 900 Canadian soldiers and the capture of another 1874. According to some people, this raid was critical to the success of the continent's invasion two years later on D-Day. The Dieppe Raid was a pivotal moment in World War II. This raid was thoroughly researched in order to plan future attacks against the enemy-held coast of France. (Continued from Part 3)

Aug 19, 1942

The Dieppe Raid Pt3

Due to that, they were able to improve their techniques, strategies, and other aspects, allowing them to keep D-Day casualties to an unexpectedly low level. As a result, I choose +1 because they learned important lessons during the raid that were critical in saving many lives, but at the same time it also feels like those who fought were pointlessly murdered.

Jan 1, 1994

The North American Free Trade Agreement comes into effect +1

NAFTA was a controversial trade agreement that gradually reduced most tariffs and other trade obstacles between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This created a free trade zone between the three countries. After being inspired by the success of the European Economic Community, the NAFTA founders sought to reduce tariffs and promote trade in North America with this agreement — which they did!

Jan 1, 1994

The North American Free Trade Agreement Pt 2

Canada lowered their tariffs drastically (like on agricultural products) and Canada’s trade doubled with the U.S between 1993-2016. NAFTA gave Canada greater access to Mexican markets in areas like banking, advertising and more. NAFTA lives on as a new agreement called USMCA. I give this event this rating as although there were benefits, Canada has been hit by multiple economic recessions, which overshadowed any positive benefits that NAFTA might have had.

Jan 1, 1994

The North American Free Trade Agreement Pt 3 continue of rating

Furthermore, little happened in the labor market that significantly impacted the outcome of Canada’s participation in the treaty. Therefore, although we made progress and gained some benefits, NAFTA was kinda useless so that’s why I chose this rating.

Oct 7, 2001

Afghanistan's Anti-terrorism Mission -1 or -2

Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced that Canada would join an international anti-terrorism mission in Afghanistan. (This was also the War in Afghanistan). In 2001, there were terrorists attacks against the U.S. In response, prime minister Jean Chretien pledged our complete support making us join the mission. They were fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan which had housed the group that attacked America. This was Canada’s longest war, and first major combat since the Korean War.

Oct 7, 2001

Afghanistan's Anti-terrorism Mission Pt 2

More than 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces served over the 12-year campaign. 165 Canadians died in the battle, and many Canadian veterans of the conflict were diagnosed with PTSD. This event gets a -2 or a -1 from me. Apart from enhancing Canada's reputation, tight ties with the United States, and commitment to NATO military, I don't believe we achieved much from this mission.

Oct 7, 2001

Afghanistan's Anti-terrorism Mission Pt 3

Some Canadians died as a result of a friendly fire, and more than 175 Canadian military personnel committed suicide between 2010 and 2020. Hundreds of Canadians died and I believe we lost more than what we gained.

Dec 10, 2021