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First World War
Britain declared war on Germany because of their invasion of Belgium. Canada participated in the war as part of the British Empire. Canada contributed to Britain’s strong support; they had enlisted 619,000 Canadians in the Canadian Expeditionary Force for service overseas. https://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/going-to-war/canada-enters-the-war/canada-at-war/ -
Progress or Decline
As the war was fought for liberal freedoms, the war had united most Canadians. It had exposed many contradictions such as high inflation, broken promises to farmers, and the separation of society and language. 61,000 Canadians were killed during the war. I would rate this a +2 because equality got more common, economy excelled, and patriotism got stronger due to support.
https://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/after-the-war/legacy/the-wars-impact-on-canada/ -
Canada Declaring War On Japan
After Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan entered the war attacking the British, American and Dutch in Asia and the Pacific. Canada's role was fought on the allies side, supporting them with military units and personnel. As tension with Japan grew, Canada feared that the West Coast would be their next attack. Canada declared war on December 7th, 1941 on Japan and even while Japanese submarines lurked around the coast, they never majorly attacked. -
Progress or Decline
Japan surrendered in 1918, concluding the war that killed 50 to 80 million people. Canada gathered a stronger voice after the war but were saddened at the cost of the reparations. I would rate this a -1 because this had caused huge damages and discrimination/racism between the two. https://www.warmuseum.ca/war-against-japan/ -
Opening of The St. Lawrence Seaway
The St. Lawrence Seaway is a navigational channel from the Atlantic Ocean to all the Great Lakes. In 1954, the U.S. and Canada started to work on the $470 million needed project. Canada had provided almost three quarters of the total amount. -
Progress or Decline
Canada’s trades and goods are reliably transported by ships that run along this seaway. It greatly supports the North America economy. I rate this a +2 because this transportation helps easily supply resources for what we now need in everyday life such as buildings, roads, and energy that provide us with power. https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/consultations/st-lawrence-seaway-review-what-we-heard -
Henderson's Score for Canada
In the eighth hockey game of the 1972 Summit Series with Canada and the Soviet Union, 34 seconds remained when Paul Henderson scored. He had earned Canada the final win with his strategic and heroic play. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/hendersons-1972-winner-canadas-iconic-sports-moment/ -
Progress or Decline
This historic series became Canada's national heritage and they were able to claim themselves as number one in hockey. Hendersons play is unforgettable to most Canadians today and an icon that aspiring hockey players look up to. I would rate this a +2 because this moment opened a gateway to development of hockey with teams both learning from each other. This changed the game of hockey dramatically and made more people today interested in the sport. -
The North American Free Trade Agreement
Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. participated in The North American Free Trade Agreement making them the largest free market in the world. This treaty was made to get rid of trading tax and expenses between nations, protect artistic property rights, and help environment or economic problems as a whole. Canada had a large percentage of merchandise exports of 77.8% to which they donated to their treaty partners. https://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/north-american-free-trade-agreement-nafta.html -
Progress or Decline
The North American Trade Agreement has been extremely beneficial to Canada's economy today. It had opened new transport opportunities, investment by attracted nations, and made the economy more innovative and a challenge. I would rate this a +2 because the agreement between these countries strengthen unity, economy, and maximization. The cooperation allows factories from all three to do more than sell things together and start manufacturing.