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Canada takes an independent stance, declaring war a week after Britain. This decision marked Canada’s shift from colonial dependency to independent global actor. -
Canada produced 800,000+ military vehicles, 16,000 aircraft, 348 merchant ships, tanks, munitions, synthetic rubber and uranium. Wartime economic transformation and elevation of women's roles. This was throughout the whole war. -
Royal Canadian Navy and merchant fleet escorted over 25,000 convoys, moving 165 million tons. Very important for sustaining Allied strength in Europe. -
Safe training ground in Canada, over 134,000 aircrews trained by 1944. Canada played an important support role by training aircrews safely away from the front lines. -
Canadian troops (Winnipeg Grenadiers, Royal Rifles) fought bravely but surrendered, becoming POWs. Shifted Canadian focus to Pacific theatre, highlighting global involvement. -
4,900 Canadians attacked in the Dieppe Raid, nearly 60% casualties. Even though they failed, vital lessons shaped D-Day strategies. -
Canadians took part in Sicily invasion and brutal house-to-house combat at Ortona. This shows all of the soldiers hardships in foreign terrain. -
15,000 Canadian troops landed, secured and advanced inland despite strong resistance. Pivotal in the release of Western Europe. -
Canadian forces helped free Holland and towns like Zwolle. This event makes us think about how civilians were protected during the war and how soldiers were expected to act. This happened for more than a year. -
First Canadian Army cleared estuary to open Antwerp supply lines. Highlights logistical battles overshadowed by combat operations. This Battle lasted about a month. -
Germany officially surrendered on May 7, and May 8 was declared Victory in Europe Day. Canadians across the country celebrated the end of the war in Europe. Over 1 million Canadians had served, and more than 45,000 lost their lives. The end of the war marked a major moment in Canadian history, showing how deeply the country had contributed to victory and how it emerged with a stronger global identity.