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Quebec's Padlock Law
Intended to prevent the dissemination of communist propaganda. That anyone could propogate communism or bolshevism. A violation of the Act was ordered closed by the Attorney General. -
Spies in Canada: Gouzenko Affair
Gouzenko testimony finally releasedGouzenko was a Russian Spy. Gouzenko was assigned to the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa. While living there him and his family were going to be sent back to Russia, then Gouzenko offered the Canadian Government secret documents exposing the work of Soviet Spies. Soviet agents attempted to kidnap him but Canadian Officials stopped them and 18 of the 39 people named were convicted of criminal activities. Gouzenko and his family went into hiding. -
Berlin Blockade
Berlin BlockadeSoviet Union attempt to block all supply lines to West Berlin. The blockade failed because of the Allies organizing an airlift to provide the food and supplies that West Berlin needed badly. Although it failed the Soviet Union succeeded in raising tensions with its former allies.Canada and the US began to discuss plans to defend North America from Soviet Aggression. -
International Alliances: NATO
Canada and the US were very concerned about National Security when the Soviet Union openly committed to spreading it's Communist System. NATO is a defense pact intended to protect members against further Soviet aggression. In 1962 the Canadian Government refused to allow nuclear weapons on Canadian Soil and when a new Government was elected in 1963 this decision was reversed and then again in 1971. -
"The Forgotten War" (Korean War)
Canada in KoreaIn 1950 North Korea who was supported by China decided to attack South Korea. Canada was ranked 3rd out of 16 to aid South Korea. Nearly 25 000 Canadians saw action before the truce in 1953 and over 1000 Canadians were wounded and 406 were killed. Canadian troops were asked to stay in South Korea until 1955 to help maintain an uneasy truce. -
Suez Crisis
In Egypt the Suez Canal was an important waterway connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas to the Indian Ocean. Then Egyptian leader General Nasser took over full control of the Canal. This meant a loss of power and wealth for the British and French owners if the Canal. -
Suez Crisis Solution
The solution to this problem was found by Lester Pearson, Canada's Secretary for External Affairs. It was to be an immediate end to all shooting and the creation of a special UN peacekeeping force to monitor the withdrawal of invading forces and to patrol the border areas. This was accepted by Canada and provided 800 soldiers, the single largest contribution by any nation. Lester Pearson became PM in 1963. -
Sputnik and Canada's Space Program
LaunchSputnik satellite launched by the Soviets. The Satellite could also be used to deliver a nuclear warhead to any spot in North America. American spy planes took photos of Soviet missiles being made in Cuba which could be launched to hit any major city in North America. President Kennedy imposed a naval blockade around Cuba. Canada suggested that rather than a blockade that all sites suspected as missile bases should be examined by independant experts. The blockade remained & ships turned back. -
NORAD
North America needed a better defense system. So in 1958 the North American Air Defense Agreement was signed. Canada and US agreed to defend each other in NORAD terms. Canada permitted the Americans to build lots of defense installations in the Northwest Territories to create the Distant Early Warning System AKA DEW Line. -
DEW Line
StoryIt can pick up approaching enemy aircraft and missiles from 4800 km away. If anything is detected station personnel alert NORAD Headquarters located 400 m under solid granite near Colorado Springs. Canada's defense plans were in American hands. -
Avro Arrow and it's Cancellation
Avro Arrow was planned to be built by Canadians. The cancellation cost 14 000 Canadians their jobs. The Canadian economy began to slow down. Conservative party began to weaken after losing the election in 1963 to the Liberals. -
Diefenbaker, Bomarc Missiles and nuclear warheads in Canada
Diefenbaker became the Canadian Prime Minister in 1958. He scrapped the Avro Arrow and replaced it with ready-made American Bomarc Missiles for Canada's defense. Warheads were not allowed in Canada. -
The Cuban Missile Crisis
Cuba had been building Soviet Missiles which American spy planes spotted. A naval blockade was put around Cuba to sto Soviet ships from delivering missiles. American schoolchildren were having attack drills at the time. The threat of war was over after the Soviet ships eventually turned back. -
Canada vs Soviet Hockey Series "Summit Series"
Between Russians and a Canadian team full of NHL players. It was tied 3-3 going into the final game. Paul Henderson scored the series winning goal giving a huge boost to Canada's National Pride. Many Canadians today still remember where they were when the goal was scored. -
Draft Dodgers & Vietnam War
Draft Dodgers, Canada and the Vietnam War
Although Canada did not fight in the war they definitely were involved. Canadian enlistment in the US Army during the Vietnam era far surpassed the 30,000 who fled as draft dodgers to Canada. -
Fall of Soviet Union
Gorbachev a communist reformer was appointed General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985. This lead to the death of 3 previous Soviet leaders in 3 years. He had lots of reforms and the three major ones were glasnost, perestroika and democratisation. These allowed to problems of the USSR to become public knowledge. -
Fall of Berlin Wall
Announcement made by East German government official Günter Schabowski stated, "Permanent relocations can be done through all border checkpoints between the GDR (East Germany) into the FRG (West Germany) or West Berlin." People were in shock. People were entering the Berlin Wall from each side and some of them started chipping at it with hammers and chisels. East and West Germany turned into a single german State.
