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The Start of the Cold War
Growing out of post-World War II, the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted for much of the second half of the 20th century resulted in mutual suspicions, heightened tensions and a series of international incidents that brought the world’s superpowers to the brink of disasterand extensive propoganda campaigns. -
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Igor Gouzenko exposed the Soviet Spy Ring
On this day Gouzenko walked out of the soviet embassy with top secret files about a spy ring in the soviet embassy because he wanted to defect to Canada. This is important because it allowed Canada to get rid of the Soviet spy ring and be more aware in future situations. -
The Formation of NATO
Most countries including Canada, practised a policy of isolationism. Allies preferred not to get involved in conflictd that didn't concern them, but after the war, the countries had to re-evaluate their international commitments. Therefore 12 nations promised to defend eachother if the Soviets ever attacked them stopping any chances of the Soviets launching an assault. -
The Colombo Plan
Canada helped in developing the Colombo Plan. It was a plan to aid economies in Europe, it also provided financial and technical support to the developing countres of the commonwealth. -
Korean War
The Soviet Union controlled North Korea and they sent a North Korean army to attack South Korea because the Soviet Union supported a communist regime in North Korea but the Americans supported a democratic republic in South Korea.Eventually North and South Korea agreed to stop fighting. This is important because it is one of many unofficial battles between the US and the Soviets during the Cold War. -
Suez Crisis
President of Egypt (President Nasser) decided to take over the suez canal from Britain and France but they didn't want to give up the Suez canal route which was very vital for eastern trade and travel.The action caused Britain, France and Isreal to attack Egypt. The soviets threatened to send missiles to support egypt. The UN ordered all foreign troops to leave Egypt. This is important because Lester B. Pearson (future PM) persuaded the United Nations to organize it's first peacekeeping mission -
Canadian National Healthcare
With the social programs in Canada improving, the 1960s introduced what would be known as our 'trademark', free National Healthcare. The Medical Care Act of 1966 officially provided universal health care coverage for every Canadian citizen. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
These missiles if launched could hit the most major cities in the US and Canada. Cuban dictator Fidel Castro threatened to launch missiles into major U.S. cities. This resulted in a week long crisis. The US and the UN reached an agreement with the soviets where they would remove the missiles and the USA wouldn't invade Cuba. This is important because it is regarded as the time where the cold war was the closest to degenerating into nuclear warfare. -
Bill 22: Making French Mandatory
Preserving the French language had become a major concern for Quebec's political leaders. it was enforced that:
- all offical documents and contracts be written in french
- businesses communicate in French with their emplyees
- all public signs be in french
- Students were taught a different language once their French was fluent -
Bill 101: Prohibiting the Use of English
Bill 101 strenghened Bill 22 by adding more regulations. With few exceptions, it effectively banned the use of english in government and business in the province of Quebec.
