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The Nazis at Hitler's command invaded Poland, sparking the Second World War
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A week after Britain declared war on Nazi Germany, Canada went to war on Britain's side. The delay was a demonstration of Canadian independence from Britain.
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Vancouver shipyards, as well as many other Canadian industries gear up for war.
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26 May – 4 June 1940 The Nazi German troops had trapped the Allied forces at Dunkirk, resulting in a large scale evacuation, which was largely considered a military disaster.
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Nazi, fascists and communists were declared illegal in Canada as they posed a threat to the war effort.
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The Battle of Britain was the war fought in the sky of the British Isles, the first campaign to be entirely fought this way. It was primarily the bombing of Britain that ruined landmarks, displaced people and destroyed infrastructure. People suffered from PTSD long after the bombs stop.
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July 10th - October 31st, 1940 Buckingham Palace was bombed during the battle of Britain
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Women in the army showed both an increased tolerance for women in the war effort, but it also reflected the demand for workers at the time.
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The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour brings a threat to the Canadian West Coast.
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Pearl Harbor’s attack was an act of war from Japan. In response, the US declared war on Japan and joined the World War.
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The Battle of Dieppe was primarily a Canadian invasion of the Northern coast of France to battle the German strongholds. Almost 60% of the invading forces, made up of 5000 Canadians and 1000 British troops, were killed, wounded or captured.
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Due to a need for troops, Canada introduced conscription via a plebiscite. French Canadians were generally against conscription, and voted 72.9% against the plebiscite. English Canadians were generally in favour, with 83% voting in favour.
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In an attempt to end German occupation, Allied forces went to shore in Normandy. Out of 150 000 troops, 14 000 were Canadians playing a crucial role in the success.
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The liberation of Paris was made possible with the participation of Canadians in other cities, creating a path to the French capital.
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September 1944 - April 1945 The First Canadian Army fought Nazi forces, freeing up the port of Antwerp for Allied use and making the liberation of the Netherlands possible.
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15 - 23 April While Canada did not participate directly in the invasion of Berlin, this event signaled the end of the Western portion of the war, and was followed by the Japanese surrender on August 15th
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The Germans surrendered unconditionally to the Allied powers.
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Canada decided to inter all foreigners with suspected affiliation with enemy nations. This included immigrated Japanese, despite their lack of connection to their country of origin. The conditions in internment camps were terrible, and the foreigners lost their possessions.
