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Second World War Began In Europe
The Second World War was a significant event for both Canada and the world. It officially began in Europe on Sep. 1st, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, rising a global conflict that deeply affected political, social, and economic structures worldwide. Canada’s involvement during the war marked a turning point in its national identity and international standing, highlighting its growing importance on the world stage. -
Wartime Prices And Trade Board (WPTB)
The Wartime Prices and Trade Board was established by the Canadian government on September 3rd, 1939. It was created to control inflation and ensure goods are shared fairly during war time.
It had kept inflation low during the war time but however, after the war, public criticism grew, leading to the board’s dissolution in 1951. -
Canada Declared War On Germany
Seven days after Britain and France declared war on Germany, Canada followed with its own official declaration. For the first time, Canada made this decision independently. It was a major step showing that Canada was becoming its own nation. This moment also marked the beginning of Canada’s full commitment to the Second World War and its growing role on the world stage. -
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)
In 1940, Canada made an agreement with Britain, Australia, and New Zealand to train Allied aircrew on Canadian soil, known as the BCATP, the program trained over 130,000 airmen from across the Commonwealth.
To support the program, Canada built dozens of airfields, produced aircraft and equipment, and covered most of the cost. This program became one of the country’s largest wartime efforts and a historically significant example of how Canadian industry supported the Allied war effort. -
Ogdensburg Agreement
The Ogdensburg Agreement was a military deal made between Canada and the United States in August 1940. It established the Permanent Joint Board on Defence, allowing both countries to work together on military planning and protect North America from enemy attacks. This agreement marked a turning point in Canadian–American defence cooperation and showed Canada’s growing partnership with the United State. -
Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
Japan launched a surprise military attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. It was aimed at weakening the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The Hong Kong garrison of 14,000 included 2000 Canadians...The Canadians took 700 casualties, including 300 killed. -Randy Barber The next day, Canada declared war on Japan, showing their support for the Allied and deepening their military commitment, also in defense of their own soldiers. -
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Battle Of Hong Kong
About 1,975 Canadian soldiers fought alongside British and Indian troops against a Japanese invasion of Hong Kong. This was the first time Canada took part in a land battle during the Second World War. The Allied forces were outnumbered and poorly equipped, and 290 Canadians had been killed in the battle, another 264 died over the next four years. This battle revealed the harsh realities of war and became a significant early example of Canada’s sacrifice and involvement in global combat. -
Dieppe Reid
The Dieppe Raid, also known as Operation Jubilee, was a major Allied assault on the German-occupied port of Dieppe, France. About 5,000 Canadian soldiers took part, along with British and a few American troops. However, the raid was poorly planned and ended in failure, with heavy losses. Despite the tragedy, it taught important lessons about planning large-scale attacks, which later contributed to the success of the Normandy landings, also known as D-Day in 1944. -
Hyde Park Agreement
The Hyde Park Agreement was signed between Canada and the United States to strengthen their economic cooperation during World War Two. It allowed Canada to increase the export of war materials to the United States and other Allied countries without restrictions. This agreement boosted Canada’s wartime production and solidified the close economic and military partnership between the two countries, highlighting Canada’s growing industrial role in the Allied war effort. -
Invasion Of Sicily
The Invasion of Sicily, also known as Operation Husky, was a Allied campaign and marked Canada’s first major battle in Europe during the Second World War. About 26,000 Canadian troops took part in defeating German and Italian forces. This operation was a turning point that demonstrated Canada’s growing military strength and commitment.
Sicily was a natural route to mainland Italy and the European continent going back in history to the Punic Wars between Carthage and Rome. -
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Battle Of Ortona
The Battle of Ortona was a fight between Canadian and German forces in Italy during the Italian Campaign. Canadian troops fought through narrow streets and buildings in intense urban combat. Despite suffering heavy casualties, their success in capturing the town helped the Allies continue their advance through Italy. -
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Liberation Of Netherlands
Between late 1944 and May 1945, Canadian and Allied forces fought to free the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Because of their efforts and sacrifices, including over 7,600 Canadian deaths, German forces surrendered on May 5, 1945, ending five years of occupation. This caused great relief and freedom for the Dutch, who now celebrate Liberation Day every year to honor the bravery of Canadian soldiers. -
D-Day: Juno Beach
Canadian soldiers played a crucial role in the largest Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. The 2nd Canadian Infantry Division was assigned to land on Juno Beach, one of five designated landing sites. Despite facing strong German defenses, Canadian troops advanced farther inland than any other Allied force that day. Their success secured an important foothold for the liberation of France and strengthened Canada’s national pride and international reputation. -
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Battle Of Aachen
The Battle of Aachen was one of the first big battles fought by Canadian soldiers in Germany during World War II. Aachen was a city in Germany near the border, Canadian and American troops fought hard against strong German resistance. After tough fighting, the Allies took control of Aachen. This was an important step in moving into Germany and weakening the Nazi forces. It showed Canada’s growing role in the last part of the war. -
World War Two End In Europe
World War Two in Europe ended in May 1945 after nearly six years of intense fighting. Canadian soldiers played a key role in the final push into Germany, helping liberate towns and cities from Nazi control. On May 7, 1945, Germany officially surrendered, marking Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). This victory brought relief and celebration across Canada and around the world, but it also reminded everyone of the heavy sacrifices made during the war. -
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VE-Day Riots (Halifax Riot)
The VE-Day Riot happened during VE celebrations in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After people heard that Germany had surrendered, thousands gathered to celebrate. However, the celebrations quickly turned violent when large crowds became chaotic, leading to fights and property damage. The riot revealed the tensions and challenges cities faced during the transition from war to peace. "It was terrifying"-Grant -
V-J Day
Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on August 15, 1945, marked the brought the closure of the war in the Pacific. Canadians celebrated across the country, expressing relief after years of fighting. However, in some cities, celebrations turned violent, leading to riots and arrests. VJ Day symbolized the long-awaited peace and the complex emotions that followed the end of the war. -
Official End Of Second World War
The Second World War officially ended on September 2, 1945, when Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri. This came after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and brought an end to the most devastating conflict in history. Canada celebrated the war’s conclusion with relief and pride, honoring the sacrifices of its soldiers and recognizing its important role in the Allied victory.