How Did The Second World War Affect Canada
The Second World War sparked Canada’s economic boom while drastically changing its political landscape, which moulded Canada into the country we know today. Both factors brought Canada back to life after the Great Depression, which assisted in creating an economically and politically stable nation. Before the war, Canada was suffering a financial crisis, infamously known as “The Great Depression," where millions of Canadians lost their jobs and savings. However, due to the onset of WWII, the economic collapse was dissipated by countless job opportunities offered to support the war: providing materials, artillery, gear, and more. What we know of our country today would not have been possible without the advancements and shifts in values presented
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Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King would serve as Prime Minister from 1921–1948, witnessing the Great Depression, WWII, and a short period after the war. Prior to the war, King was unwilling to support Canadians during the recession, causing major controversy and backlash. This, however, did not end his career, lasting another nine years. However, during WWII, William contributed to the war efforts in a multitude of ways, one of which was enabling a war strategy of limited liability (directing Canadians towards producing resources rather than enlisting). Regardless, around half a million soldiers joined and served in Canada’s First Canadian Army. Prime Minister King also invoked the Defence of Canada Regulations. Hand in hand with the War Measures Act, anyone who sided with the enemy would be detained. Even Montreal’s mayor, Camillien Houde, was jailed for provoking the idea of King bringing back conscription. King also faced political challenges against other Canadian leaders, like Premier Maurice Duplessis, who feared Quebec’s power being stripped from Ottawa’s war policies, which eventually led to the resignation of Duplessis. Furthermore, Canada built a strong connection with the United States for the first time because of Britain’s weak economy and military, which led King to conclude a free trade agreement with
Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King would serve as Prime Minister from 1921–1948, witnessing the Great Depression, WWII, and a short period after the war. Prior to the war, King was unwilling to support Canadians during the recession, causing major controversy and backlash. This, however, did not end his career, lasting another nine years. However, during WWII, William contributed to the war efforts in a multitude of ways, one of which was enabling a war strategy of limited liability (directing Canadians towards producing resources rather than enlisting). Regardless, around half a million soldiers joined and served in Canada’s First Canadian Army. Prime Minister King also invoked the Defence of Canada Regulations. Hand in hand with the War Measures Act, anyone who sided with the enemy would be detained. Even Montreal’s mayor, Camillien Houde, was jailed for provoking the idea of King bringing back conscription. King also faced political challenges against other Canadian leaders, like Premier Maurice Duplessis, who feared Quebec’s power being stripped from Ottawa’s war policies, which eventually led to the resignation of Duplessis. Furthermore, Canada built a strong connection with the United States for the first time because of Britain’s weak economy and military, which led King to conclude a free trade agreement with