How Did Ww2 Affect Canada

World War II had the largest armed forces involved and was the “most traumatizing and frightening” (Arthur, 103) war of all time. There were about 72 million deaths worldwide during WWII but only 45400 were Canadians (Neary, Peter, 137). With all the death and violence that occurred during World War II there were a few promising things as well. World War II positively affected the development of Canada because the war created more job opportunities which created more money in the economy, Canada has become more independent since participating in the war, and it created a massive baby boom which stabilized the economy. All this helped shape Canada as a nation and brought Canada out of its Depression.

During the Great Depression,
World War II entirely changed the world’s view of Canada. Since participating in the war was a choice, many Canadians thought that it was foolish to join another war when they were still living the consequences of the first but still Canadian men and women enlisted in the army showing patriotic love for their country. Canada started to gain respect and honor with their participation in the war. They contributed $16 billion in total and $10 billion was spent on war productions (Bolotta, Angelo). By the end of the war Canada had the 3rd largest navy and the 4th largest air force (Claude Bélanger). The more money that Canada gained through war productions and trades meant more power was being gained for the country as well as a National
“More babies were born in 1946 than ever before: 3.4 million, 20 percent more than in 1945,” (Jones, Landon.). This massive baby boom stabilized the economy of Canada, creating a sustainable prosperity. There were even more jobs and many immigrants to fill those positions. Most ammunition and war factories transformed into industries that created appliances for baby boomers. Some products were Barbie dolls, G.I. Joe and Mr. Potato Head (Owram, Doug). With this increase in population there were many daycares, hospitals, schools and child-care. Life Insurance companies started to catch the eyes of young parents causing them to invest and spend a large amount of money. The boomers were the most educated and the healthiest because of the immigrants and veterans of World War II that took over jobs as teachers and doctors. The more money spent means the more money that will return to the citizens. To this day the baby boomers have always been the largest consumers; they have become some of the largest and richest owners of private businesses across Canada (Adams, Michael). The baby boomer have helped balance Canada’s economy and prevented another Depression from starting.

Many things in World War II affected Canada but the positive effects are what developed Canada. The increase in jobs created passage that got Canada out of the Great Depression. Participation in World War II brought Canada a National Identity