Canada and the Cold War

When the fighting ended in Europe it was clear that the “uneasy alliance” between the Soviet Union and the western democracies would not last. The explosion of the atomic bomb in 1945 made the secrets of this weapon of vital importance to the Russians. A spy ring was uncovered in Canada in September of 1945 when Igor Gouzenko a Soviet cypher clerk handed vital information to the RCMP.Igor Gouzenko

North American Air Defence The cold war led to an expansion of the arms race and the development of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. North America was now just as vulnerable to Soviet attack as was western Europe. In 1958 the United States and Canada formed NORAD to co-ordinate the air defence of the continent.NORAD

North American Air Defence II The headquarters of this organization were located in Colorado Springs. An American was placed in overall command but supported by a Canadian deputy commander. Radar warning systems in Canada’s arctic were constructed to provide early warning of impending Soviet attack.

The United Nations and the Korean Conflict

The United Nations Canada was a very involved member of the United Nations Organization. We were members of all thirteen of the Specialized Agencies. Between 1947 and 1967 we were three times a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

The Korean Conflict In 1945 Korea had been divided at the 38th parallel of latitude.

The Korean Conflict II In the north a Communist government held power while in the south the Americans supported the government of Syngman Rhee. On June 25, 1950 the forces of North Korea struck across the border in an effort to unite the country under a Communist government.

Korea and the United Nations The United Nations Security Council was able to act without fear of the Russian veto because the Russian representative had absented himself. Troops were authorized in a “police action” to drive the North Koreans out of South Korea. The major contributor of troops was the United States but Canada, along with many other nations, sent over 25,000 soldiers and sailors to fight in Korea.Canada, along with many other nations, sent over 25,000 soldiers and sailors to fight in Korea.

North Korean attack across 38 th parallel, June, Pusan perimeter held by UN forces. North Korea occupies most of South Korea. UN forces attack and capture Inchon, September, UN forces advance to Yalu River. Chinese Communists counter attack driving UN troops back across 38 th parallel, November, Korea

Suez Crisis 1956

Egypt under the leadership of Colonel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal Company and began guerrilla attacks on neighboring Israel. The Israelis struck back in October of 1956 and were supported in this military action by Britain and France. Canada refused a British request for support in this very unpopular conflict.

The Suez Crisis 1956

Suez Crisis 1956 Suez Crisis 1956 II Lester Pearson Lester Pearson was Canada’s Secretary of State for External Affairs and very opposed to the British and French decision to go to war in Egypt. He believed that the United Nation’s motion for a cease- fire was inadequate and proposed that an international United Nations force be sent to the region.

Suez Crises III Pearson’s idea for a United Nations Emergency Force Pearson’s idea for a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was accepted and our contribution of 800 men and the first force commander - General E.L.M. Burns - was of great importance. Lester Pearson’s role in this crisis earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.Nobel Peace Prize The crisis marked a further distancing of Canada from Britain. Pearson returning home after accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

Canada’s Importance as a Peace Keeping Nation Since 1956 Canada has continued to contribute small numbers of troops to various parts of the world where problems have been experienced.Canada has continued to contribute small numbers of troops to various parts of the world where problems have been experienced These included Lebanon , Cyprus – 1964, andCyprus – 1964

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization The response of the West to the growing fear of Soviet power and the rhetoric of the cold war resulted in the formation of NATO in Canada was one of the organizers of this alliance and an original memberCanada was one of the organizers of this alliance and an original member. Membership in the alliance forced Canada to dramatically increase its military budget.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland Joins Canada 1949 Newfoundland and Labrador became the tenth province of Canada on April 1, Newfoundland’s entry into confederation was led by Joey Smallwood - in the face of considerable resistance from the anti-confederationists.Joey Smallwood The “baby bonus” was very attractive to large Newfoundland families and this allowed Smallwood to convince Newfoundlanders of the economic benefits of joining Canada.