Canada in the Postwar Period The COLD WAR (1945-1989) Canada in the Postwar Period

Learning goals By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: describe what the ‘Cold War’ was, and how it affected Canada explain the main differences between communism and capitalism assess Canada’s contribution in world affairs during the postwar period

Minds On Imagine you were forced to go into hiding in preparation for a nuclear attack. What would you take with you? Make a list with a partner or independantly.

Here’s what the Canadian Civil Defence Organization recommended in 1960: Battery operated radio; emergency food and water supplies for 14 days; bedding; flashlight; first aid kit

Postwar Tensions Both the U.S. (and Canada) and the Soviet Union fought against Germany during WWII Both countries did not trust one another however – major ideological differences Both emerged as ‘superpowers’ after WWII – one communist and one capitalist

Communism vs. Capitalism Characteristics Capitalism/Democracy Communism/Dictatorship 1. Political Decisions - made by an elected government - made by one person who rules the state by force 2. Economic Decisions - made by many investors and entrepreneurs 3. Private Property - many individuals own private property - the state owns most property 4. Wealth Distribution - varies between different economic classes - divided fairly evenly by the state

Did you know?... The term ‘Cold War’ was first used in 1945 by writer George Orwell in an essay (Who can tell me about Orwell?)

The nuclear ‘arms’ race… What was the ‘Cold War’? Period of tensions between U.S. and USSR – no direct war though The two superpowers would use any means, short of directly fighting, in their struggle for world supremacy Tension increased when the Soviets stole the secrets for the atomic bomb The nuclear ‘arms’ race…

How was the Cold War fought? threats; propaganda competition (sports –Olympic Games, race for space, arms race) indirect ‘hot’ wars (Vietnam, Korea…) espionage (spying)

Did you know? Although the U.S. was the first country to put a man on the moon in 1969, the U.S.S.R. won the race for space by launching the first artificial earth satellite into orbit (Sputnik) in 1957

The nuclear arms race…then and now

What happened? Soviet leader Joseph Stalin refused to withdraw troops from Eastern Europe after WWII(ex. Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary) Communism was spreading – and Stalin repressed any opposition (ex. gulags) America and Great Britain follow a policy of ‘containment’ – to try to stop the spread

Iron Curtain – an imaginary dividing line in Europe between democratic counties and communist countries

Did you know? The term ‘Iron Curtain’ was coined by Sir Winston Churchill in a 1946 speech about the growing rift between the East and West.

Primary Source: Truman Doctrine “At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life…one way of life is based upon the will of the majority…The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority…I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.” U.S. President Harry Truman, 1947 speech

Collective Security Many countries formed alliances due to fear of nuclear war: UN – formed after WWII to prevent wars… NATO – U.S., Canada, GB, France formed to protect against Soviet expansion NORAD – U.S., Canada to protect against Soviet attack Warsaw Pact – USSR, other communist countries

Canada’s involvement How were Canadians affected by the Cold War? Canadian radar stations: DEW Line; Mid-Canada Line; Pinetree Network How were Canadians affected by the Cold War? cancelled Avro Arrow in favour of the Bomarc B missile attack-warning systems (radar) setup across Canada created ‘what to do’ pamphlets and video (ex. Duck and Cover) est. Civil Defence College for adults and teens fought w/U.S. in Korean War

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKqXu-5jw60

Espionage – the ‘Man Behind the Mask’ Canada was rocked by spy scandal in 1947 Igor Gouzenko (Soviet Spy) stole secret documents from Ottawa He wanted to ‘defect’ (leave the USSR for good), but needed protection – RCMP reluctantly agreed Exposed Stalin’s efforts to steal nuclear secrets, and many of his ’sleeper agents’ Significance? Launched the Cold War for the general public…

The Brink of Nuclear War In October, 1962, U.S. discovers Soviet nuke’s in Cuba Huge threat! Could reach as far as Canada from there… U.S. threatens war if Soviets don’t take them back Naval blockade to stop ships from bringing more…world prepares for war! Diefenbaker refuses to put Canada on full alert – upset U.S. president Kennedy Soviet’s gave in – crisis averted

How did it end? By the late 1980’s, a spirit of ‘détente’ emerged (co-operation) In 1989, the USSR agreed to take down the Berlin Wall which had divided East and West Germany This was hailed symbolically as the end of the Cold War By the mid-1990’s, the U.S.S.R. was falling apart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snsdDb7KDkg&safe=active