Topic #5 Review Battles of WWII

Hitler’s Road to War – Hitler was plotting to extend Germany's borders and began building up a military force that went unchallenged by other nations Wehrmacht (army) Luftwaffe (air force) Kriegsmarine (navy) Illegal according to the Treaty of Versailles (no air force allowed, limited army only)

Hitler’s Road to War Between 1936 and 1939, Hitler took over more and more territory in Europe and no one reacted to his actions – March 1936: troops sent into Rhineland; supposed to be a demilitarized zone where no troops were allowed – March 1938: sends army into Austria and takes it over for Germany – October 1938: leaders of Britain, France and Italy meet with Hitler in Munich and allow him to take over Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia (mostly German speaking); Hitler promises no more demands for territory – March 1939: take over the rest of Czechoslovakia – September 1939: invades Poland saying that Germans are being attacked by Poles

The War Begins – Invasion of Poland finally prompted Britain, France and Canada to act Britain/France demanded Germany withdraw, but never got a reply from Hitler War was declared on September 3, 1939 – Canada entered the war later than Britain and France Sept. 3 was Labour Day in Canada and Parliament was on holiday Members had to come from all over Canada, so it took another week for Canada to reach a decision to join; entered September 10, 1939

Who was Fighting? ALLIED SIDE COUNTRIESYEAR OF ENTRY Britain1939 France1939 Canada1939 Other Commonwealths (NFLD incl.)1939 United States1941 Soviet Union1941 AXIS SIDE Germany1939 Italy1940 Japan1941

Canadian Communities Contribution – Aboriginal Peoples About 3000 Aboriginal people enlisted along with over people of part Aboriginal heritage After the war, many veterans were denied benefits and it took until the early 2000s until they (or their descendants) were compensated Aboriginal personnel received at least 18 bravery medals Were also awarded British Empire Medals by King George VI to four First Nations

Canadian Communities Contribution – African Canadians Large number were from Nova Scotia, Montreal and Southern Ontario Helped changed attitudes in Canada because Blacks were not given credit they were due – Chinese Canadians OVER 600 Chinese Canadians served during WWII They were at first discouraged from enlisting, but as the war in the Pacific grew, the need for Chinese-speaking soldiers grew Many also fought in Europe Vote was extended to Chinese Canadians in 1947 part in recognition for efforts in war

Women in the War – Women were not allowed to join the air force as pilots, but they were allowed to join as the Air Transportation Auxiliary Ferry Service pilots Flew new warplanes built in Canada and US to Britain for service Also worked as ground crews for the Royal Air Force – Canadian Women's Army Corps (1941) non-combatant branch of the Canadian Army released men from non-combatant roles in the Canadian armed forces Most women served in Canada but some served overseas, most in roles such as secretaries, mechanics, cooks Went through 3 months basic training and had to pass a medical test; needed to be at least 21 years old

Women in the War – Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (1942) This division got the cream of the crop (best) workers The navy wouldn't look at a woman who didn't have excellent references Trained on the HMCS CONESTOGA in Ontario; only ship commanded by a woman Also maintained non-combatant roles on navy vessels – Nursing 3,649 women had served in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC) 481 had served in the Royal Canadian Air Force 343 in the Royal Canadian Navy