2. MAY 17, 2017 Review “Causes of WWII” Notes – Canada’s Response to War
Text questions?
Learning Objective:
I can explain Canada’s response to war and describe how Canadian

3. Canada’s Response to the Threat of War

4. Mr. King Goes to Berlin

5. Prime Minister Mackenzie King
In 1937 King visited Hitler and found him to be a man of “deep sincerity and a genuine patriot” who “truly loves his fellow man”
King supported Policy of Appeasement
King wrote very candid diary entries throughout his life.
Give us a glimpse into King’s motivations of Canada war efforts
Often sought advice from the spirit world rather than seeking political advice.

6. Fireproof House
Canada is a “a fireproof house”- Canadian Senator Raoul Dandurand, 1924

7. Isolationism
Throughout 1930s, Canada practiced a policy of isolationism
Kept out of affairs outside of its borders.
King didn’t want to become involved in another European conflict.
Concerned about divisions within Canada and cost of World War I
Conscription would lead to lost Quebec support.
Cost of war could drive the country back into debt.

8. Jewish Refugees
Despite knowledge that Jewish people were being persecuted only 5000 Jewish refugees are accepted into Canada between 1933 and 1945.
Why?
Isolationism – King felt it was a domestic issue and Canada should not get involved.
Anti-Semitism – some supported Hitler’s policies and hatred of Jewish people.
Anti-semitism common sentiment among mainstream population.
Restrictive Immigration Policies
Refugees seen a burden on to the state.
Effects of Great Depression - Few immigrants other than Americans and British allowed in.

9. Jewish Refugees - Response
Some politicians did try to help Jewish Refugees
After Kristallnacht - Liberal Minister Thomas Crerar recommends that 10,000 Jewish people be allowed to immigrate. – refused.
First female senator, Cairine Wilson spoke out against banning Jewish Refugees from Canada.
Jewish population rallied to support more humane immigration policies.
Show “Our Only Hope is Canada”

10. SS St. Louis
Ship with 900 Jewish Refugees escaping persecution leaves Hamburg in 1939
Denied entry to Cuba, South America and the US
Canada is the boat’s last hope.
Government refuses to let the St. Louis dock at any port
Passengers do not qualify for entry as immigrants.
Boat returns to Europe and many die in concentration camps.

11. SS St. Louis

12. Question
To what extent should Canadians be responsible for stopping human rights abuses in other countries?

13. Canada’s Response to War
September 3, 1939 Britain and France declared war on Germany.
Unlike in World War I, Canada was now an autonomous nation and had no obligation to join the war.
September 8, King calls Parliament to decide whether Canada should join war
He supports going to war

14. Prime Minister MacKenzie King
Worries:
Conscription is very unpopular
Canada was in huge debt after WW1
Promises:
“So long as this government may be in power, no such measure shall be enacted.”

15. Parliament Votes for War : Concerns
Quebec Liberal Minister, Ernest Lapointe in favour of the war but against conscription
King promises no conscription to gain Quebec support for war.
“so long as this government may be in power no such measure shall be enacted.”
Only CCF Leader JS Woodsworth opposes the war.
On September 10, 1939 Canada declares war on Germany.

16. Few Canadians felt any excitement as the war began.
Canada’s Role
Few Canadians felt any excitement as the war began.
Many remembered the cost of World War I
Great Depression had caused many hardships.
Many did not want to get involved in European war.
King said that Canada’s role would be one of “limited liability” during the war.
Canada would contribute what it could and use the war to rebuild its economy

17. Mobilizing Canada’s Resources
Canada not prepared for war.
Armed forces small and not fit for combat.
Only 4300 troops, a few light tanks and no modern artillery
Small navy and air force with outdated equipment
Still 58,000 volunteer for service in September
Strong ties to Britain & sense of duty
New sense of national Pride in Canada
Attracted to idea of steady pay
$1.30/day for private
$60/month for spouse
$30/month per child.
First troops leave Halifax December 10, 1939

18. National Resources Mobilization Act
The War at Home
National Resources Mobilization Act
Enacted December 1939
Gives government power to take over nations resources for home defense.
Conscription could be used for home defense only

21. Canadian Training Ground
King hoped to avoid conscription by providing supplies and training rather than troops.
December 1939 – Canada agrees to host and run the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
Canada’s open skies, climate and distance from enemy aircraft made it an ideal location.
Training plan where British instructors train pilots and flight personnel from all over the Commonwealth.

22. BCATP Airfields built on prairies and near small towns and villages.
Trained over 130,000 pilots, navigators, flight engineers and ground crew.
Canada paid 70% of the 2.2 billion cost.

24. Total War
Total War
all aspects of a society, and all citizens are mobilized for a war effort
The War Measures Act was Revived
The Wartime Prices and Trade Board
was created to control imports, exports and prices
Government became much more involved in the economy
April 1940, the Department of Munitions and Supplies was created

25. Howe’s Plan CD Howe put in charge of Munitions and Supply
Howe had the authority to do whatever was necessary to get the economy ready for war
Ships were built in Vancouver for the navy
Planes and bombers were built in Montreal
Ferry Command
Immense program created to transport planes from US factories to Britain

26. A Lancaster Bomber

27. Total war meant total commitment from all society
Factories were converted to produce military goods such as weapons and vehicles
Crown Corporations
Government owned businesses that met the production demand that could not be met by private industry
Total war meant total commitment from all society
Propaganda was used to encourage this