CANADA DURING & AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR

SOCIAL EFFECTS

• Government restricts unions, but labour shortage allowed unions to demand many rights. • C.D. Howe (Minister of Munitions and Supply) lost battle

with unions.• Government involvement in people’s lives

increases – CCF party helps bring about social reform.• Growth of left wing parties encouraged social

changes such as: unemployment insurance, social assistance, and family allowance.

SOCIAL EFFECTS

• Women achieved greater recognition for their contributions to the war effort.• Canada became more tolerant by accepting

refugees from Europe.• A “baby boom” and a significant wave of

immigration occurred.• 42,000 people lost to the war.

CONSCRIPTION AS A SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ISSUE

• Mackenzie King promises no conscription at the beginning of WWII.• As the war progressed the need appears great,

and many Canadians support the idea.• National Mobilization Act – gives gov’t special

powers (like the War Measures Act).• Conscription allowed only for home defence.• Plebiscite held in April 1942; majority voted yes

except in Quebec.

CONSCRIPTION AS A SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ISSUE

• King reluctantly allows conscription stating “Not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary”.• Most conscripts were not sent overseas until 1944.

• Quebec Provincial gov’t passed a law condemning the Fed gov’ts decision.• This help to fuel poor relations between Quebec and Fed

Gov’t.• Only 2463 conscripts ever reached the front.

POLITICAL EFFECTS

• Gained an international reputation and established itself as a middle power.• Canada had a role in the creation of the UN• Troops recognized for: Hong Kong, Dieppe,

Normandy, Italy, Liberation of Holland.• King averted a conscription crisis and managed to

maintain strained English-French relations.• Government began to intervene more and

strengthened the social safety net.• Contributions of black and aboriginal peoples

advanced the cause of civil rights.

ECONOMIC EFFECTS

• Inflation – “too many dollars were chasing to few goods”.• Victory bonds (James Ilsley – Minister of

Finance)• Wartime Prices and Trade Board (1941) – froze

wages.• Food rationing.• Economy boomed after the war.• Industry and manufacturing grew to overtake

agriculture as the most important economic sector.

THE END OF WORLD WAR II

• Canada’s contribution to the war was enormous:• Human lives(45,000)• Billions of dollars• Canada received a new role on the world stage

• Canada had built the world’s third largest navy and fourth largest air force.• The war stimulated Canada’s economy and helped

to bring it out of the depression of the thirties.• Although many Canadians were killed, wounded,

or captured, WWII became a defining point in the development of Canada’s identity.

FINAL THOUGHTS

• Is Conscription ever justified?• What are the pros and cons of conscription?

• Is war ever justified?• Can war be justified whatever the method

used?