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Canada Declares War on Germany
Canada declared war on Germany, a week after Britain. This marked a historic moment of independence, as it was Canada's first autonomous declaration of war. Lens: Allies
Historical Significance -
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Begins
Canada became the "aerodrome of democracy," training over 130,000 Allied pilots and aircrew. Over 100 training schools operated across the country. Lens: Industry
Cause and Consequence -
Battle of Hong Kong
Canada’s first combat in WWII. Over 1,900 Canadians were sent to defend Hong Kong. Nearly 300 were killed and many taken as prisoners of war. Lens: Battles
Ethical Dimension -
War-Time Prices and Trade Board Enforced
The Canadian government introduced economic controls to manage inflation and coordinate production. Women entered the workforce in large numbers. Lens: Industry
Cause and Consequence -
Dieppe Raid
Nearly 5,000 Canadians participated in the failed Dieppe raid. Despite the high casualties, the raid provided critical lessons for D-Day in 1944. Lens: Battles
Historical Significance -
Allied Invasion of Sicily (Italian Campaign Begins)
Canadian troops played a vital role in the invasion of Sicily and later in mainland Italy, helping remove Mussolini and weaken Axis control. Lens: Allies
Continuity and Change -
D-Day – Juno Beach
14,000 Canadians stormed Juno Beach as part of the Normandy invasion. They advanced farther inland than any other Allied force that day. Lens: Battles
Historical Perspective -
Canadian Industry at Full War Capacity
By 1944, Canada had become one of the Allies' top producers—building ships, vehicles, aircraft, and munitions, helping turn the tide of war. Lens: Industry
Cause and Consequence -
Liberation of the Netherlands
Canadian forces liberated Dutch towns and cities. Over 7,600 Canadians died during the campaign. The Netherlands still honors Canada today. Lens: Allies
Historical Perspective -
Victory in Europe (V-E) Day
The end of WWII in Europe. Over 1 million Canadians served; more than 45,000 died. Cities across Canada celebrated with parades and joy. Lens: All of them
Historical Significance