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Canada declares war on Germany
Historical Significance: This was the first time Canada declared war on its own, not just following Britain. It shows Canada starting to act more independently on the world stage.
- Canada.ca (Second World War)
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/militaryhistory/wars-operations/sww.html -
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan agreement signed
Cause and Consequence: Canada’s location and space made it an ideal place to train pilots safely. This program helped the Allies gain air superiority during the war.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan)
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-commonwealth-air-training-plan -
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National Resources Mobilization Act
Continuity and Changes: This act originally limited conscription to defending Canada at home, but was later changed to allow sending soldiers overseas, which caused political tensions.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia (National Resources Mobilization Act)
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/national-resources-mobilization-act -
Battle of Hong Kong（Canadian troops captured）
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Battle of Hong Kong
Evidence: Letters and reports from soldiers show that Canadian troops weren’t ready for battle, and they had a really tough time.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (Defence of Hong Kong)
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/second-world-war/defence-of-hong-kong -
Dieppe Raid （heavy Canadian casualties）
Cause and Consequence: The Dieppe Raid caused heavy Canadian losses but provided important lessons for planning future attacks, like the successful D-Day invasion.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia (Dieppe Raid)
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/dieppe-raid -
Invasion of Sicily （Canadians fight in Italy）
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Invasion of Sicily
Historical Perspective: For Canadian soldiers, the invasion was an important part of fighting with the Allies. For Sicilian civilians, it meant hardship and occupation.
- Juno Beach Centre (Italy Campaign)
https://www.junobeach.org/canada-in-wwii/articles/the-italian-campaign/ -
Canadian industry reaches peak war production
Cause and Consequence: Canada’s war industries grew quickly, boosting the economy and creating jobs, but also causing inflation and labor shortages.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (Canadian Production of War Materials)
https://veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/classroom/fact-sheets/material -
D-Day: Juno Beach （Normandy landings）
Historical Significance: This battle was a key moment in the war and proved Canada’s important role in helping the Allies win.
- Juno Beach Centre (Juno Beach on D-Day)
https://www.junobeach.org/canada-in-wwii/articles/british-forces-at-juno-beach-on-d-day/ -
Liberation of the Netherlands
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Liberation of the Netherlands
Historical Perspective: Canadian forces freed the Netherlands from Nazi occupation, an event still remembered with gratitude by the Dutch.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (Liberation of the Netherlands)
https://veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/second-world-war/liberation-of-netherlands -
Canada Joins the United Nations as a Founding Member
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Canada Joins the United Nations as a Founding Member
Continuity and Changes: After WWII, Canada became more active internationally by helping to found the United Nations, showing its growing influence in world affairs.
- Canada.ca (United Nations)
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/allies-partners/united-nations.html