Canada and WWII Flashcards
Total War
By 1942, Canada was committed to a policy of “Total War”
All industries,materials and people were put to work for the war effort.
Women and the War
With so many men enlisting, Canada faced a labour shortage as early as 1941, most notably in war-related industries.
One of the main strategies of the Canadian Government was to recruit women for the workforce.
Wartime Economy
The war launched Canada out of the depression and into an economic boom.
Canada became an industrial power:
● New factories were built and old ones adapted for war purposes.
● Factories produced thousands of guns, ships, fighter planes and military vehicles.
● Canada was making money out of the war effort
Women and the War
Initially only single women were recruited
With severe labour shortages, both married women and mothers were able to join the workforce
● The government even funded daycare centres so that women would be free to work.
In 1943, there were approximately 225,000 Canadian women working in munitions factories.
Women in the Forces
1941
The first time in Canadian history women were able to enlist in their own divisions of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Canadian women were not allowed in combat during the Second World War, but they did just about everything else.
Women in the Forces
Women served as: nurses, stretcher bearers, drivers, machine operators, cooks and secretaries.
They also flew Canadian built planes to bases in Britain
They were paid roughly 60% of what men in the military were paid
Rationing
To ensure there was a large enough supply to meet both military and civilian needs, certain staple goods were rationed.
Rationed Items Included:
● Meat
● Butter
● Tea
● Coffee
● Gasoline
● Tires (rubber)
● Alcohol
● Clothing
● Fabric and Silk
Paying for the War
The Canadian Government raised individual and sales taxes during the WWII to help pay for the cost of the war.
Pre-WWII average tax rate was 4% on incomes between $1,000-$2,000
By 1942 it had increased to 44%
Victory Bonds
Around half of the Canadian war cost was covered by “Victory Bonds”
Bonds were issued with maturities of between 6 and 14 years with interest rates ranging from 1.5% for short-term bonds and 3% for long term bonds between $50 to $100,000.
These campaigns raised nearly $12 billion by the end of the war.
Wartime Resources
Production of consumer goods decreased during war replaced by production of weapons and supplies
People brought in metal home goods to be melted down into armaments and other war materials
Womens stockings stopped being produced as the silk was used for parachutes
The Second Conscription Crisis
PM Mackenzie King did not want to bring in conscription during World War II.
King promised that conscription would be Canada’s last resort
After France fell to the Nazi’s he introduced “home conscription”
● Those conscripted had to train with the military
● Only volunteers were sent overseas
The Second Conscription Crisis
1942 referendum called to determine if Canada should have conscription
- 80% of Anglophones voted yes
- 70% of Francophones voted no
Because of the population distribution King declared the referendum had passed and full conscription started
The War Measures Act
A statute (law) of the Parliament of Canada that allowed for the declaration of war, invasion, or insurrection, and the types of emergency measures that could thereby be taken.
Freedoms and rights could be taken in favour of national security.
The Emergencies Act
An Act to authorize the taking of special temporary measures to ensure safety and security during national emergencies.
Differs from the WMA in 2 ways:
1. Must be reviewed by Parliament first
2. Temporary laws cannot go against the Charter of Rights
and Freedoms
