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Questions and Answers
When did Canada declare war in World War II?
September 10, 1939
What was the purpose of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)?
To train pilots from all over the Commonwealth.
What was the total cost of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)?
$2.2 billion+
Which event marked the beginning of Canada's full-scale war effort in World War II?
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What did PM Mackenzie-King tell Canadians about conscription during the war?
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What was the Axis power that invaded China in 1937?
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What event caused Canada to become less of a powerful ally to Britain in 1941?
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What was the significance of the British invention of radar during World War II?
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What was the outcome of the surprise invasion of Hong Kong by Japanese troops in December 1941?
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What was the significance of the Battle of Dieppe for Canada during World War II?
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What were the main goals of deploying 6000 troops to the northern coast of France in August 1942?
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What were the reasons for the failure of the Dieppe operation?
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What was the constant threat faced by Canadian merchant ships during the Battle of the Atlantic?
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What measures did the Allies take to counter the threat of German U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic?
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How were Canadian merchant sailors treated post-war compared to veterans of the army and navy?
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What was the main purpose of the German E Boat during the Battle of the Atlantic?
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Study Notes
Canada's Involvement in World War II
- Canada declared war on September 10, 1939, following the invasion of Poland by Germany.
- The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) was established to train aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to support the Allies.
- The total cost of the BCATP was approximately $1.6 billion, making it one of the largest and most expensive programs in Canadian history.
Early War Efforts
- The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of Canada's full-scale war effort.
- PM Mackenzie-King promised Canadians that there would be no conscription during the war, stating "not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary."
The Axis Powers
- Japan invaded China in 1937, marking the beginning of its aggressive expansion in Asia.
Challenges and Setbacks
- The sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales in 1941 by Japanese forces off the coast of Malaysia weakened Canada's alliance with Britain.
- The surprise invasion of Hong Kong by Japanese troops in December 1941 resulted in the occupation of the territory and the capture of Canadian soldiers.
The Battle of Dieppe
- The Battle of Dieppe on August 19, 1942, was a failed Allied raid on the French coast, resulting in heavy casualties and a significant blow to Canadian morale.
- The main goals of the Dieppe operation were to test the feasibility of a large-scale amphibious assault, to gather intelligence, and to capture a German-occupied port.
- The failure of the Dieppe operation was attributed to inadequate planning, poor intelligence, and insufficient support from the air and naval forces.
The Battle of the Atlantic
- Canadian merchant ships faced a constant threat from German U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic.
- To counter the U-boat threat, the Allies implemented a convoy system, where ships sailed together in groups, escorted by naval vessels.
- The German E-boat was a fast and heavily armed vessel used to attack Allied ships and convoy escorts.
Post-War Treatment of Merchant Sailors
- After the war, Canadian merchant sailors were not treated equally to veterans of the army and navy, receiving less recognition and compensation for their service.
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Description
Explore Canada's involvement in World War II, including its entry into the war and its role as part of the Allied powers. Learn about the Axis and the Allies, the Statute of Westminster, and significant events related to Canada's participation in the war.
