Historical Terms and Concepts Quiz

The forced enlistment of citizens into the military.

Canada's Prime Minister during World War 1 initially promised no conscription, but later changed his mind due to the need for more troops.

The battle at Vimy Ridge highlighted the need for more Canadian troops in World War 1, leading to the introduction of conscription.

A government program created in the 1950s to inform the public about the potential dangers of nuclear attack, including how to build fallout shelters and what to do in case of an attack.

A protest movement of unemployed workers in Western Canada who traveled to Ottawa by train in 1935 to demand better conditions in relief camps and greater government support.

A political party with a focus on social justice and economic reform. It was formed in 1932 and gained significant support during the Great Depression.

A political party formed in Quebec in 1936 that aimed to preserve the rights and interests of the French-Canadian population. It sought to promote Quebec's distinct identity and culture.

Italy's invasion of Abyssinia in 1935 was driven by a desire for territorial expansion and a desire to assert its power on the world stage. This ambition stemmed from Italy's frustration at being denied a larger share of colonial spoils after World War I.

The Avro Arrow was a supersonic jet interceptor aircraft designed to defend North America against potential Soviet bomber attacks during the Cold War. However, it was cancelled due to factors such as the perceived diminishing threat from Soviet bombers, its high development costs, and the availability of affordable American aircraft.

The War Measures Act was implemented in Canada during the October Crisis (1970) to quell the FLQ's separatist activities, following the kidnapping of British diplomat James Cross and Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte. It temporarily suspended civil liberties, allowing for the arrest and detention of individuals without charges.

Canada played a significant role in the Cold War through its participation in NATO, NORAD, and the DEW Line. It maintained military forces in Europe, contributed to air defense against Soviet threats, and monitored Soviet submarine movements. Canada's efforts aimed to deter Soviet aggression and strengthen Western alliances.

Canadian-American relations in the 1980s were marked by both tension and cooperation. While early tensions remained, particularly due to leadership disagreements and disputes over Vietnam, both nations eventually saw the benefits of collaboration. Key agreements like NORAD, NATO, and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) fostered security and economic cooperation.

The 1920s in Canada saw significant economic growth, with industries flourishing and employment opportunities rising. However, wages remained low, leading to labor unrest and class tensions. Canada's economic ties with the US also strengthened during this period.

Canada's involvement in pro-Nazi movements was evident in the anti-Semitism that existed during the early years of World War II. This included restrictive immigration policies against Jewish people, exemplified by the refusal to admit the SS Saint Louis, a ship carrying Jewish refugees.

Canadian culture in the 1950s underwent significant transformations. Suburbanization emerged as a result of increased car ownership and economic prosperity. Discrimination declined as Canadians became more aware of the injustices experienced by marginalized groups. This era also witnessed a baby boom driven by returning soldiers and economic growth. American cultural influence became increasingly prominent, partly due to the rise of television.

The Constitution Act, 1982, granted Canada greater independence from Britain, empowering it to make decisions without requiring British approval. It marked a significant step towards Canadian sovereignty.

The Nuremberg Laws, enacted in Nazi Germany in 1935, were a series of discriminatory laws designed to systematically persecute Jewish people. They stripped Jewish people of their rights and citizenship, paving the way for the Holocaust.

The Military Service Act (MSA) was introduced in 1917, requiring men between the ages of 20 and 45 to enlist in the military. It was met with resistance from French-Canadians who felt it forced them into a distant war that had no connection to their lives. This led to protests and violent clashes in Quebec as people opposed conscription.

The Indian Act was introduced in 1876, and Residential Schools were established to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into European culture. These schools were often overcrowded, unsanitary, and lacked medical care, leading to the deaths of many children. Indigenous children were also subjected to physical and sexual abuse and were denied their language and culture.

Anti-Japanese sentiment grew during WWII fueled by the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the invasion of Hong Kong. Even though there was no proof of Japanese Canadians supporting Japan, the government responded to public pressure by interning them.

Japanese Canadians living near the British Columbia coast were forced to move inland in 1942. Others were sent to internment camps, where they remained until the end of the war. Families were separated, and in 1943, government agents confiscated and sold their properties. In 1945, thousands of Japanese Canadians were deported to Japan, including many citizens.

The Stock Market Crash was a major contributor to the Great Depression. Speculative buying, stock prices exceeding actual value, and the withdrawal of credit for stock purchases led to a massive loss of wealth when the market collapsed.

Canada heavily relied on exports of raw materials, but high tariffs introduced by other countries decreased profits and harmed the Canadian economy. This impacted farmers significantly, as wheat prices plummeted due to competition, making it difficult to earn a living.

The unequal distribution of wealth concentrated most of the wealth in the hands of the wealthy, while workers received low wages. This contributed to the Great Depression by limiting spending power and reducing demand for goods and services.

The costs of WWI created a burden of debt for the Canadian government, which further contributed to the economic instability that led to the Great Depression.

Overproduction of goods led to a surplus, exceeding the demand for these products. As prices fell, companies faced lower profits and were forced to lay off workers, creating a cycle of unemployment and economic decline.

The Great Depression resulted in widespread job losses, leading to poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Thousands of farms were seized due to the inability of farmers to repay their debts.

The Great Depression prompted increased government involvement in the economy, with initiatives to regulate and stabilize it. It also led to the formation of new political parties, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape.

Canada's stance on the Vietnam War was complex, as many Canadians were against communism but opposed American policy. Canada accepted many draft resisters from the US and didn't send troops to the war. However, some Canadians participated voluntarily, and the country benefited economically by selling weapons to the US.

Prime Minister Pearson criticized the US bombing of North Vietnam in 1965, but was reprimanded by President Johnson. This event highlights the tension and differing perspectives between Canada and the US during the Vietnam War.

Hitler's aggressive expansionism, ignoring the Treaty of Versailles, and seeking to unite the 'master race,' fueled the rise of tension and conflict in Europe. His ambitions fueled the desire for German dominance and expansion.

The League of Nations' weakness, as it lacked military power and failed to prevent Germany from breaking agreements, contributed to the escalation of tensions and the outbreak of WWII. Its inability to enforce its decisions made it ineffective in preventing war.

The rise of totalitarian governments, like Japan’s, where expansionism and aggression were promoted, contributed to the growing instability and tensions leading to WWII. Japan’s withdrawal from the League of Nations and attack on Manchuria demonstrated their desire for territorial expansion.