-
War is Declared
Major Events:Germany invades Poland on Sept 1, signalling the start of the Second World War.Great Britain and France declare war on Germany two days later. The Soviets invade Poland soon after. Canada declares war on Germany on Sept. 10.On Sept 16, the first convoy sailed from Halifax with the destroyer ship St Laurent. In December, the first Canadians leave for Europe. -
Period: to
World War II
The war began on September 1, 1939, when Germany attacked Poland, and end on May 8, 1945, when the Allies accepted Germany's surrender. -
Beginning Effects of War
May: Germany invades Denmark and Norway. German "blitzerg" attack overwhelms Allied forces July: Germans invade Holland Belgium, and France.Oct:Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the "Axis" pact. Canada sent its two first ever fighter squadrons, with them becoming the first Royal Canadian Air Force.
These events show who is at the upperhand, and predicts who may win the war early on. Alliances are forged in efforts to increase wins. Governments, such as Canada, are innovating in their war efforts. -
America Joins In
Hitler begins Operation Barbarossa-Russian invasian, while continuing Blitz in Britain. This breaks secret treaty with Russia. On Dec 7, Japan attack Pearl Harbor, bringing America into the war. In the battle against Japan for Hong Kong, 550 Canadians were killed or imprisoned. Cana were no match. US entering the war made the situation more dire, and arguably contributed greatly to German defeat. From this, we learn the consequences of desperate decisions, partic. on Japan and Canada's part. -
Concentration Camps
Mass Jewish murder at Auschwitz beings. Singapore is given to Japan, and wins the naval Battle of Midway-turning point in Pacific War. Canada was assigned at the Battle of Dieppe in Germany to experience war firsthand. They failed, as troops delayed, making them easy targets. The lack of communication kept reinformecements to be sent. Canad's failure in this battle helped plan D-day. America shows their military dominance, making Japan rethink about their attack. -
Italian Invasion
Germany surrenders at Stalingrand-their first defeat. Allied victories in North America instigate invasion of Italy. Britain and Indian fight Japan in Burma. The RCAF in Canada was involved in nightly bombings over Germany. They were successful, killing and damaging many. The Italian Invasian was difficult for Canada, as they pulled out before they could take the capital from German hands. This year is a reminder that although Germany faces a loss, they do not weaken in military strength. -
Dooms Day
D Day: The Allied Invasion of France. Paris is liberated in August. Guam is liberated by the US Okinawa, and Iwo Jima is bombed.
D-Day was the largest assault on German lines. Canada learned from their mistake at Dieppe and surprised German defences with their attack on Juno. It was a year of hope for the Allies, finally proving that Germany could in fact be brought down and diminished. -
Surrenders
Auschwitz camp is liberated by Soviet troops. Hitler commits suicide, and Germany surrenders on May 7. Japan surrenders on August 14, after atomic bombs are dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Canada was assigned to liberate the Netherlands. They pushed, and soon surrounded German troops. The Dutch see Canadians as heros, sending them tulips each year to commemmorate and thank for our efforts.
The end to Allied control had come, and the world could now work towards keeping peace.
