Imagine. You’re a Canadian citizen living through out World War II. As the war ends you’re proud to have survived the horrific battle, but over hear someone asking what significant features Canada had with the war. How would you feel? What would you say? No matter who you were during that time frame, you would’ve had a notable and vital role even if you weren’t a solider. Allied victory in World War II was in large part aided by Canadian involvement in the form of the BCATP, Economic Change and Women’s Rights.
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (better known as the BCATP) was a training facility that qualified certain pilots and navigators to fly overseas in Europe. Bases were set up all over Canada since it was a safer place than anywhere else. Altogether, 132 000 people graduated as proficient BCATP pilots and navigators. Out of that amount, 55% were Canadian citizens. (# 167) Air fighting was a big part in World War II so it helped that the BCATP graduates were the most skilled. If the BCATP had not have existed, the Allies probably would have lost the Battle of Britain which could have resulted in losing the whole war leading to Nazi Germany taking over the world.
When the war started, every way of living had to change dramatically. Factories for appliances became wartime production industries, giving the people who lost jobs from the depression new work. Industries built ships, fighting planes, military trucks, weapons and more, and had produced over 800 000 that were sent all over (# 165).
The Essay on World War Canada People Canadian
World War Two Canada had just finished World War one and were still recovering from the evil and horrifying memories of the First World War. Canada had came to a decision that it would be for the best of the Canadian interest to join World War two and put an end to Germany. Britain had declared war in early September and exactly one week later Canada declared war on Germany. Not only was Germany ...
Also, to help finance the war, Victory Bonds were introduced-$4 was lent by the civilians and were paid $5 back at the end of the war. $12 billion was raised to support the soldiers (# 165) which was immense at the time because a lot of people didn’t even have $4 to spend on themselves, never mind lend it out. There was rationing, as well, which limited people on what they could buy. Everyone was ok with it because they knew it was for their fighting troops.
Women were recruited into the war, just like World War I only this time, 261 000 had enlisted-almost seven times more (# 168).
Even when they were talked about behind their backs and paid less than men, they proceed with their assigned job and took great pride in everything they contributed. When the labour shortage was created, women took on jobs such as working in munition factories, the aircraft industries, driving military vehicles and more. Women’s efforts in the war helped boost up their confidence in themselves since they weren’t even considered people a few years before. Without women’s assistance, there would have been fewer workers. Since many labors’ were killed, the numbers would have steadily decreased providing the fighting soldiers with less equipment and necessities for the war.
Since we have so many privileges, it’s hard to imagine how it would be like living during a World War. However, if you heard someone questioning what Canada did in the war, you would probably feel very offended and lose your pride. You can tell that person you were either in the BCATP, which was Canada’s biggest accomplishment in the war. Maybe you were a citizen that worked on munitions, ate less and paid money to support the soldiers. Or what about being a women labour worker? There was so many important roles people played in the war all to help their country and for that, we should be thankful.
