Canadian Studies · Grade 10 · Canada in World War II · Term 2

Canada Declares War: 1939

Students examine Canada's decision to enter World War II, its independent declaration, and the initial mobilization efforts.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Canada, 1929–1945 - Grade 10
• ON: Interactions and Interdependence - Grade 10

About This Topic

Canada's participation in World War II was a total national effort that fundamentally changed the country's position in the world. This topic covers the major military contributions of the Canadian forces, from the vital role of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Battle of the Atlantic to the pivotal D-Day landings at Juno Beach. Students also examine the liberation of the Netherlands, an event that forged a lasting bond between the two nations and remains a proud part of Canadian military heritage.

Beyond the battles, the curriculum focuses on how Canada's role in WWII differed from WWI, particularly in terms of its increased autonomy and industrial capacity. Students investigate how Canada became a 'middle power' and a key ally to both Britain and the United States. This topic comes alive through simulations of wartime decision-making and collaborative investigations into the experiences of soldiers. Students grasp the scale and impact of the war effort faster through peer-led discussions and by analyzing the strategic importance of Canada's contributions.

Key Questions

1. Explain the significance of Canada's independent declaration of war in 1939.
2. Analyze the initial public and political responses to Canada's entry into WWII.
3. Compare Canada's mobilization efforts in WWII to those in WWI.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the constitutional and political significance of Canada's independent declaration of war in 1939.
• Analyze the initial public and parliamentary reactions to Canada's entry into World War II.
• Compare and contrast Canada's mobilization strategies and industrial preparedness in 1939 with those at the start of World War I.
• Identify key figures and government decisions that shaped Canada's initial war effort in 1939.

Before You Start

Canada's Role in World War I

Why: Students need to understand Canada's previous experience with a major global conflict and its evolving relationship with Britain to analyze the differences in 1939.

The Interwar Period in Canada (1919-1939)

Why: Knowledge of the political and economic climate in Canada between the wars, including growing autonomy and the Great Depression, is essential context for understanding the decision to declare war.

Key Vocabulary

Statute of Westminster	A 1931 British law that granted Canada and other British Dominions legislative autonomy, allowing Canada to make its own foreign policy decisions, including declarations of war.
Declaration of War	The formal act by which a nation announces it is entering into a state of war with another nation or group of nations.
Mobilization	The process of assembling and preparing troops, equipment, and resources for active service in wartime.
Conscription	Compulsory enlistment for state service, typically into the armed forces. This was a contentious issue in Canada during both World Wars.
War Measures Act	A Canadian federal statute that provides the government with extraordinary powers during times of war, invasion, or rebellion, or emergency.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Canada was just a small part of the British forces in WWII.

What to Teach Instead

While Canada was a close ally, it had its own command structure and was responsible for its own sectors in major operations like D-Day. Peer discussion about 'command and autonomy' helps students see Canada as a distinct and significant military power in its own right.

Common Misconception

The war was won only by the 'big' battles like D-Day.

What to Teach Instead

The Battle of the Atlantic lasted for the entire war and was essential for getting the men and supplies to Europe for D-Day to even happen. Using a 'dependency chart' activity helps students see how the different parts of the war effort were interconnected.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Battle of the Atlantic

Divide the class into 'convoys' and 'U-boat packs.' Using a map and simplified rules, students must navigate the challenges of getting supplies across the Atlantic, highlighting the importance of Canadian corvettes and air cover.

50 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Juno Beach

In small groups, students use maps, photos, and veteran accounts to reconstruct the events of June 6, 1944, at Juno Beach. They identify the specific objectives of the Canadian divisions and the challenges they overcame compared to other Allied beaches.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: The Liberation of the Netherlands

Students read a short account of the 'Hunger Winter' and the Canadian role in delivering food and liberating Dutch cities. They discuss with a partner why this specific event is still so deeply remembered and celebrated in both countries.

25 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Historians at the National Archives of Canada analyze government documents and parliamentary debates from September 1939 to understand the nuances of Canada's decision to declare war independently.
• Museum curators at the Canadian War Museum use artifacts and personal accounts from 1939 to illustrate the public's initial reactions and the early stages of military mobilization for World War II.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a Canadian citizen in September 1939. Based on what you've learned, what are your immediate thoughts and feelings about Canada declaring war? How might your perspective differ from someone in Britain or the United States?' Facilitate a brief class discussion.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short, primary source excerpt (e.g., a newspaper headline or a quote from a politician). Ask them to write two sentences identifying the source's perspective on Canada's entry into the war and one reason for that perspective.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, have students write one sentence explaining why Canada's declaration of war in 1939 was different from its entry into WWI. Then, have them list two specific actions Canada took in the first month of the war.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Canada's most important contribution to WWII?

It's hard to pick just one, but the Battle of the Atlantic was crucial for Allied survival, and the successful landing at Juno Beach on D-Day was a major military achievement. Canada also provided a massive amount of food, industrial goods, and pilot training through the BCATP.

Why did Canada liberate the Netherlands?

In the final months of the war, the First Canadian Army was given the task of clearing the German forces from the Netherlands. The Canadians were welcomed as heroes for ending the 'Hunger Winter' and bringing freedom to the Dutch people.

What was Juno Beach?

Juno Beach was the code name for one of the five landing sites for the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. It was the specific responsibility of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade.

How can active learning help students understand Canada's WWII effort?

Active learning strategies, such as simulations and investigating specific battles, help students understand the strategic and human dimensions of the war. By engaging with the challenges faced by soldiers and the importance of logistics, students move beyond seeing the war as just a series of dates. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper appreciation for the scale of Canada's contribution and its impact on the country's international standing.