Canada in World War II · Term 2

Japanese Canadian Internment

Students confront the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II, examining how fear and racism led to the violation of Canadian citizens' rights.

About This Topic

The Dieppe Raid and the Italian Campaign represent some of the most challenging and controversial military operations for Canadian forces in World War II. This topic explores the 1942 raid on Dieppe, a disastrous mission that resulted in heavy Canadian casualties and led to intense debate about its planning and purpose. Students examine whether Dieppe was a 'necessary failure' that provided vital lessons for D-Day or a tragic waste of lives.

The curriculum also covers the Italian Campaign, where Canadians faced brutal urban fighting in the Battle of Ortona, often called the 'Little Stalingrad.' Students investigate the specific tactics used by Canadians, such as 'mouse-holing' through buildings, and the strategic importance of the Mediterranean theater. This topic comes alive through simulations of tactical challenges and collaborative investigations into soldier experiences. Students grasp the complexities of these operations faster through peer-led discussions and by analyzing the reputation for bravery and skill earned by Canadian soldiers.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the historical context and specific factors that motivated the internment of Japanese Canadians.
• Analyze primary source documents to identify instances where the civil rights of Japanese Canadians were violated during internment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and sincerity of Canada's post-war efforts to address the historical injustice of Japanese Canadian internment, including redress.
• Synthesize information from various sources to construct an argument about the long-term impact of internment on Japanese Canadian communities.

Before You Start

Canada's Role in World War I

Why: Understanding the impact of wartime nationalism and potential xenophobia in earlier conflicts provides context for the internment.

Canadian Immigration Policies and Social Movements

Why: Knowledge of historical immigration patterns and societal attitudes towards minority groups is foundational to understanding the roots of discrimination.

Foundations of Canadian Democracy and Citizenship

Why: Students need a basic understanding of democratic principles and citizenship rights to analyze how these were violated during the internment.

Key Vocabulary

Internment	The state of being confined as a prisoner, especially for political or military reasons. In this context, it refers to the forced relocation and detention of Japanese Canadians.
Civil Liberties	Fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, such as the right to due process, freedom from discrimination, and protection of property.
Racism	Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. This fueled anti-Japanese sentiment.
Redress	Remedy or compensation for a wrong or grievance. In this case, it refers to the formal apology and financial compensation offered by the Canadian government to internment survivors.
Alien Property Custodian	An official appointed to take control of the property of enemy aliens during wartime. In Canada, this office facilitated the sale of Japanese Canadian assets.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: The Dieppe Controversy

Divide the class into two sides: one arguing that the Dieppe Raid was a necessary learning experience for the Allies, and the other arguing it was a poorly planned disaster. Students use evidence from the raid's planning and outcome to support their points.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Battle of Ortona

In small groups, students use maps and diagrams to understand the tactic of 'mouse-holing.' They research the conditions of urban warfare in Ortona and the impact of the battle on both the soldiers and the civilian population.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Reputation of the 'D-Day Dodgers'

Students read about the term 'D-Day Dodgers,' used to describe soldiers in Italy. They discuss with a partner why this term was both unfair and hurtful to the men who were fighting in some of the war's most difficult conditions.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Historians and archivists at the National Archives of Canada and provincial archives work to preserve and analyze documents related to the internment, ensuring this history is accessible for future study and remembrance.

Legal scholars and human rights advocates continue to study the internment as a case study in the erosion of civil liberties during times of national crisis, informing contemporary discussions on national security and individual rights.

Community organizations, such as the Japanese Canadian National Museum, work to educate the public about this history through exhibits, oral history projects, and educational programs, connecting past injustices to present-day reconciliation efforts.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Dieppe Raid was a total failure with no value.

What to Teach Instead

While it was a military disaster, historians argue that the lessons learned about amphibious landings were crucial for the success of D-Day two years later. Peer discussion about 'learning from failure' helps students see the complex legacy of the raid.

Common Misconception

The Italian Campaign was an 'easy' alternative to the Western Front.

What to Teach Instead

The fighting in Italy was incredibly brutal, involving difficult mountain terrain and intense house-to-house combat in cities like Ortona. Using a 'Terrain and Tactics' analysis helps students understand the unique and severe challenges faced by soldiers in Italy.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the following question to small groups: 'Considering the historical context of World War II, to what extent was the internment of Japanese Canadians a justifiable action by the government, and why?' Students should use evidence from primary and secondary sources to support their claims and be prepared to defend their positions.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short, declassified government document or a newspaper clipping from the era related to the internment. Ask them to identify one piece of evidence that demonstrates either the motivation for internment or a violation of civil liberties. They should write their answer in one to two sentences.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write down one question they still have about the internment of Japanese Canadians or the redress process. Collect these to gauge understanding and inform future lessons or areas needing further clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Dieppe Raid so controversial?

The raid resulted in nearly 1,000 Canadian deaths and over 1,900 taken prisoner in just a few hours. Critics argue it was poorly planned and lacked proper air and sea support, while supporters say it provided essential lessons for the eventual invasion of Normandy.

What was 'mouse-holing'?

Mouse-holing was a tactic developed by Canadians during the Battle of Ortona. Instead of attacking through the dangerous streets, soldiers used explosives to blast holes through the interior walls of connected buildings, allowing them to move safely from house to house.

Who were the 'D-Day Dodgers'?

It was a sarcastic term used for the Allied soldiers fighting in Italy, implying they were 'dodging' the real war in France. In reality, the Italian Campaign was one of the most difficult and bloody parts of the war, and the term was deeply resented by the troops.

How can active learning help students understand these controversial battles?

Active learning strategies, such as debating the Dieppe Raid and investigating the tactics of Ortona, help students understand the strategic and human complexities of military history. By engaging with the difficult decisions and the brutal reality of combat, students move beyond seeing war as a series of simple victories. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by soldiers and the lasting impact of these events on Canada's military heritage.