Post-War Canada & The Cold War · Term 3

Peacekeeping & The Suez Crisis

Lester B. Pearson and the birth of Canadian peacekeeping, focusing on the Suez Crisis as a defining moment.

About This Topic

Canada's identity as a 'peacekeeping nation' was born during the 1956 Suez Crisis. When Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt, the world was on the brink of a major conflict. Lester B. Pearson, then Canada's Secretary of State for External Affairs, proposed the creation of a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) to separate the warring parties and allow for a diplomatic solution. This innovative idea earned Pearson the Nobel Peace Prize and established peacekeeping as a central pillar of Canadian foreign policy.

This topic explores the evolution of peacekeeping, from the early 'observer' missions to the more complex and dangerous operations of the late 20th century. Students examine the changing nature of global conflict and the challenges faced by peacekeepers in places like Cyprus and later, the Balkans and Rwanda. This is a key part of the Ontario curriculum, focusing on Canada's international reputation and its commitment to multilateralism. This topic benefits from station rotations and structured debates about the future of peacekeeping. Students grasp the complexities of these missions faster through peer-led investigations into the successes and failures of different operations.

Learning Objectives

• Explain Lester B. Pearson's specific diplomatic proposal for the Suez Crisis and its immediate impact.
• Analyze how the Suez Crisis contributed to the development of the 'peacekeeper' as a symbol of Canadian identity.
• Compare the operational mandates and challenges of UNEF I in the 1950s with those of later peacekeeping missions in Cyprus or the Balkans.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Suez Crisis on Canada's role in international diplomacy and multilateral organizations.

Before You Start

Canada's Role in World War II and its Aftermath

Why: Understanding Canada's post-war position and its desire to contribute to global stability is essential context for the Suez Crisis.

The Cold War: Origins and Key Developments

Why: Knowledge of the geopolitical tensions and the formation of alliances during the Cold War provides the backdrop for international crises like Suez.

Key Vocabulary

Suez Crisis	A 1956 international conflict that arose after Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, leading to an invasion by Britain, France, and Israel.
United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF)	The first UN peacekeeping force, established in response to the Suez Crisis to secure and supervise the cessation of hostilities.
Peacekeeping	The deployment of military personnel, often with consent of the parties involved, to monitor ceasefires and support peace processes.
Multilateralism	The principle of participation by three or more countries, working together on a common issue, often through international organizations like the UN.
Diplomatic Solution	A resolution to a conflict achieved through negotiation and discussion between nations, rather than through military action.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: Resolving the Suez Crisis

Students act as delegates to the UN in 1956. They must navigate the conflicting interests of the major powers and the warring parties, eventually 'discovering' Pearson's proposal for a neutral peacekeeping force as a way to end the crisis.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Stations Rotation: Peacekeeping Missions

Set up stations for different Canadian peacekeeping missions (e.g., Suez, Cyprus, Rwanda). At each station, students identify the goals of the mission, the challenges faced by the troops, and the eventual outcome, noting how the nature of the work changed over time.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: Is Canada Still a Peacekeeper?

Students read a short article about Canada's recent shift toward more traditional combat roles (like in Afghanistan). They discuss with a partner whether they think 'peacekeeper' is still an accurate or useful part of Canadian identity today.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Real-World Connections

Canadian diplomats and foreign policy analysts continue to engage with the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly, drawing on the precedents set by Pearson's actions during the Suez Crisis.

Current Canadian Armed Forces members serving in UN-mandated missions, such as those in Mali or South Sudan, face complex security environments that reflect the evolving nature of peacekeeping operations initiated in the 1950s.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Peacekeeping is just like being a regular soldier, but with a blue hat.

What to Teach Instead

Peacekeeping requires a unique set of skills, including mediation, neutrality, and the use of force only in self-defense. Peer discussion about the 'rules of engagement' helps students understand the difficult and often frustrating nature of peacekeeping work.

Common Misconception

Peacekeeping missions are always successful.

What to Teach Instead

Many missions, such as those in Somalia and Rwanda in the 1990s, faced enormous challenges and are often seen as failures of the international community. Using a 'Success vs. Challenge' analysis helps students see the complexities and the high stakes of these operations.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Was Lester B. Pearson's proposal for UNEF a purely altruistic act, or did it serve Canada's national interests?'. Students should use evidence from the Suez Crisis to support their arguments and consider different perspectives.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short primary source excerpt related to the Suez Crisis or early peacekeeping. Ask them to identify one key challenge faced by peacekeepers or diplomats in the text and explain its significance in 1-2 sentences.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, students should write one sentence explaining how the Suez Crisis changed Canada's international reputation and one sentence comparing the nature of peacekeeping then versus now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Lester B. Pearson 'invent' peacekeeping?

During the 1956 Suez Crisis, Pearson proposed that the UN send a neutral force of soldiers from non-involved countries to keep the peace while a political solution was found. This was the first large-scale use of armed UN peacekeepers and became the model for future missions.

Why is peacekeeping so important to Canadian identity?

For decades, peacekeeping was seen as a way for Canada to play a significant role in the world that was distinct from the major military powers. It reflected Canadian values of mediation, compromise, and support for international law.

What are the main challenges of peacekeeping today?

Modern conflicts are often within countries rather than between them, making it harder to maintain neutrality. Peacekeepers also face more dangerous environments, complex humanitarian crises, and the challenge of protecting civilians in active war zones.

How can active learning help students understand peacekeeping?

Active learning strategies, such as simulating the Suez Crisis and investigating different missions, help students understand the diplomatic and tactical challenges of peacekeeping. By engaging with the difficult decisions faced by peacekeepers and politicians, students move beyond seeing peacekeeping as a simple 'good deed' to seeing it as a complex and evolving part of international relations. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of Canada's global role and the importance of multilateralism.