Canada’s Involvement in WWII
Throughout the course of history, Canada has proven to be an independent country that is capable of governing its own people without the support of Britain. Canada has developed its own national identity and has ceased to be known solely as a colony of the British Empire. However, in times of war, Canada is still responsible to be involved, as without the contribution of Canada to World War II, the invasion of neighboring countries by Germany will be extremely likely. It is only a matter of time before this conflict turns into a full-scale war, concerning not just Canada, but other countries as well. Canada’s role in the war to come is to support Britain, since there are a sufficient number of trained soldiers, there is no conscription crisis so far and there is the necessity of discontinuing Germany’s growing power at all cost.
Although Canada is not as prepared as it was at the beginning of World War I in terms of artillery and manpower, it is still able to make a considerable contribution. This becomes especially true after British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) has offered to school Canadian airmen in 1939 in order to enhance their flying techniques, making them well-adapted to dangerous war operations. Such plans, along with the many volunteers feeling the need to participate in the war, provide Canada with more reason to play a larger part in the upcoming conflicts. If individuals are proficient in aiding those in need, there should be no explanation of why refusal to participate should be the resolution. Canada has reason to resume the responsibility of engaging in this war, and to accept the duty of bringing peace to the world. That being said, it is not being ignored that Canada is still suffering from the darkness of the Depression and that we still have our domestic problems with which to deal. However, as the economy slowly improves and people are actively caught up in the preparation for war, Canada should and must become involved in this worldwide conflict in order to defeat what will surely prove to be its enemies and to defend its national identity.
Another reason why Canada should be engaged in the war is because of the fact that Mackenzie King has promised that conscription will not be employed at any time during the war, and that gives Canadians the right to refuse to be involved. Not only are Canadians no longer forced to join the coming upheaval, but those who are interested are able to volunteer without being discriminated against. This was not the case during World War I, when the Conscription Crisis left permanent scars on many peoples’ lives. They were not allowed to refuse to serve under Conscription, unless they were proven to be not able-bodied soldiers. Moreover, Aboriginal People and African-Canadians were rejected, as racism existed. This time, however, volunteers of both Aboriginal and African descents were accepted into the service. Such change can bring Canada closer together as a nation and its potential involvement in war strongly emphasizes that point. If only Canadians are willing to cooperate with one another and work toward a common goal, the success of defeating an enemy will greatly increase. Canada’s contribution to the war will not only allow it to maintain ties with Britain, but will also enable Canadians to collaborate with the British as equals, setting aside any prejudices or preconceptions and working together.
Ending Adolf Hitler’s aggression is undoubtedly the most important