• Following the conclusion of
WWII, Stalin isolates the
Soviet Union – governments
and citizens begin to fear
communism as the new
enemy.
• In 1945, Igor Gouzenko goes
to Canadian authorities and
identifies himself as a Russian
spy – spying on Canada. A
“witch hunt” begins – 20
people sentenced.
• Following the war, hundreds of thousands of
Europeans want to relocate to Canada – escaping the
devastation and unrest of post war Europe.
• Canada does not want all of them – only hard workers
– Imm. officials asked to check for calluses.
• Canada puts up obstacles to prevent “DP’s”
• Following the war, Newfoundland is a independent
colony of England. Very poor – average income 1/3 that
of Canadians.
• Joey Smallwood pushes Newfoundland to consider
confederation with Canada – in hopes that the country’s
social programs will help them.
• Ottawa pledges financial help. Decision goes to a vote.
• Working class wants Confederation – to improve
conditions, big business want independence to maintain
cheap labor.
• 1st vote a tie, second Confed. carries at 52%.
• Newfoundland joins Canada on March 31st, 1949.
• 1949 – Louis St.
Laurent (Right)
becomes Canada’s
12th Prime Minister.
• Appoints Lester B.
Pearson as
Canada’s Minster of
External Affairs.
• 1947 – Imperial Oil hits oil
in Edmonton.
• By 1950, Canada leads the
world in oil exploration.
• Kitimat is created for the
largest power plant system
in the world for aluminium
smelting.
• This “wonder” of
engineering displaces the
Cheslata people.
• Canada a key member in the formation of NATO (North Atlantic
Treaty organization - a military alliance to establish a system of
collective defense whereby its member states agree to mutual
defense in response to an attack by any external party. Largely put
in place to control the spread of Communism.
• Pearson sees Canada’s role as a promoter of global peace.
• 1950 – Communist North Korea (backed by the Soviets)
invades South Korea – backed by the United Nations.
• A security force is dispatched including 27,000
Canadians. When this force succeeds in pushing the N.K.
back, Pearson calls for a cease fire – the US ignores this
and attempts to eliminate the Communists – they fail.
• US senator Joseph McCarthy creates major panic by
continually fueling America’s fear of communist spies.
• This fear spreads to Canada – in Quebec, the Padlock
Law is used to search suspected homes and individuals
without rights.
• Pearson refuses to allow the CIA to investigate
Canadians.
• J. Edgar Hoover, FBI
leader creates a file on
Pearson, suspecting him
of being a communist
sympathizer.
• In October 1952,
Pearson is elected
President of the UN
general assembly.
• 1953 – Cold War intensifies, as both the US and
Russia have the H-Bomb.
• Bomber and ICBM’s have range to destroy entire
planet – MAD (mutually assured destruction)
• US installs Distant Early Warning Line (DEW LINE) in
Polar region of Canada / Alaska to warn of incoming
Russian attack.
• Many grow wary of US military presence.
• A military attack on Egypt by Britain, France, and Israel
beginning on 29 October 1956. The attack followed
Egypt's decision to nationalize the Suez Canal after the
withdrawal of an offer by Britain and the United States to
fund the building of the Aswan Dam.
• Russia backs Egypt and threatens the use of Atomic
weapons.
• Peace talks are tense – Pearson suggests the creation of
a UN Peacekeeping force to stabilize borders while talks
continue.
• Dispute resolved – Pearson wins Nobel Prize – Canada
seen as independent on world stage.
• Mid – 1950’s Golden Age of the car – Canadians chase
the American dream – house in the suburbs – road
construction.
• People begin spending more than they earn – Credit.
• Baby Boomers Peak.
• March 1955 – Montreal Canadiens battling for first
place when super star Maurice “the Rocket” Richard is
attacked by Bruin player. He defends himself, but NHL
president Campbell rules him suspended.
• Campbell attends the next Canadiens game, and is
attacked by fans.
• Riots break out in Montreal – fans see it as a
punishment for the Rocket being French.
• The Rocket is the only one that can call for peace.
• 54 million see Elvis’ first TV appearance – parents/
teachers/ priests horrified and outraged.
• Social times are changing.
• John Diefenbaker grew up in Saskatchewan – a
conservative with small town Canadian interests.
Condemns the internment of the Japanese.
• C.D.Howe begins a pipeline across Canada under
Liberal approval – but little consultation.
• Hires American company to build it – Diefenbaker
challenges US help in Parliament – liberals attempt
to over rule him, but it costs them the next election.
• 1957 – Diefenbaker’s Conservatives stun the well
established Liberals with a minority win.
• July 1st – 1958, Rene Levesque and Joyce
Davidson host Canada’s 1st live –coast to coast
show – But US feeds dominate.
• Polls show 52% of Canadians not interested in the
Monarchy.
• 1959 – the St. Lawrence Seaway opens allowing
ships to move right to the far west of the Great
Lakes.
• General public panic about the threat of nuclear
attack intensifies in the 1960’s
• 1957, Canada joins NORAD defense network.
• That same year, Diefenbaker cancels the AVRO
ARROW, a Canadian designed and built bomber
attack fighter that would have been the most
advanced in the world.
• Instead, he accepts US Beaumark missiles –
designed to use only nuclear warheads.
• Women unite against Diefenbaker – “Voice of
Women” is formed to promote global peace and the
rejection of Nuclear weapons.
• Pearson leads to fight against Nuclear weapon
acceptance.
• In 1961, new US President John F. Kennedy
supports Diefenbaker.
• 1962, Cuban Missile Crisis – US spy planes discover
long range missiles in Cuba – Kennedy challenges.
• Nuclear issue defines election in Canada – Diefenbaker
suggests accepting the missiles, but not warheads. – He
is mocked. Pearson wins, but in a surprise move,
promotes the acceptance of warheads. Canada becomes
a nuclear power.