Canadian Involvement Around the World Name:Angelina
1. a. Hypothesize why the Battle of the Atlantic would become the longest and one of the most important campaigns of the Second World War.
A: The battle of the Atlantic would become the longest battle to take place because soldiers lacked food, and ammunition supplies were limited making the battle drag. It would also be the Second World War’s most important campaign because the Atlantic was the only way for Britain to receive supplies from America and if they could not, the German army would naturally overpower and conquer.
b. Explain how you developed this hypothesis, using specific evidence that would support your hypothesis.
A: More countries came under the control of the Axis power in Europe, making it difficult for the allies to provide resources such as food and ammunition to Britain. Soon they had to look to America to provide resources and necessities. This greatly contributed to the length of the battle of the Atlantic. The importance of this campaign in WWII was great because the campaigns of many other countries also relied on its success. The Atlantic was the only access to getting supplies to Britain from America and the German army knew that if they stopped the supply they would be forced to surrender and so they took down supply ships with their U-boats. The RCN began fighting back and by 1944, the amount of supplies lost dropped to less than 5%.
2. In comparison to the experience of World War I in Canada, identify and explain how the Battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence would change the way Canadians perceived war.
A. Unlike WWI where the war and most danger was far away and not directly linked to Canadian land, the battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence came very close to Quebec city temporarily halting the shipments of supplies to the British army. Canadians were faced with immediate danger when German U-boats approached within 300 km of the land, bringing to Canadians a new outlook on the war. They would have been shown just how involved and close they were to what was going on continents away.
3. Speculate and justify how the war would have changed if the battle of Britain had been lost.
A. If the Battle had been lost, the many countries in Europe that were under the control of Germany would not have regained their independence and the length of the war may have even lasted less time than it did. German armies would have continued their growth, expanding and taking over the freedom of other countries outside Europe. This eventually would have effected Canada as it was even more connected with Britain then than it is now.
4. Explain the importance of December 7, 1941 to the course of the Second World War.
A. The importance of December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbour) was that it was the sole reason that the U.S. joined the war, brining in a country that was capable of producing weapons and machines faster than anyone could destroy them. The Americans joined in war with the allies against the Axis powers which was a large part of the reason why the war against these countries was won.
5. a. How easy or difficult would your life have been if you survived the Siege of Hong Kong?
A. Life would be very difficult for a soldier who survived the siege of Hong Kong as they would be captured and kept cruelly as prisoners.
b. Why?
A. Life would be difficult because the soldiers who were held captive in Northern Japan were kept in crude conditions and subjected to hard labour with almost no food. They were only given food that contained only 800 calories each day. Many soldiers did not survive the harsh conditions and all who came out were in miserable states.
6. How is the sacrifice of Canadian soldiers at Dieppe justified?
A. The sacrifice that many Canadian soldiers made was justified with how their bravery brought peace and helped to end part of the war. They were sacrificed for “a greater good” that brought freedom and peace that was soon to be a lasting legacy.
7. a. What award did Rev. John Foote receive?
A. Rev. John Weir Foote received the Victoria Cross for his bravery and commitment to the wounded soldiers under heavy fire from the enemy.
b. What is this award given for?
A. The Victoria Cross is awarded to those under military command who have demonstrated bravery and commitment in the face of danger. The medal can be awarded to a person of any rank and is presented to the individual by the British Monarch.
c. Explain how Rev. Foote’s actions deserve this commendation.
A. Rev. Foote’s actions were very deserving of this medal because he risked his life in the face of the enemy to aid and protect the wounded on the beach at Dieppe where they were under immediate attack. He threw himself from his shelter and into the line of fire to carry and move injured victims to safety.
8. Put yourself into the role of a family member in Canada of a soldier who was involved in either the Defense of Hong Kong or the Dieppe Raid. Identify five questions that you would ask those in Canada’s military or government who had decision-making power about either one of these conflicts. Explain your reasons for asking each question.
A. 1. Is there another way to solve the problem without sending out our soldiers?
This is something that I would ask as a family member of a soldier going to war because I know that there is a good chance that I may never see that person again.
2. What are the tasks set out for the soldiers?
As a relative, I would want to know what my family is being sent to do and for what reason exactly.
3. How long are the soldiers expected to stay at the location?
The amount of time that this member may be away is a concern because it not only involves emotional grief but may also involve financial struggles.
4. Is there any way to keep my family member out of direct contact with battle?
The concern for the member’s well being and safety are a priority to someone who loves and is worried for the soldier.
5. How often will letters be sent to us about the situation from the soldiers?
After coming to terms with the fact that they will be going to battle, I would want to know the level of communication I’m allowed with the soldier.
