September 3, 1939:

Introduction to Question:

On September 3, 1939, Britain and France declares war on Germany following the invasion of Poland by German troops. Unlike in the First World War, Canada does not automatically go to war once Britain has made its war declaration. This is because in 1931 the British Empire approved the Statute of Westminster. The Statute of Westminster was an agreement making all British Dominions independent from the Crown with their own responsibility for foreign affairs.

Question:

On what date does Canada declare war on Germany?

June 5, 1940:

Introduction to Question:

Mackenzie King intends to mobilize Canadian military and economic forces in support of the war effort. From the very beginning of the war, William Lyon Mackenzie King stated that he would not necessarily impose conscription. Although conscription was enacted during the First World War, Mackenzie King hesitates to rush into any decision on the topic.

Question:

What is the main reason Mackenzie King did not want to impose conscription?

June 22, 1940:

Introduction to Question:

Germany's powerful army invades France and on June 12, 1940. France tries to hold off the German assault, but later surrenders on the June 22. Britain and its Dominions now stand alone against the German and Italian aggressors. The unthinkable now seems possible. The British empire could be defeated. Within the first year of the war, Mackenzie King assesses Canada's role, its contribution, and what measures need to be enacted by Parliament.

Question:

What measure was enacted by Parliament on June 21, 1940 to support and intensify Canada's war effort?

Spring 1942:

Introduction to Question:

Although the National Resources Mobilization Act was passed in 1940, military conscription is not imposed. By 1941, members of the Conservative Party lobbied for military conscription and soon, much of English Canada supported the idea. Mackenzie King's Liberal government had made anti-conscription promises, but the Prime Minister knew that he also had to appease the growing number of conscription supporters.

Question:

How did Mackenzie King get out of his anti-conscription promise?

April 27, 1942:

Introduction to Question:

The Liberal government asks Canadians to release them from their anti-conscription promises. On April 27, 1942, Canadians were asked the following question on the plebiscite ballot: « Are you in favour of releasing the government from any obligation rising out of the past restricting the methods of raising men for military service? »

Question:

What is the result of the plebiscite in the province of Quebec?

November 22, 1944:

Introduction to Question:

The fall of 1944 marks the fifth year of the War and the Minister of National Defence, Colonel J.L. Ralston, is convinced that military conscription is needed immediately. In an effort not to invoke conscription, the Prime Minister replaces Ralston with General A.G.L. McNaughton who is a strong supporter of voluntary service. Due to extreme pressures from his English-Canadian ministers, Mackenzie King reverses his decision and invokes conscription in order to save his government on 22 November, 1944.

Question:

How many conscripted soldiers were sent overseas to fight in the war?

May 7, 1945:

Introduction to Question:

On April 1, 1945, American military forces invade Okinawa, Japan. Then on May 2, 1945, the Soviet army capture Berlin, Germany.

Question:

On what date did the Second World War finally end?