Why Did Canada Enter World War II?
Canada had been granted it's independence after the Statute Of Westminster (1931), and for the first time, declared war on Germany by themselves. Canada's parliament voted to declare war on Germany in 1939, 8 days after Germany invaded Poland, and 10 days after Britain had declared war. Canada declared this was after realizing the condition of Britain and the Allies. Canada's overseas overseas allies had fallen and/or were in danger of doing so (after the fall of France in 1940). Canada was apart of the British Commonwealth, and had been under British command for very long. There was a risk of attack from Germany if Britain could not hold their ground. Germany was looking almost unstoppable, going on to conquer most of Europe. Hitler made it clear about his expansion plans after taking over Czechoslovakia. Canada and the United States then made an agreement for the defence of North America and were now at the forefront of war (the allies).
The Importance of the Battle of Britain
If the Battle of Britain had been lost, the out come of the war and the outcome of how we live today could have been very different. Hitler had control of almost all of Europe, and were neutral with Russia for the time being. Canada entered the war and sent troops to Britain to fight in the air and also on ground. Their most predominant force was in the air, fighting along with the RAF. Britain was the second strongest power in the world at this point, behind Germany. They were expecting a full on slaughter between the two. Churchill described it as "the whole fury and might of the enemy". The allies defended successfully. This battle was the turning point of World War II, and after this it was a downhill spiral for Hitler. He continued to make mistakes in his plans (ex. turning on Russia).
Canada and World War 2 Today
Canada went on to fight the war for 6 more years. They entered the war at a very risky and 50/50 position. The outcome of the war was favouring the opposition. They fought with all they could, and fought against all odds. Canada not only won the war for the allies, they won the war for themselves. They made more and more steps to become an independent nation. The dangerous sacrifices the Canadian soldiers made back then are a result of the peace and freedom of Canada that we live in today.