CANADA HISTORY

European Unrest

The end of the First World War on November 11, 1918 marked a significant turning point in global history, but it did not bring about lasting peace. While Germany had surrendered, it was a defeat that many Germans did not fully accept. The bitterness and resentment that lingered among German soldiers, citizens, and political figures were compounded by the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which demanded extensive reparations from Germany. These reparations were imposed by Britain, France, and the United States, aiming to punish Germany for its role in the war. However, these conditions set the stage for political instability and economic hardship in Germany, making the country's transition to democracy difficult and fueling resentment that would eventually lead to the rise of Adolf Hitler.

The post-war environment in Germany was one of economic ruin and social unrest. The Weimar Republic, established in 1919, was a fragile democracy, constantly under threat from both the far-left and far-right. Into this tumultuous environment stepped Adolf Hitler, a former soldier who had served in the German Army during the First World War. Initially tasked with infiltrating the Nazi Party on behalf of the military, Hitler soon became deeply involved with the movement and seized control of it. As party member number 55, Hitler saw the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) as a vehicle for his political ambitions. His goal was to restore Germany to greatness, which for him meant reversing the humiliations of the Treaty of Versailles and achieving vengeance for Germany’s perceived betrayal during the First World War.

By the early 1930s, Hitler had risen to prominence within German politics. In 1933, he was appointed Chancellor of Germany, and following the death of President Paul von Hindenburg in 1934, Hitler consolidated his power by assuming the title of Führer, making himself the dictator of Germany. Hitler's regime rapidly rebuilt Germany's military and economy, openly violating the Treaty of Versailles. His aggressive expansionist policies, aimed at reclaiming lost German territories and subjugating other nations, were met with a policy of appeasement by many European powers, including Britain and France. These countries, still recovering from the devastation of the First World War, were reluctant to confront Hitler, hoping to avoid another conflict at all costs.

In Canada, the scars of the First World War ran deep. The country had sacrificed over 66,000 lives, with another 172,000 wounded, leaving Canadians deeply reluctant to engage in another European war. This sentiment was widespread across the country, especially among politicians and the general public. As a result, Prime Minister Mackenzie King and his government pursued a policy of non-involvement in European conflicts. King, like many other leaders, believed that the policy of appeasement would prevent another world war.

The rise of Benito Mussolini in Italy added to the growing tensions in Europe. Mussolini, who had seized power in 1922, harbored imperial ambitions and sought to expand Italy’s influence. In 1935, he invaded Ethiopia, hoping for an easy conquest that would enhance Italy’s prestige. The invasion prompted international condemnation, and the League of Nations—established after World War I to maintain peace—faced a critical test. After much debate, the League imposed economic sanctions on Italy, but these sanctions were largely symbolic and ineffective. The failure of the League to take decisive action emboldened Mussolini and other aggressive leaders, demonstrating the limitations of the international community’s ability to maintain peace.

Canada's involvement in the Ethiopian crisis came to the forefront when Walter Riddell, Canada’s representative to the League of Nations, proposed what became known as the Canadian Resolution. This resolution imposed severe economic restrictions on Italy, including a ban on the export of copper, an essential resource for Italy's war effort. Initially, this move garnered widespread praise, as it was seen as a bold stand against aggression. However, under pressure from both Italy and French Canadian groups opposed to involvement in European conflicts, the King government quickly distanced itself from the resolution. By mid-December 1935, Canada withdrew its support for the resolution, and the effort collapsed. Canada had taken a stand against aggression, only to backtrack, leaving Ethiopia to face Mussolini’s forces alone.

In 1937, Mackenzie King traveled to London for the coronation of King George VI, a significant event that symbolized Canada’s close ties to the British Empire. Following the coronation, King made a controversial visit to Germany, where he met with Adolf Hitler. During this visit, King was famously charmed by Hitler, describing him as a “simple man” who posed no serious threat to world peace. King, like British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, believed that Hitler’s ambitions could be satisfied through diplomacy, a view that would later be proven disastrously wrong.

The Munich Agreement of 1938, which allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, was seen as a triumph of appeasement at the time. King, along with many others, congratulated Chamberlain on what they believed was the successful avoidance of war. However, the Munich Agreement only emboldened Hitler, who saw the Western powers as weak and unwilling to stop his expansionist ambitions. In 1939, Hitler’s aggression continued with the invasion of Czechoslovakia, and by September, Germany had launched a full-scale attack on Poland. This time, appeasement had reached its limits, and Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of the Second World War.

Canada, once again, was drawn into the conflict. On September 10, 1939, Canada declared war on Germany, just days after Britain and France. Though reluctant to engage in another European war, Canada had little choice. The threat posed by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, as well as the fear of German expansion into North America, pushed Canada to join the Allied war effort.

The failure of appeasement, the rise of aggressive totalitarian regimes, and the outbreak of the Second World War had profound implications for Canada. The country, still recovering from the Great Depression, was ill-prepared for another global conflict. However, by the end of the war, Canada would emerge as a significant player on the world stage, contributing significantly to the Allied victory through its military efforts and industrial production.

The Second World War also marked a turning point in Canadian society. The war effort brought about significant economic and social changes, including the mobilization of Canadian industry, the increased role of women in the workforce, and the introduction of new social programs to support veterans and their families. The war also deepened Canada’s ties with both Britain and the United States, leading to a closer post-war relationship with the United Nations and a stronger role in global affairs.

In conclusion, the events leading up to the Second World War, including the rise of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, the policy of appeasement, and Canada’s initial reluctance to get involved, were crucial moments in Canadian history. These events forced Canada to confront its role in the world and shaped its future as a key player in global conflicts and peacekeeping efforts. The lessons of appeasement, the failure of the League of Nations, and the devastation of the war also informed Canada’s post-war policies and its commitment to international cooperation and peace.