Thesis statement: Canada participated fully in the Second World War until 1945. Although it emerged triumphant, many problems were witnessed later on. The main problem was cultural integration between immigrants and Canadian natives. This paper analyzes the effects of the Second World.
After participating in the in the Second World War, soldiers came back victorious in 1945 with a lot of optimism and apprehension. Canadian contribution in the war earned it respect from major world powers.
The great depression that came after the events of the Second World War left many people depressed and deprived economically. It took the country several years to adjust to the postwar state of affairs. The years between 1945 and 1950 were very important because they are the foundation of modern Canada.
The war affected Canadians in a number of ways especially in the economic front. The state changed its foreign policy mainly to strengthen diplomatic relations with one of the superpowers- the United States. This meant that previous ties with Britain had deteriorated.
Canadian population had increased mainly because of immigration. Other communities sought refuge to Canada because of its peaceful environment. During the Cold War, Canada was forced to participate fully since it was a supporter of capitalism. The Gouzenko Affair was a real test for Canadian authorities.
Canada was persuaded to arrest the agent after suspicion that he was involved in spying the government over nuclear technology. Between 1948 and 1957, Canada emerged as one of the influential states in the world politics. The period is popularly referred to as Golden Age.
Lester Pearson and Louis St. Laurent are the leaders associated with Canadian fame during the Golden Age. Pearson understood the importance of hegemonic powers in the world affairs since he was a distinguished historian. He later on became the country’s Prime Minister in 1963.
His rule strengthened Canada’s position in the international system (Chapnick 107). Pearson could influence the world powers such as the US and Britain to appreciate Canada’s contribution to the global affairs. For instance, he contributed in the establishment of North Atlantic Organization Treaty (NATO), which is a major political and military organization in the modern world. Canada has never been the same again since 1963.
The inconsistencies and conflicts in war torn British controlled regions influenced Canadian population. This is because many people migrated to Canada, which brought about changes in socio-cultural and economic development. Cho argues in her book that Chinese preferred a shift to Canada because they had relatives there.
The Second World War caused many social and economic problems in Canada. Soldiers came back with many children implying that the state was unable to provide quality life to all individuals. Cho examines that Chinese and other immigrants were forced to survive at the mercy of the bourgeoisie.
Wealthy Canadians mistreated immigrants and other low wage laborers because they had no alternative. Lily Cho elucidates that formation of classes and accumulation of resources worsened the conditions of foreigners in the state. Cultural values were not respected at all. Material accumulation was the priority of each individual meaning that capitalism had taken root in the country.
However, the Chinese advanced their culture through meals implying that they prepared rare banquets that distinguished them from other groups in society. Cho shows that Chinese efforts to bolster their culture through food did not prevent them from being oppressed by the powerful in society (Cho 86).
The Second World War caused more harm than good to Canadians. Population increased and subsequent struggle for scarce resources contributed to social evils such as crime and prostitution.
Cho’s findings are valuable and applicable to the understanding of Canadian history. The only problem with her postulations is that she presents Canadian society as having only a single conflict. Canadian history can be explained in a number of ways. Cho does not discuss the issue of women such as their struggle to freedom. She only focuses on the conflict between Chinese and colonialists.
Works Cited
Chapnick, Adam. The Middle Power Project: Canada and the Founding of the United Nations. McGill: University of British Columbia Press, 2005.
Cho, Lily. Eating Chinese: Culture on the Menu in Small Town Canada, cultural spaces. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2010.