Phases of World War II

First Phase - At first Canadians didn’t want to go to war. Prime Minister McKenzie King didn’t commit the Canadian Army. Instead sent equipment and and food – very few military

1940 Bliztkrieg – Lightning War - Hitler kept promise to the people and got back land lost by Treaty of Versailles. Without warning attacked Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Had most powerful army in Europe.

Canadians realized Hitler wasn’t going to stop until he controlled all of Europe including Britain.

Canadians didn’t and don’t believe in dictatorships or fascism.

Hitler in Paris http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_22BId61KAc

Phase 2 – Not going well for the AlliesGermany attacks its Axis partner the Soviet Union The Fall of Hong Kong

1975 Canadian Soldiers were sent to defend Hong Kong – 1685 became POWs

Defeated at Dieppe disaster 900 killed 1900 POWsJapan attacks Pearl Harbour and the US enters the

World War IIUS Battle of Midway destroys Japan’s navy and

airforce…. The course of war starts to change.

Hour of Darkness http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3qj8f_ww2-hongkong-1941-part-1_shortfilms

Savage Christmashttp://gamma.onf.ca/film/

Savage_Christmas_Hong_Kong_1941/

Phase 3 – Balance shifts to the Allies

From 1943 onward Allies on offensive on all fronts.

US pushes Japan backSoviet Army pushes Germany backAllies bomb GermanyCanadians fight in Italy

Eastern Front http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2d4MTVmSdQ

Eastern front German Propagandahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=Hgw4xHr1Za0

Final PhaseAllies invade Europe - D-DayGermany fighting on two fronts Western Front-

Europe and Eastern Front with Soviet UnionCanadians and Allies liberate the Netherlands

War ends May 8 1945