History Browser

The Battle of the Atlantic was the struggle for control of the sea routes between the Americas and Europe and Africa. German forces attempted to break Britain’s vital supply link from the United States and Canada. During this six year conflict both sides suffered losses of personnel and materials.

Trying to strike back at the Loyalist raiders who caused such trouble, the American rebels sent troops to destroy Iroquois settlements in 1779. Although thousands of refugees were forced to flee, the raids continued with increased strength, with the rebels generally on the losing side.

On 6 June 1944, Allied forces invaded Western Europe along an 80-kilometre front in Normandy, France. Of the nearly 150,000 Allied troops who landed or parachuted into the invasion area on D-Day, 14,000 were Canadians.

In 1755, with an army built around his two regular regiments, General Braddock began an attack from Virginia into the Ohio Valley. The 200 kilometre advance towards Fort Duquesne was slowed by the need to build a road and bridges to carry the army through the difficult terrain.

This article explains the history of the Cold War era of NATO, the Warsaw Pact. It focuses on Canada's role during this era. Includes a list of suggested readings.

On 8 February 1945, the Canadians helped deal a deathblow to German resistance. Fighting through the Rhineland and piercing the formidable Siegfried Line, they penetrated the Reichswald and Hochwald forests.

Hitler's invasion of Poland triggered the beginning of the Second World War after which France, Great Britain, and Canada declared war on Germany. The first movements of these forces were discussed in newspaper articles of the day.

After 1777, in order to keep the American rebels on the defensive, the British adopted the old Canadian tactic of raiding enemy settlements. The raids were made by mixed groups of Amerindians and soldiers. The troops used were American loyalists such as Butler's Rangers.

Imperial naval defence policy sought a united and centralized fleet in 1902 to counter the German threat, a change from defending the Empire in the colonies and dominions. While British attempts for total control over all naval ships was opposed in Canada, domestic efforts to create a Canadian navy languished. The first Canadian patrol boats were purchased as a contribution to the Imperial naval policy, but used for fisheries protection rather than for defence needs.

In Canada’s first sustained land operation of the war, Canadian troops helped capture Sicily in a five-week campaign beginning 10 July 1943.