History Browser

Drawing representing the departure of the German troops from Nancy, France.

Drawing representing an American journalist writing on the British defeat.

The war hasn't even begun yet, and Germany's Jews are already under attack. Persecuted by the Nazi government, many are trying to escape. "Thousands are seeking asylum and sanctuary on our doorstep," says Lord Baldwin, Britain's former prime minister. In this appeal broadcast on CBC Radio, he asks listeners to send money to aid the refugees. The situation is so desperate that parents are willing to send their children to safety even if it means they'll never see them again.

VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe. Canadians still overseas in Paris and London as well as those at home danced in the streets. The Hamilton Spectator archived articles dealing with reactions in Eastern Canada.

Images representing the life of a war correspondent.

For Canada and Canadians the Second World War began in Parliament. Canadian newspapers documented the changes in government and social platform during World War Two.

Listing of films from the National Film Board. Archival footage includes training films and news magazines from the Second World War.

As World War II war drew to a close, members of all the armed forces of the Allies wanted nothing so much as to shed their uniforms, and fast. But there was not enough shipping available to bring Allied troops from all over the world as quickly as they wished.

The Liberals, headed by Prime Minister Mackenzie King, steered Canada through some rocky waters during the war years. The challenges the government faced were well documented in the English language newspapers of the time.

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.