“As the Dust Settles” The Cold War (1945-1963) was fought heavily through propaganda, espionage (spying) and politics, and was the closest history has ever been to a nuclear war. Both, the United States and the Soviet Union possessed roughly equal amounts of nuclear weapons, which were not discharged out of fear of a returned attack at equal or greater intensity. Canada played a moderate role in the Cold War in the sense that, Canada was not considered a superpower, but as a middle power. The importance of Canada’s role in the Cold War was to a somewhat large extent, and was displayed through means of defense (North Atlantic Treaty Organization, North American Defense System), warfare (Korean War, Vietnam War), but most significantly through
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created solely for mutual defense between the Allies. It was decided that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all members. NATO 's policy is based on two principles. The first is to maintain sufficient military strength and political agreement to prevent aggression and other forms of military or political pressure. The second is to practice a policy directed at a relaxation of tensions between East and West. This formation was necessary to prevent Soviet expansion further in Europe, each of the members were stronger together, making it all the more difficult for the Soviet Union to expand communism. The alliance served as a vital threat to the Soviet Union, guaranteeing an attack on one member would be dealt with as an attack to all members. NORAD was created between Canada and the United States, and served as an early warning system of an attack. The NORAD consisted radar stations (DEW Line, Pinetree Line, and Mid Canada Line) that would detect Soviet planes or missiles. Considering Canada was sandwiched between the United States and the Soviet, this system was crucial for both Canadians …show more content…
Pearson, introduced peacekeeping during the Suez Crisis, a concept that is carried out to this day by the United Nations. The Suez Crisis was between Egyptians (backed by the Soviets), and Britain and France (with Israel). The Egyptians seized power of the British and French manmade canal used for shipping, initiating the Suez Crisis. Canada diplomatically intervenes, and Lester B. Pearson introduced peacekeeping as a diplomatic solution to the Suez Crisis, resulting in peacekeepers. This was critical due to the fact that, had Canada not got involved, the world would have been drastically different, due to the effects of a nuclear war. Lester B. Pearson received a Nobel Prize for his solution and idea of peacekeepers. This idea of peacekeepers continues today with the United Nations. Peacekeeping remains a symbol and identity for Canada even today. Canada receives much deserved recognition for peacekeeping to this day, Canada may have been a middle power, but this accomplishment was something for Canadians to take pride
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created solely for mutual defense between the Allies. It was decided that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all members. NATO 's policy is based on two principles. The first is to maintain sufficient military strength and political agreement to prevent aggression and other forms of military or political pressure. The second is to practice a policy directed at a relaxation of tensions between East and West. This formation was necessary to prevent Soviet expansion further in Europe, each of the members were stronger together, making it all the more difficult for the Soviet Union to expand communism. The alliance served as a vital threat to the Soviet Union, guaranteeing an attack on one member would be dealt with as an attack to all members. NORAD was created between Canada and the United States, and served as an early warning system of an attack. The NORAD consisted radar stations (DEW Line, Pinetree Line, and Mid Canada Line) that would detect Soviet planes or missiles. Considering Canada was sandwiched between the United States and the Soviet, this system was crucial for both Canadians …show more content…
Pearson, introduced peacekeeping during the Suez Crisis, a concept that is carried out to this day by the United Nations. The Suez Crisis was between Egyptians (backed by the Soviets), and Britain and France (with Israel). The Egyptians seized power of the British and French manmade canal used for shipping, initiating the Suez Crisis. Canada diplomatically intervenes, and Lester B. Pearson introduced peacekeeping as a diplomatic solution to the Suez Crisis, resulting in peacekeepers. This was critical due to the fact that, had Canada not got involved, the world would have been drastically different, due to the effects of a nuclear war. Lester B. Pearson received a Nobel Prize for his solution and idea of peacekeepers. This idea of peacekeepers continues today with the United Nations. Peacekeeping remains a symbol and identity for Canada even today. Canada receives much deserved recognition for peacekeeping to this day, Canada may have been a middle power, but this accomplishment was something for Canadians to take pride