Life in Canada during the 1950s and 1960s

(Part 2)Canadian-American Relations

Background:• Relations in the 50s and 60s were marked by

uncertainty.• Interdependence and Independence • Supported US policy– NATO and NORAD– Peacekeeping in Egypt and Lebanon.

• Acted independently– Not criticizing communism in China and Cuba as

harshly.– no nuclear warheads on the Bomarc missiles (at

first).– Limited support for US in Cuban missile crisis.– Allowed draft dodgers to enter.– called for stop to bombing of North Vietnam.– Trudeau reduces defence spending and froze

NATO contributions.• Canada is asserting itself as a middle power.

The Avro Arrow:• In 1953 RCAF requests a super-sonic

long range fighter to meet defence requirements.

• Contract awarded to A.V. Roe of Ontario.

• 28 months of development.• Arrow is the fastest/most

sophisticated fighter in the world. • Cost had risen from $2 million to $4

million per plane.

• Sputnik launched same day raising questions of technology.

• Feb 1959: Gov scraps the program.• 6 completed arrows, all reports and

blueprints are destroyed.• Canada buys US built Bomarc missiles instead.• 14,000 Canadians lose their jobs. Many go to

the US.• Suspicion exists that for reasons unknown the

US pressured Canada into scrapping the Arrow project

St. Lawrence Seaway:• One of the great achievements of the 50s• Link center of continent to Atlantic

through Great Lakes.• Ocean going vessels go as far as Thunder

Bay• Requires tremendous cooperation.• Canadian goods can reach world markets• Canals, locks, bridges.• Declared open in 1959.

North American Defence System:• Created in 1957.• Included chains of radar stations to

detect incoming Soviet bombers and missiles.

• Canada paid $300 million but the US covered most of the costs.

Cuban Missile Crisis:• Raised Can-American tension.• Diefenbaker did not accept nuclear weapons.• Delayed putting aircraft on alert during Crisis• Dief is angry that Canada was not informed

before the blockade occurs.• Canadian troops only go on alert shortly

before the crisis ends.• Canadian reactions cause anger.

Auto Pact:• Car popularity and sales soar.• Creates thousands of jobs.• Harsh competition between companies.• Canada and US sign the Automotive Products

Agreement (Auto Pact) • Create a single market. Cars can be imported

both ways without import taxes.• Companies specialize by focusing on specific

sectors.

• Costs decrease.• Leads to increased US investment

in Canadian petroleum and automobile industries.

• 90% by 1960s• Canadian plants subsidiaries of

American companies.• Tax incentives introduced for non-

branch plants.• Many believe Auto Pact favour

Canada.

Vietnam War:• Pearson gave a speech asking the

US to “rethink their position.”• Most Canadians did not support

the War.• Canada welcomed draft dodgers.• Canada did not fight in Vietnam.• War came home every night.• Anti-war protests across North

America.

Assignment:

• Complete Exercise 7 (Due tomorrow)