notes+for+oral+history+project

Topic- The Canadian Perspective of the Cold War Interview Subject- Lewis Wood (my Grandfather)

Research- To this day in American schools the Cold War, teachers instruct the students that the United States and the Soviet Union both had different beliefs and were strong competitors from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Though this is true, it is not the complete story of the Cold War. In September 1945, Igor Gouzenko a Russian walked into the //Ottawa Citizen// newsroom and stated that he knew of evidence about a widespread Soviet spy ring operating in Canada. Igor explained his tactics for finding this specific piece of crucial evidence: "During the course of about half a month, I examined the materials so as to select the best ones that would disclose the operative work, leaving the informational telegrams on one side," he wrote, "the telegrams which I wished to take out I marked by bending over slightly one of the corners." He found the telegrams while staying at the Soviet Union’s embassy in Canada.

Canada would soon be forced into the war without a choice of sides. The United States of America was close to Canada geographically and economically. Therefore, Canada had no choice but to side with the US. When Korea invaded The United States, Canada was pressured into strengthening their military. Because of the relations between America and the Soviet Union, Canada was not aloud to voice its opinion until the mid 1950’s. Canadian Minister of External Affairs, Lester B. Pearson, provided an idea for an international peacekeeping force during a meeting for the United Nations. The force would stabilize the situation while Britain and France withdrew their forces. During the War that Canada was pressured into, America would not allow the Canadians to state their opinions. In 1958 Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker agreed to hold 56 Bomarc American missiles and deploy them in North Bay, Ontario, and La Macaza, Quebec. Soon it was learned that the missiles were nuclear warheads. Canadians strongly opposed not only the war but the use of nuclear weapons. On New Year’s Eve 1963 Canada accepted the warheads. Canada did its best to help America deal with the situation though the Canadians wanted nothing to do with this war and still receive little to no credit. In a Canadian’s perspective it would seem as though America does not appreciate the sacrifice Canada made in order to stay on good terms with the United States. In fact, to this day the //United// States of America seems to glorify the Cold War as a battle in which they were the sole victims; so much for an equal playing field.

Questions- 1. Can you describe yourself from 1950 though 1965? [|Answer to question 1]

2. What do you feel were the relations between Canada, the United States and the Soviet Union?

[|Answer to questions 2 and 3] 3. What do you remember about the Soviet Spy Ring scare?

4. Do you feel that Canada wanted to enter the Cold War? Was Canada ready? [|Answer to question 4] 5. Since you were in Quebec where missilies were held for America, were many people angery with Canada's decison to hold the missiles? Were their any important riots? [|Answer to question 5] 6. What are your feelings today about how Canada entered the Cold War? [|Anwer to question 6]

7. Do you feel as though Canada influenced the history of the Cold War? [|Answer to question 7]

Reflection- Since I am from Canada I wanted to do a project that would involve some of Canadian history combined with American history. In class this year I have greatly increased my knowledge about America's past and conflicts that it has overcome. This year I have been taught to look at other people's perspective, naturally I thought of the Canadian's point of view. The Cold War seemed simple hearing about how it was a battle between the United States and the Soviet Union. I did not think about the neighboring countries, Canada being one of them. Calling my Grandfather showed me that Canada did influence the War in a small way. In a war though a fight may be based between two countries many countries influence what seems to be a strait forward war.

Canada was pressured into the war that Canadians didn't want to enter, but still few riots took place.This surprised me the most, because Canadians usually have more riots than Americans. Having few riots shows that the Cold War was not considered as big of a deal to Canadians as the Second World War. I was also surprised to learn that relations with Canada and the Soviet Union were "cold" and neither country trusted each other. The Cold War effected the Allie and neighboring country, I wonder who else it effected and what other country greatly contributed without any recognition.

Sources-

[|interview with Igor Gouzenko (media)]

"Cold War Canada." //CBC// Web.26 May 2009. .

Mellon, Jérôme. "Igor Gouzenko." //Canadian Intelligence Resource Centre// Web.27 May 2009. .

"Soviet Spy Scandal." //CBC// Web.25 May 2009. .