8.3 The Home Front: Economy, Society, and Government Control

Canada's home front during World War II saw major economic shifts. Rationing and price controls were introduced to manage resources. The government issued Victory bonds and expanded war industries to finance the conflict and boost production.

Socially, women entered the workforce in droves, taking on traditionally male roles. Japanese Canadians faced discrimination and internment. The government implemented strict controls, including the National Selective Service and conscription, while also managing information and propaganda efforts.

Wartime Economy

Rationing and Price Controls

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• Wartime rationing introduced to conserve essential goods and resources for the war effort
  • Included items such as sugar, butter, meat, and gasoline
  • Canadians received ration books with coupons that limited purchases of these items
• Wartime Prices and Trade Board established to control prices and prevent inflation
  • Monitored and regulated prices of goods and services
  • Aimed to ensure fair distribution of resources and maintain economic stability during wartime

Financing the War Effort

• Victory bonds issued by the government to raise funds for the war effort
  • Canadians encouraged to purchase bonds as a patriotic duty
  • Bonds helped finance military expenditures and support allied nations
• War industries expanded to meet the demands of wartime production
  • Manufacturing shifted to produce military vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and other supplies
  • Industries such as shipbuilding, aircraft production, and munitions manufacturing experienced significant growth

Social Changes

Women's Roles and Contributions

• Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers to fill labor shortages caused by men serving in the military
  • Worked in factories, offices, and other industries essential to the war effort
  • Took on roles traditionally held by men, such as welding, riveting, and operating heavy machinery
• Victory gardens became popular as a way for civilians to contribute to the war effort
  • Canadians encouraged to grow their own fruits and vegetables to reduce pressure on the food supply
  • Gardens helped supplement rationed foods and promote self-sufficiency

Japanese Canadian Internment

• Japanese Canadians faced discrimination and forced relocation during the war
  • Perceived as a threat to national security after the attack on Pearl Harbor
  • Approximately 22,000 Japanese Canadians, many of whom were Canadian citizens, were removed from their homes and sent to internment camps
  • Property and businesses were confiscated and sold without consent, causing significant financial and emotional hardship

Government Control

National Selective Service

• National Selective Service implemented to manage the allocation of human resources during wartime
  • Directed individuals to essential war industries and military service based on skills and needs
  • Aimed to ensure an adequate supply of workers in critical sectors while supporting the war effort
• Conscription introduced through the National Resources Mobilization Act
  • Required all men aged 18 to 45 to register for potential military service
  • Controversial due to opposition from French Canadians and others who opposed conscription

Wartime Information and Propaganda

• Wartime Information Board established to control and disseminate information during the war
  • Managed propaganda efforts to maintain public morale and support for the war
  • Censored media and communications to prevent sensitive information from reaching enemy forces
• Government promoted patriotism and unity through various campaigns and initiatives
  • Encouraged Canadians to participate in salvage drives, conservation efforts, and other activities to support the war effort
  • Used posters, radio broadcasts, and other media to convey messages of sacrifice, duty, and national pride