Find out what the feeling was on and around September 10, 1939 when Canada declared war against Germany.
Note: You may want students to use headphones if they are doing these activities independently. Alternatively, simply play the brief clips from war veterans over a pair of speakers.
ACTIVITY #1
Learning Outcomes:
1. To get a sense of the feeling in Canada when war was declared in 1939.
Listen and Learn
Students can listen to any three clips from the Memory Project’s micro-archive about the anniversary of Canada’s declaration of war on Germany and describe the way people remembered that day in September 1939. Ask students to note down the words that come to mind as they hear the recollections?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think people were excited about the coming of war?
2. Do you think Canadians would feel differently about war if a world war came again?
Further Resources
To find out more about Canada’s declaration and the first days of the war visit this site at the Canadian Encyclopedia.
Extension
Choose one of the war veterans you listened to and research to find out what happened to them during the war. Make note of where they served and some of the things that happened during their time of service.