World War II

Canada declares war, after one week being neutral, on September 10, 1939. In 1940, the Joint Defense Board between Canada and the U.S. is formed.

On December 25, 1941, Canadians are captured in Hong Kong where about 300 of the POWs die in Japanese camps. On August 19, 1942, many Canadians are captured or killed in the Dieppe raid, Canada's first European action in the war. Canadians of Japanese descent from coastal British Columbia are forced to move inland as "security risks" and their property is confiscated.

On July 10, 1943, Canadians participate in the invasion of Sicily and from December 20 to 28, they win the Battle of Ortana.

On June 6, 1944, Canadians along with Allied units land in Normandy on D-Day. Canadian troops made it further inland than other units. On July 23, Canadian troops fight as a separate army.