The Cold War Flashcards
(17 cards)
When and why did Canada join NATO?
In 1949, to advance stability in the Euro-Atlantic region and promote democracy.
Define North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
A military alliance founded on April 4,1949 to combat threats from the Soviet Union at the beginning of the Cold War.
What has NATO provided Canada? What was NATO’s requirement?
The ability to collaborate with nations that have similar interests and opinions on matters such as security. Its requirement was that Canada had to spend 2% of its GDP on defence.
Define North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
A military organization created in 1958 between Canada and the United States during the Cold War to protect North America from Soviet missile attacks.
What was NORAD formerly known as?
It was previously known as the North American Air Defense Command but was replaced in 1981 to represent its contribution in aerospace defense.
How does Canada participate in NORAD despite being an equivalent partner with the US?
Through its contributions of radar stations and CF-18 fighter jets to NORAD’s monitoring and defense operations.
What are some issues NORAD deals with?
Watching over/responding to unknown aircrafts in the air, ensuring safety when public events occur, and coordinating actions during emergencies such as hijacked flights.
Define the Distant Early Warning Line (DEW) Line.
A system of radar stations created during the Cold War across Alaska and the Arctic to monitor enemy airspace activity.
How did Canada contribute to the DEW Line? Why did it stop contributing?
Reinforcing control over Arctic regions such as Baffin Island and participating in defense operations with the US. Canada stopped the DEW lines due to the development of satellites and radar systems that could view beyond the horizion.
Define the Avro Arrow.
A supersonic jet interceptor aircraft developed by A.V. Roe Canada in 1959 to intercept and shoot down enemy bombers, as Canada needed new planes after WWII.
Define the Cold War.
A conflict characterized by words, propaganda, and espionage between the Soviet Union and the US. It resulted in the development of missile technology.
Why was the Avro Arrow loved by military experts? What were some worries?
It was extremely advanced, said to be 20 years ahead of its time, bringing Canada national pride. Some worries about the AA were its high costs which jumped from 2 million to 12.5 million.
What’s another worry military experts had for Avro Arrows?
Nuclear missiles were becoming increasingly advanced, as supersonic aircraft would be useless against them, leading to a decline in interest in the Arrow.
Define Bomarc Missiles.
Ground-launched missiles intended to shoot down enemy bombers which were considered more practical than the Arrow as they were more affordable and better at protecting against missile attacks.
When did the Suez Crisis begin and what event started it?
It began on October 29, 1956 and was triggered by Israel invading the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula.
Which countries were involved in the Suez Crisis?
- Egypt
- Israel
- Britain
- United States
Why did Egypt’s actions escalate the crisis?
- President Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal
