Precis writing techniques and applications

¶ … War Changed Everything," authors J.L. Granatstein and Desmond Morton argue that the Second World War benefited Canada and Canadian society. Stating that "The Second World War was the one good war," Granatstein and Morton claim that World War Two improved the Canadian economy, improved Canada's position as a world power, and created a more just and egalitarian society (323). The article is divided into several sections, including "What the War Changed for Canada," "Canada and the World," and "Canada and Canadians." In the first section, "What the War Changed for Canada," the authors focus mainly on the Canadian economy, noting "The Second World War saw a quantum leap in the extent and complexity of munitions production," (324). In the article's second section, the authors describe how World War Two altered Canada's role in international politics. In the section entitled "Canada and Canadians," the authors argue that the Second World War made Canada a "kinder, gentler place," (328). Although "The War Changed Everything" is a brief article, the authors do not cite any sources. Furthermore, the authors use broad, general issues to back up their thesis rather than specific examples.

World War Two was filled with horrors such as the Nazi invasion of more than ten European nations and the extermination of millions of Jews, gypsies, and other "Untermenschen." On the other side of the world, Japan launched imperialistic attacks on neighboring China and eventually tried to spread its territories by invading North American territories. Therefore, the authors suggest that Canada had no choice but to enter the war on the Allied side. To counteract the evils spreading through the world, Canada committed troops and monies to the Allied cause. The struggle between "democracy and fascism" was, as the authors put it, "a struggle between light and darkness," (322). Winning the war meant preserving freedom and liberty throughout the world.

The first benefit of the Canadian war effort was the tremendous uplifting of the economy. Canada produced raw materials used for munitions manufacturing as well as finished products. Canada also provided food and other necessary items for their Allied partners. In addition to committing troops, Canada offered its resources to the common cause. The industry and productivity that resulted from the war effort would transform the Canadian economy, lifting it out of the Great Depression and into an era of unprecedented prosperity. Furthermore, the increased prosperity led to changed in labor laws. Unions became stronger and workers succeeded in securing bright futures for themselves and their children. Granatstein and Morton note also that "wartime wealth became a catalyst for equally dramatic changes in Canada's social structure," (325). Canada became more capitalistic and a thriving middle class prospered. In addition to the benefits World War Two had for the Canadian economy and labor movements, the war also directly improved veterans' benefits. In short, the Canadian government became more responsive to the needs of its citizens as the result of citizens' noble sacrifices made during the course of the war.

The second major positive result of World War Two on Canadian society was to bolster Canada's position on the world's stage. As Canada became more prosperous and contributed increasing amounts of troops and military assistance to the Allies, the country earned respect. Although possessing a relatively small population, Canada would have great military prowess and economic strength by the end of the war. Canada's improved image added weight to Canadian interests. Canada used its increased clout for beneficial purposes: such as to assure more weight for smaller countries in the United Nations when it was created in 1945. Canada also became more instrumental regionally, as it participated more vocally in North American trade and political agreements. Canada was the key player in forming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a result of its wartime glory. Canada's relationship with the United States became more complex and more interdependent as a result of World War Two.

The authors go on to argue that the Second World War positively transformed Canadian culture. Canada went from being an insular, isolated, and homogenous nation to being one that welcomed immigrants from all parts of the world. Whereas before the war, Canada was poor, after the war it was a prosperous nation. The authors also claim that prejudice was inevitable in prewar Canadian society but that afterwards, social policies and cultural changes led to a more open and tolerant society. Canada became a "land of both opportunity and security," (327). The government would ensure that all Canadians enjoyed economic security through unemployment insurance, medical care, and other social services.