canada was no longer under the influence of britain. when britain declared war on germany, canada dint have to since germany did not threaten them in any way. why dd they declare war on germany on sept 10?
Canada was part of the British Commonwealth and felt an obligation to help Britain fight against Germany. The Parliament and Canadian citizens felt that if Britain were destroyed, then their trade and alliance with Britain would also be destroyed.
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Canadians, with the exception of most Quebecoise, feel a stronger bond and loyalty to Britain and the UK than does the United States. In 1939, when they declared war on Germany, the King (George VI) was still the constitutional monarch of Canada, and Canada was considered a "Dominion" of the British Empire and Commonwealth, with certain of its laws subject to review by Britain under terms of the British North America Act, a relationship which was changed when Canada got it own constitution "patriated" in 1982. Canada did not have to declare war in 1939. They chose to.
Canada, as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire, had the authority to determine its own foreign policy decisions. Although Canada was no longer under direct British influence, it still retained a strong connection to Britain. So, when Britain declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, as a result of Germany's invasion of Poland, Canada was faced with an important decision.
To understand why Canada declared war on Germany on September 10, it's crucial to consider the historical context and factors at play. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
1. Autonomy within the British Empire: While Canada had its own government and control over domestic affairs, it still operated under the British Empire. This meant a close relationship with Britain, and Canada often followed Britain's lead in matters of international relations.
2. Obligations as a British Dominion: As a member of the British Commonwealth, Canada considered itself obligated to support Britain in times of crisis. In international affairs, the Empire functioned as a unified entity, which meant that a threat to Britain was, in a sense, a threat to all its Dominions.
3. Pre-existing tensions: Canada had its own reasons to be wary of Nazi Germany prior to the outbreak of war. The rise of fascism and Hitler's aggression in Europe, along with Canada's strong ties to Britain, made the country sympathetic to the plight of their British allies.
4. Public opinion and political pressure: There was a considerable division among Canadians regarding their involvement in a European conflict. While some were supportive of joining Britain, others favored a more neutral stance. Nonetheless, political pressure, public sentiment, and the desire to remain loyal to Britain all influenced the decision.
Taking these factors into account, the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, decided to declare war on Germany on September 10, 1939. Canada's declaration of war was an expression of solidarity with Britain, a fulfillment of its obligations as a member of the Commonwealth, and a response to the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany.