Why did Canada declare war on japan in 1941?

Answer 1

I don't know the exact date they declared war but it would have been within a few days of Pearl Harbor. As for why, it is necessary to understand how Canadians percieved themselves at that time. Canada had been British territory since the 1750s. As time had gone on Canada had very gradually achieved self government, in all respects including foreign policy, without ever formally becoming independent of Britain. This status was called being a British Dominion. This meant a fully soveriegn state *within* the British Empire. Thus, the way Canadians looked at and defined themselves was as a part of the British Empire. Hence, when England declared war on Japan immediately after Pearl Harbor, actually doing so before even the United States, Canada, which was already at war with Germany for the same reasons, declared war also. Michael Montagne

In the late evening of December 7, 1941, the Canadian Prime Minister, W. L. Mackenzie King, announced the Cabinet's decision to declare war on Japan. The King approved Canada's declaration of war in the following proclamation issued on December 8, 1941.

Whereas by and with the advice of our Privy Council for Canada we have signified our approval of the issue of a proclamation in the Canada Gazette declaring that a state of war with Japan exists and has existed in Canada as and from the 7th day of December, 1941.

Now, therefore, we do hereby declare and proclaim that a state of war with Japan exists and has existed as and from the seventh day of December, 1941.

Of all which our loving subjects and all others whom these presents may concern are hereby required to take notice and to govern themselves accordingly.

Answer 2

When Canada Joined WWIICanada declared war on Germany on September 9th of 1939, in response to the fact that Germany had invaded Poland the previous week.

The war lasted until August of 1945, almost six full years. Many of the young Canadians who volunteered in 1939 were out of Canada, fighting the Nazis for as long as that.

Remember that over 42,000 of them NEVER CAME HOME, and they are buried in foreign places that will be forever a part of Canada. There are Canadian War Graves Cemmetaries in 72 different countries around the world. They died so that we can live in freedom, today.

Answer 3

When UK and France declared war to Germany after the German invasion of Poland, Canada, allied with UK, also entered the war.

Contrary to WW1, at a time when it still belonged to the British Empire, Canada was not directly involved in WW2. But as an allied of UK, it declared war to Germany in September 1940.

As Germany was allied to Japan, Canada was de Facto in war with Japan.

The role of Canada in WW2 was very important, on the every front (Europe, Africa and Asia). More than a million Canadians were directly involved in the War; and about 43 000 of them died.

Answer 4

Canada declared war on the Empire of Japan on December 7th 1941. The reason for the declaration of war was due to the North American Joint Defence Treaty between the United States and Canada which was signed on August 17th 1940. The agreement is also known as the Ogdensburg Agreement.

The Canadian War Cabinet was meeting in Ottawa on Sunday December 7th 1941 when news of the Japanese attack was announced. As soon as the news was verified, Canada declared war.

Answer 5

Yes, some of the Canadians fought with the Americans and Australians and New Zealanders in the Pacific War.