Canadian History Title



   Canada in the 21st Century: Canada and Afghanistan                                                                                                                

    PAGE DEVELOPED BY: Jennifer Duncan  2006


Summary

As most Canadians are aware of, Canadian soldiers are currently in Afghanistan on peace keeping missions.  Canada is known globally for our peace keeping ways. That’s why it wasn’t a big surprise to many when Canada when soldiers were sent to help out in such a war torn country. After the September 11th attack in 2001, U.S. planned its counter attack on Afghanistan. Just a month after the tragic attack, U.S. and Britain launched its first round of air attacks.  In February of 2002, Canada sent its first wave of soldiers to Afghanistan. A couple months later, Canada announces that our soldiers will be pulled out by August. But in February of 2003, our Canadian Defense Minster stated that 1000 more soldiers would be sent by the send of the summer. As the months go by casualties popped up and as soldier complete their tours and return home, even more are sent back. From 2002 to 2006 Canadian soldiers have made a lot of progress considering the small steps they must take. As of May 2006, parliament members have voted after a 6 hour debate to keep Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan for two more years. This has caused a very controversial issue in Canada; is helping out in Afghan worth our Canadians lives’?

 Historical Importance

Canada has always played a significant role in the history of wars. After many debates against sending our troops, our forces were still sent. Canada was able to show the world it was committed to the United Nations to help rid any threats of against terrorism or war. After seeing the League of Nations fail miserably, we did not want to see it happen again. They are fighting for the rights of Afghani people who are under the pressure of ruthless terrorists. The Canadian forces back in WWI were the only ones to be able to take over Vimy Ridge. With small number of forces they proved their strength. Once again in Afghanistan they are showing their courage and strength. With smaller amount of troops then the US army they manage to show that they can do more than expected in the fight against terror. Canadian troops time and time again seem to be able to play huge roles in their effort towards and against war.



Related Articles / Links:
Article #1: We're just Defending a Pipeline
Article #2: Female Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
Article #3: Canada's active Role in Afghan Development
Article #4: Rebuilding Civilization in Afghanistan
Involvement Time Line

Article Critiques

 

 

 

 

 

 

   REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. When did Canada first send soldiers to Afghanistan?
    1. 2002
    2. 2001
    3. 2003
    4. 2004



  2. In May 2006, how many more years did the Canadian government decide to keep Canadian soldiers in Afghan?
    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4



  3. What are Canadian soldiers known for?
    1. The beaver
    2. The way we play hockey
    3. Our peaceful ways
    4. Our closeness to the U.S.



  4. When was the first female Canadian killed in active combat?

    1. April 16, 2005
    2. April 15, 2006
    3. May 15, 2005
    4. May 16, 2006


     

    5.  Who was the first country to counter attack on Afghanistan after September 11th?

    1. U.S. and Britain
    2. U.S.
    3. Britain
    4. Canada