Categories: All - peacekeeping - alliance - defense - technology

by Alexandra Canning 6 years ago

120

3.1Defending North America

In the context of North American defense, Canada faced significant decisions regarding its role in accepting nuclear weapons, scrapping the Avro Arrow, and its involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

3.1Defending North America

3.1Defending North America

Scrapping the Avro Arrow

Increased dependence on U.S. for military threat and defence. Loss of military independence.
They had to purchase a replacement from the U.S. which was inferior and all fo the investment into the Arrow was lost.
Lost money on R&D and loss of jobs and intellegence/expertise.
Canada’s opportunity to become a tech leader. Supporting continued R&D into technologically advanced weapons.
The Arrow was in it’s infancy and was not as good as it was believed to be.
The highly advanced Arrow was no longer compatible with NORAD and older technology.
Canada would become more technologically advanced than U.S. and potentially disrupt the power balance between U.S and Canada
“Too much money for the Nation to spend on defence”. The Arrow cost 6x more to produce than it’s American counterpart

Canada’s Acceptance of Nuclear Weapons

Canada was a peacekeeping nation. “Middle” mediator.
Many Canadians were against and did not want to contribute to the nuclear arms race.
Accepting nuclear weapons would increase Canada as a target.
U.S. need Canada as an allie with or without nuclear weapons.
Accepting nuclear weapons does not mean they will have to be used.
Fulling roles in NORAD and maintaining U.S. relations.
U.S. Canada would be united against a common enemy and increase strength.
Geographically, Canada’s proximity to the U.S. and shared airspace made threats to the U.S. a shared threat with Canada.

Canada’s Role in Cuban Missile Crisis

Canada would be involved if USSR vs. U.S. broke out, because of geography and airspace. It was in the best interest of Canadians to stop the war before it got started.
Canadian government did not agree to nuclear weapon use.
Canada wanted to act independently and wanted more independent proof of photos.
Cause of Cuban missile crisis was U.S. - Cuban dispute. Not a Canadian military issue.
Against
Canada could have served as a mediator and confirmed photos. They could have negotiated a settlement to the conflict and had other countries join once proof was established.
USSR left to strengthen it’s power would have further increased risk of nuclear war and communism spreading
Canada was an allie to U.S. Canada was a member of NORAD and NATO which agreed to support member nations.
Canada’s geographic proximity to the U.S. increases risk to Canada from nuclear attack.
PRO