EVENT
World War II
1939-1945EVENT TYPE World History
Due to the city's location on the West Coast, Vancouverites experienced the effects of the Second World War in a unique way. In the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Vancouver's own proximity to Japan left officials convinced that a corresponding assault on the city was close at hand. To assure security, the "military took on a commanding presence" (Macdonald 46): Defense personnel were charged with manning naval guns at UBC, Stanley Park, and First Narrows; the Dunsmuir Hotel and the (second) Hotel Vancouver downtown were converted into army barracks; and Stanley Park was designated as a civilian evacuation area. In addition, blackouts and a dusk-to-dawn curfew were imposed on city residents. In regard to the conflict's European front, it became evident that Vancouver's coastal setting was similar enough to that of Northern Europe to provide an appropriate arena for commando beach assault training. These exercises took place at Kitsilano Beach in 1943.
During the war years, Vancouver "became a shipbuilding and war industry centre" (Macdonald 46), with established shipyard industries experiencing a dramatic increase in business. Known in the depression years as the "Hobo Capital of Canada" (Vogel 83), Vancouver now faced a labor shortage, which brought an influx of workers from the Prairies and the East. This economic boost provided by the war industry ushered in a new era of affluence that lasted into the 1950s and 60s.
However, residents were unable to fully enjoy their new prosperity due to wartime restrictions. Products like butter, sugar, meat, tea, coffee, and liquor were subject to rationing, and taxes were established on luxury items such as candy. Cuffs and pleats were banned from men's clothing in order to save fabric, and stores began stocking leg makeup to compensate for the shortage of nylons.
These sacrifices were made for the benefit of the men on the front lines, amongst whom figured local jazz pianist Al Neil. Dedicated to his musical craft even in the face of armed conflict, Neil had Downbeat Magazine, the "monthly "bible" of jazz, blues, and roots music" (Downbeat), sent to the trenches.
During the war years, Vancouver "became a shipbuilding and war industry centre" (Macdonald 46), with established shipyard industries experiencing a dramatic increase in business. Known in the depression years as the "Hobo Capital of Canada" (Vogel 83), Vancouver now faced a labor shortage, which brought an influx of workers from the Prairies and the East. This economic boost provided by the war industry ushered in a new era of affluence that lasted into the 1950s and 60s.
However, residents were unable to fully enjoy their new prosperity due to wartime restrictions. Products like butter, sugar, meat, tea, coffee, and liquor were subject to rationing, and taxes were established on luxury items such as candy. Cuffs and pleats were banned from men's clothing in order to save fabric, and stores began stocking leg makeup to compensate for the shortage of nylons.
These sacrifices were made for the benefit of the men on the front lines, amongst whom figured local jazz pianist Al Neil. Dedicated to his musical craft even in the face of armed conflict, Neil had Downbeat Magazine, the "monthly "bible" of jazz, blues, and roots music" (Downbeat), sent to the trenches.
PHOTO GALLERY
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Macdonald, Bruce. Vancouver: A Visual History. Vancouver: Talonbooks, 1992.Neil, Al. Personal Interview with Eric Metcalfe. Vancouver, BC. 16 July 2005.
Vogel, Aynsley and Dana Wyse. Vancouver: A History in Photographs. Vancouver: Altitude Publishing. 1993.
