Cold War Canada: The Making of a National Insecurity State, 1945-1957

by Reg Whitaker, Gary Marcuse

Uncovers a systematic state-sponsored repression of communists and the Left in Canada, directed at civil servants, scientists, trade unionists, and political activists. Reconstructs the Gouzenko spy scandal, and examines the purges in the National Film Board and trade unions, attacks on peace activist James Endicott, and the trials of Canadian diplomat Herbert Norman. Outlines the creation of Canada's Cold War policy and the country's alignment with the US in the global Cold War. Includes b&w photos. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Genres: Canada, History

511 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1995

Reviews

[Dasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the Gouzenko affair usually receives the most attention from scholars, this work moves towards the mistreatment and state-sponsored spying and violence aimed at individuals like James Endicott and Herbert Norman (the former of the two was a returning missionary from China and member of several peace movements but remained a highly vilified public figure for his communist sympathies and the latter was a child of missionaries in Japan). In exposing the violence, physical and otherwise, towards non-conservative Canadians, the authors demonstrate how liberalism and democracy in Canada was far from a guarantee.

[Michael Primiani · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome account of the origins and Canadian prevalence of the Cold War. I only wish it paid more attention to the popular culture of the time

[Brent L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, the best history book on Canada during the origins and early Cold War period when Canada was trading its sovereignty to the US in return for security.
A particularly good discussion of how the politics of fear and the goal of US hegemony in the postwar era trumped Canadian democracy and self-determination.