Summerside's War Effort During WWII

The federal government intervened in almost every aspect of the lives of Canadian citizens during the Second World War. It controlled the amassing of troops and established the industries required to meet the demand for goods and services. As a result, there was employment for everyone and the economy boomed.

Government was anywhere and everywhere. It created the investment vehicles of war savings certificates and bonds in order to borrow money from citizens who were experiencing the financial benefits of regular paychecks. The government also put into motion the wheels of propaganda to promote its cause and to keep morale high. The Summerside people took it all in stride, Islanders generally believing in a patriotic duty to Great Britain.

Under this very broad theme of government control, the following sections have been developed: Manpower, Materials, Money, and Information. The focus is on Summerside's response, but the themes are common to any community in Canada.