top of page

Primary Source Analysis

Political Cartoon:

This political cartoon was drawn by Dutch artist; it explains the people of Netherland’s opinion on the Liberation by the Canadians. The message of the cartoon is very clear. When the German troops occupied Holland, they stole the food and money; whereas Canadian troops came through and helped the people. This cartoon creates a feeling of alliance, and affinity for the audience. A secondary interpretation is about the number of Dutch Canadian children born, through the liberation. As a result, many Dutch people immigrated to Canada (more than 150 000 immigrants arrived in Canada, in the first 25 years after WWII). It is placed in the Canadian War Museum for all generations to see.

Newspaper Article:

The article from The Hamilton Spectator covers the story of over 1 000 German and Dutch Jews being freed from a concentration camp, making it the first camp liberated by Canadians.

A captain from Victoria, B.C. stated: "The greatest fear of the people here was that they might be sent to Poland." This article helps us understand Canada's role in Holland. Canadian troops are still honored to this day for their bravery, determination, and help brought to the Netherlands.

The author spreads the great news as a proud Canadian, and it explains what the Liberation of the Netherlands were all about. 

 

More than 1,000 German, Dutch Jews Freed By Canadians in Netherlands

The Hamilton Spectator, 14/04/1945

Cartoon by: Toon van Ham

1945

Work Cited:

Annefrankguide.net (n.d.) Relations between the Canadians and the Dutch. [online]

Available at: http://www.annefrankguide.net/en-ca/bronnenbank.asp?oid=271647

[Accessed: 29 May 2013].



Warmuseum.ca (n.d.) WarMuseum.ca - Democracy at War - The Liberation of the Netherlands, 1944-1945 - Operations. [online]

Available at: http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/newspapers/operations/netherlands_e.shtml

[Accessed: 29 May 2013].



bottom of page