Who Killed the Canadian Military?

In this 2004 work, military historian J. L. Granatstein examines the decline of Canada's armed forces and its implications for national security. The book presents a detailed analysis of policy decisions and funding cuts that have affected military capabilities over several decades. The author draws from his experience as both a historian and military veteran to outline the challenges facing Canada's military infrastructure, personnel, and equipment. His investigation spans multiple government administrations and includes assessments of key turning points in Canadian military policy. Through historical documentation and policy analysis, Granatstein makes a case for increased military funding and modernization in the context of global security requirements. The work includes recommendations for rebuilding Canada's military capacity and maintaining its international obligations. The book serves as both a warning about national defense readiness and a broader commentary on Canadian sovereignty and international relations. Its central arguments remain relevant to ongoing debates about military spending and Canada's role in global security.

Readers found this book presented a straightforward case about the decline of Canada's military forces since WWII. The research and historical details earned respect from military history buffs and veterans who left reviews. Readers appreciated: - Clear chronology of political decisions affecting military funding - Specific examples of equipment shortages and procurement issues - Balanced criticism of both Liberal and Conservative governments Common criticisms: - Too focused on criticizing political leaders rather than offering solutions - Some found the tone overly negative and accusatory - A few readers wanted more discussion of current military capabilities Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (33 ratings) Amazon.ca: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Granatstein lays out the facts without sugar-coating Canada's military decline, but I wish he'd spent more time on potential fixes." - Amazon reviewer Several military forum discussions cite the book as an accurate but sobering account of Canadian defense policy failures.

The Defence of Canada by James Eayrs An examination of Canadian defense policy from WWI through the Cold War presents parallels to Granatstein's analysis of military degradation.

War Without Battles: Canada's NATO Brigade in Germany by Sean M. Maloney This study of Canada's military contributions to NATO during the Cold War shows the impact of political decisions on operational capabilities.

Arms, Men and Governments: The War Policies of Canada by C.P. Stacey The detailed investigation of Canada's WWII military policy decisions reveals patterns of political-military relationships that echo through to modern times.

The Generals: The Canadian Army's Senior Commanders in the Second World War by J.L. Granatstein This companion work explores the leadership dimension of Canada's military through profiles of key commanders and their struggles with political oversight.

Canada's Army: Waging War and Keeping the Peace by J.L. Bernier A comprehensive history of the Canadian Army traces the evolution of forces and illustrates the long-term effects of defense policy decisions.

🍁 J. L. Granatstein served as the Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum from 1998 to 2000 🎖️ Canada's military spending dropped to just 1.2% of GDP by the late 1990s, far below NATO's target of 2% 📚 The book was published in 2004, during a pivotal time when Canada was reconsidering its role in Afghanistan 🛡️ Until World War II, Canada maintained one of the world's smallest permanent military forces, with just 4,261 personnel in 1939 🗺️ Canada's military transformation from the 1960s to 1990s shifted focus from combat capability to peacekeeping operations, significantly altering its global military role