THE CRUCIBLE: Canada comes of age in the anguish of World War II, with soldiers on the beaches at Dieppe and women in the industrial work force back home. The country's military role, and the domestic, social and political consequences of the war are traced through poignant stories of Canadians on both sides of the Atlantic. The horrific global conflict steals the innocence of a generation... but brings hope for a new future. COMFORT AND FEAR: The end of World War II signals the end of 15 years of social, political and economic upheaval. The post-war baby boom and government economic and social policies give rise to unprecedented prosperity and growth for Canadian communities. Television becomes a powerful new tool with social and political consequences. But in the midst of plenty, growing fears of the Cold War and nuclear conflict create an unsettled atmosphere. Political leaders û including Diefenbaker, Smallwood and Duplessis û create excitement and controversy. Saskatchewan's premier Tommy Douglas begins the fight for medicare, while Canada finds itself increasingly absorbed into the American military, economic and cultural orbit.

Teacher's guides available under Additional info tag. Title from disc label. "Series 4." Special DVD features: Interactive menu; chapter indexing. Based on: Canada: a people's history / Don Gillmor and Pierre Turgeon.

(2 DISCS) Disc 1: -- The Crucible Disc 2: Comfort and fear