During the Second World War, Newfoundland played a pivotal role in Allied naval strategy for the North Atlantic.

Under its Leased Bases Agreement with Britain, the United States had permission to establish military bases in Newfoundland.

The United States obtained the right to build military bases in Newfoundland by the Leased Bases Agreement signed with Britain on March 27, 1941.

By the end of the Second World War, the obscure fishing villages of Argentia and Marquise had been transformed into a mammoth US military base.

Bell Island is one of the few locations in North America that German forces directly attacked during the Second World War.