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.

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.

As the likelihood of war increased in the 1930s, Canada realized that its defence hinged on the protection of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minutes of Conference Between the Committee of the Privy Council of Canada and the Undersigned Delegates from the Colony of Newfoundland, on the Subject of a Union of That Province with the Dominion of Canada. Dominion of Canada, <em>Sessional Papers 1869</em>, Volume V, No. 51.

Although at the root of widespread suffering, the Second World War also initiated a time of great economic prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gander's airport was the largest on the planet in 1940 and played a crucial role in ferrying aircraft from North America to Britain during the WWII.

The Canadian airfield at Goose Bay, Labrador, impacted its surroundings dramatically during the Second World War.

About the American military base, Fort Pepperrell, located in St. John's during World War II.

The creation of the American air base at Stephenville during the WWII saw the quiet farming village quickly transformed into a booming garrison town.

Since Newfoundland joined Canada on 31 March 1949, its relationship with the rest of the country has been governed by the Terms of Union.