Even though Canada and United states had endured many conflicts and struggles for political power, Mackenzie King knew that a close friendship with the U.S. president F.D. Roosevelt was a cornerstone of an Allied movement. Furthermore, on August 18, 1940, Roosevelt signed the Ogdensburg Agreement that committed the then "neutral" United States to come to the protection of Canada if attacked. Two countries that were once enemies in the war of 1812, were now steadfast allies in World War Two.
Mackenzie King shaped Canadian identity throughout his years as Prime Minister by implementing many social programs. In 1926, after world war one Mackenzie set up the old age pension to help secure Canadians over the age of 65. Mackenzie shared a vision for women rights and in 1930 appointed the first female senator, Cairine Wilson. As Canada headed into the second world war Mackenzie further implemented unemployment insurance. In 1940 this social insurance program was built to insure specific groups of workers against temporary income loss arising from unemployment. Not only did this act benefit workers, but because employment was at its peak and demand for benefits was low, investments indirectly helped finance the war. Mackenzie also realized how many lives were lost in the Second World War and decided that in order to promote Canadian families to have children, he would implement the family allowance act of 1944. This act encouraged numerous amounts of babies to be born in what are now called the "baby boomer years." Mackenzie's progressive social efforts are still prevalent today and is one of the key factors distinguishing us from the United States. .
As the Second World War started, Mackenzie was faced with many controversial issues. He had to balance the prevention of a civil war in Canada with the participation in the war starting in Europe. The conscription crises, which had caused uproar in Quebec during the First World War, was at the base of it all.