One of Canada’s largest military endeavors was the battle of Vimy Ridge during World War One. It was a fierce battle between Germans and Canadians. Canada was trying to take over the German controlled ridge, which ran from northwest to southwest between Lens and Arras, France. Its highest point was 145 feet above sea level, which was exceptionally helpful in battle because of the very flat landscape. Already over 200,000 men had fallen at Vimy, all desperately trying to take or defend this important and strategic ridge. As a result of its success in taking the ridge, Canada gained a lot more than just the strategic point. Canada was united as a nation, and the victory changed the way other counties viewed them. Canadians no longer viewed their soldiers as merely an extension of allied forces; they now viewed their troops as an independent and unified entity.
After the Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge, other counties immediately started to view Canada as a strong and determined army. In earlier years, many British and French attacks had been made against the ridge, as it was the barrier preventing the allies from getting to Lens-Douai Plain. The French has lost 150,000 men at Vimy, while the British also suffered heavy causalities. Before the battle at Vimy, Canadian forces were not recognized for any significant military contributions, and a Canadian had never been commander of more than a single division of soldiers. After their victory, however, both Britain and France viewed Canada and their soldiers as a military force to be reckoned with. In fact, Sir Arthur Currie became commander of the entire Canadian corps after his performance in commanding the first Canadian division at Vimy. This showed that the British commander...
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With careful planning, co-operation, good leadership and courage, Currie managed to bring out the characteristics of a well thought out success at Vimy Ridge in April of 1917 (Dancocks, 1985). Sir Arthur Currie’s responsibility was to command the 1st Canadian Division (Hyatt, 1987). He pushed his troops to undergo rigorous training and to prepare themselves by using a life-size course, with every trench marked by tape and a flag (Dancocks, 1985). Currie designed very accurate maps and he had a small-scale plasticine model built so that it could be studied by all soldiers. Arthur Currie insisted that his division’s knowledge of the enemy was excellent (Dancocks, 1985).
Canada’s role in World War I in both fighting and ending it helped it gain autonomy from Britain. In battle, Canada earned the respect of many of her allies for victories like Vimy Ridge and the Battle of the Somme. The victory at Vimy Ridge helped Canada to earn recognition as an independent fighting force different from the British. This helped to earn Canada an independent seat at the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles was a watershed moment in Canada’s road to autonomy. This “won a separate seat for Canada at the peace conference following the war” (Bradley and Wilson, 126). This was unprecedented in Canada’s history up to...
Canada was one of Great Britain’s empire who fought under British units or in the Canadian Corps, formed by the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. These Canadians who fought aside with Great Britain earned a recognition of becoming an independent strong fighting force. They earned this reputation through one of World War One’s battles called, Vimy Ridge. Canadian soldiers who were in the Canadian Corps had an awful General named, Sam Hughes who preferred to use the Ross rifle. This type of weapon was too heavy and often jammed too many times to be used as a rifle for upcoming horrific battles. Thus, a new general replaced Sam Hughes and that was, Arthur Currie. General Currie had the desire for the Canadian Corps’ four divisions to fight together to take hold of Vimy Ridge. Arthur Currie made precise plans of military tactics that no general had done to their troops. General Currie gave his troops maps and had a duplicate model of Vimy Ridge so that troops are able to have an ideal look of what they should be taking hold of. Als...
some of the positive ways in which the war changed Canada but the most negative way in which
In conclusion there were many contributing factors as to why the Canadians were successful in capturing Vimy Ridge. Their innovative attacking strategies like an artillery barrage to create a defensive curtain in front of its troops allowed them to overtake land in great speed while their platoon system aided to more efficient attacks. Their preparedness in terms of knowing exactly where to go and how the attack was to unfold let their innovative strategies be put to good use. Last but certainty not least being able to unite as a team and fight as Canadians, an elite army, contributed to their success at Vimy Ridge. The Canadians had won the first battle of the Great War while at the same time established a national identity, the Canadian identity.
Contrary to what any believe, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was more than “another bloodshed” to Canada as a nation. This battle confirmed Canada’s eligibility to participate on the world stage and that they are not to be trifled with by other nations. The accomplishments of the Canadian army brought respect from other countries to Canada. The Canadian army gained confidence in themselves after the victory at the battle Vimy Ridge The Battle of Vimy Ridge was significant to the growth of Canada as a nation.
Since before the First World War, Canadians have had a long history of weakness, cowardice, and insipidity. Seen as feeble and insignificant, Canada had often been overlooked by the European superpowers; until April 9th 1917. On this day, Canadian Corps completed the task of capturing the once German-held Vimy Ridge. Canadian success is attributed to their communication and precise planning that allowed them to stay one step ahead of the enemy. Canadians created new and innovative tactics that made for a more efficient offensive line. Also, the battle resulted in Canada’s autonomy, nationalism, and patriotism that changed the course of Canadian history forever. The battle of Vimy Ridge is considered the defining moment for Canada as it emerged from under the shadow of Britain and for the first time, felt capable of greatness.
Battles such as Vimy Ridge, the Second Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of the Somme were some of the worst battles that the world can find Canadian's. Our northern nation had boasted over 600,000 soldiers to the battlefields whilst also providing vital manufacturing facilities and training soldiers from across the world. The strong imperial bond between Canada and the 'Motherland' was an important factor in Canada's decision to participate wholeheartedly in World War I, and influenced many in their decision to join the army. Most Canadians felt a strong connection to the British Emp...
Contrary to popular belief, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was more than “another bloodshed” to Canada the growth of Canada as a nation. This battle confirmed Canada’s eligibility to participate on the world stage and showed that Canada was not to be trifled with by other nations. The achievements of the Canadian army brought Canada respect from other nations. The Canadian army gained confidence in themselves after their victory in this battle. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was significant to the growth of Canada as a nation.
Canada also became a leader internationally as well. With such an enormous military contribution during the war, other countries began to recognize the success of Canada. People wanted to know more about Canada. Consequently, the war advanced Canada’s sense of identity.
Canada's sacrifices and contributions to the war changed its history and enabled them to become more independent and they friendship with Britain grew stronger and stronger. Canada was first inducted into the World War 1 when Britain declared war on Germany, August 4, 1914. Canada being allies with Britain had to support those in the war even know they weren’t in there and fighting all on the front they were backup just in case the German soldiers broke through the trenches and head towards France. Later on the Governor General also declared war on Germany but the Canadians fought under the ruling of a Britain commander. The achievements of Canadian military during the First World War came during the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele battles and what later became known as "Canada's Hundred Days". They help fight for the freedom and peace for the small village of Passchendaele and however as it was a muddy hell, they still persevered throu...
Canada was eventually recognized as a respected and important nation and it was placed into a position in which it was able to have its power seen throughout the globe. This position conferred Canada significant amounts of respect from the other countries and as a result the benefits she gained were numerous. By the end of this war, the country was placed pretty high up in the social ladder. During the war, Canada played a major role and was a major factor in the victory gained by the allies. These successful contributions in the war left Canadians feel proud as being citizens of this country. After the war, the unemployment rate had dropped significantly and left citizens doing
In the early years of Canada before Confederation Canada had been defended by the British Army, and some units known as the Canadian Militia. After a few years new units were created to defend Canada such as the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, the Royal Canadian Dragoons. These troops participated in many missions to protect Canada, one of them would be the North West Rebellion for Confederation in 1885 in which Canada fought against Saskatchewan to bring peace, and secure the province. In this battle 58 soldiers lost their life, 98 got wounded, and 26 were capture. For World at War 1 all this militias came together to create the Canadian Expeditionary force, this force was mostly full of volunteers there we around 619,646 soldiers in the force at that time in which they fought many battles during World at War 1. One of the most famous one is Vimy Ridge, at Vimy Ridge all the allied forces could not get through since the ridge Germany had a an advantage in a high location in which their army was placed. Canada as a young nation no one believed that Canada would get passed it. But on April 12, 1917 Canadian Soldiers had full control over the ridge, but this had not been achieve easily it cost the life of 10,602 Canadians. For World at War 2 in the 1940s The Canadian Militia was renamed to the Canadian Army. This new army was formed as part of NATO which is in charge of the protection of all North America. Canada also fought many battles in World at War 2 to free, and protect the liberty of other countries, and people specially the Jewish community. Since then Canada knew the great power they have to help people in need at the end of World War 2 In 1939, 20 Years later in 1956 Canada became part of the United Nations.
One of the most significant historical memorable event that took place in Canadian history is the battle of Vimy Ridge between the Canadians and Germans located near northern France. This event shaped Canada into a strong, satisfied independent country known as today. During World War 1 in mid 1917 not long after the Battle of Somme occurred, both British and French forces attempted to overrule the Germans at Vimy Ridge, however their plan failed leaving the British and French to sacrifice over 100,000 casualties. Numerous countries urge to obtain this area because it was considered as a key vantage point for the nation. During their third attempt to capture Vimy Ridge, the Allies turned to the Canadians. Many Canadian soldiers including Commander Major-General Arthur Currie learned tactics from pervious battles which allowed them to be more effective against the Germans. During the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadians introduced new techniques like “The Creeping Barrage”. This
Most Canadian victories came in the form of preventing American attack from being successful. This is the main Canadian reason for believing they won this war. An example of this occurred on 12 July 1812, when General Hull and his troops crossed into Canada. Their invasion was promptly met and turned away by opposing forces. This also happened in the Battle of Raisin River on 21 January 1813. American General Winchester surrendered to British Colonel Proctor, losing 500 prisoners. Perhaps the most significant of Canadian victories was the burning of Washington. When the British forces won the battle of Bladensburg, it “opened the door to Washington”. The Capitol Building and the White House were destroyed but luckily, for the Americans, torrential rains put out fires in the rest of the city. To the Canadians from 1812-1814, this was reason enough to believe that they were victorious. To Canadians now it seems a shallow way to claim triumph.