Canada, to begin, was greatly affected politically throughout its contributions during the battle of Ypres, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele. . In 1915, Canada fought its first major battle in Ypres, Belgium. The Canadian troops were assigned to defend 3.5 km of front line from German attack. The battle of Ypres became significant, introducing poison gas into warfare. The Allies’ unit weakened as poisonous gas filled the trenches. However, the Canadians were the only troops to withstand their position and formulate a successful counterattack. “The Canadian Division’s trial-by-fire at Ypres earned the Canadians a reputation as tough and dependable troops, but they had paid a high price: some 6,000 casualties over the four-day battle.” 3 The chlorine gas affected many soldiers’ respiratory …show more content…
Canadian General Arthur Currie who had been in command to seize Vimy Ridge, was determined to prepare his men meticulously. Months had been spent building full-scale model of battle and practicing maneuvers, scouting position of German’s guns by scouting planes, creating railways line and tunnels to transport artillery, troops, and supplies efficiently. Due to Currie’s plan, the Canadians successful captured Vimy Ridge. “Many historians and writers consider the Canadian victory at Vimy a defining moment for Canada, when the country emerged from under the shadow of Britain and felt capable of greatness. Canadian troops also earned a reputation as formidable, effective troops because of the stunning success” 4 Furthermore, in October 1917, the Canadian had been sent to annex Passchendaele, situated in Belgium. The troops faced much adversity due to the horrendous conditions of this land. The area of Passchendaele had been beneath the North Sea, and become waterlogged as shelling demolished drainage ditches. As a result, soldiers and horses often drowned in the
Division. He led the “Red Patch” at Mount Sorrel, through the horror of the Somme in 1916 and at Vimy Ridge, Arleux, and Fresnoy in the spring of 1917. In June, Currie had been knighted and named commander of the Canadian Corps, now four divisions strong.
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.
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
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.
The battle of Vimy Ridge was very significant in Canadian history and lead us closer to independence. Vimy Ridge was a very important strategic military area held by the Germans. French and British Soldiers
“Canada emerged from the First World War a proud, victorious nation with newfound standing in the world. It also emerged grieving and divided [and] forever changed by the war’s unprecedented exertions and horrific costs.” Some of the social impacts of World War I on Canada include the fact that during the war as mentioned above, the status of women improved and resistance by men against acknowledging the abilities of women were gradually set aside. Also during the war women participated in many activities that promoted their cause for social, economic and politic equality, such as suffrage. Moreover, political impacts of the First World War on Canada involved, the suffrage political goal finally being won in 1919 when women got the right
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
Since October of 1914, over 160,000 French and British soldiers had died at Vimy ridge, and now the duty of capturing it came to the Canadians
Tens and thousands of Canadians came out and rushed to join the military. They were not worried of the fact that they have to serve the war for 4 years. In the battle of Western Front was the introduction to trench fighting. The trenches made it so difficult for the soldiers to fight. The trenches were the worst nightmares for the soldiers, it made them miserable. Soon there was a major attack that was planned in the area of Arras, France. In this attack, the Canadians were told to captivate Vimy Ridge. However, Germany had captured Vimy Ridge earlier in the war, therefore they had taken this advantage and made Vimy Ridge more powerful and stronger, they made the transformation into a strong defensive position and made into a complicated system of tunnels and trenches. The Canadians moved to the front lines across from Vimy Ridge. The battle of Vimy Ridge was the first time all four of the divisions of the Canadian Corps had fought together as one formation. The Canadians had spent their entire winter preparing the lines for the assault on Vimy Ridge. The Germans had raided positions so that they can gather information to use against Canada. During this there was over
Pre-World War One, Canada was looked upon not only by foreigners, but also by Canadians, as being just a British Colony.
One would have to admit that World War One did give Canada a reputation and Canadians pride. Canada’s accomplishments in the war, notably the victory at Vimy Ridge and Canadian troops holding against the German attack in the Second Battle of the Ypres, not only gave Canadians a reason to be proud of their country, but also let other countries to see that Canada was a very helpful and useful. Also, Canada representing itself in signing the Treaty of Versailles increased Canadian pride and further showed Canada’s contribution to the war. However, this increased Canadian pride and reputation came at a heavy price. As
1917", Philip. All of Vimy Ridge Cleared of Germans ''New York Times'' 11 April. "Military history of Canada during World War I - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2011.
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 has played a vital role in international relations for the majority of its 144 year history since the signing of Confederation in 1867. Canada first participated in World War I, then World War II in 1939-1945. Following World War II, Canada was also involved in the Korean War. Canada has been primarily a peacekeeping nation. There are many questions people ask when a high income country goes to help a lower income nation such as Afghanistan. What are Canada’s motives for helping out Afghanistan? Who will benefit from Canada going to war in Afghanistan? These are some of the questions many people have. While Canada has many domestic problems of its own such as homelessness, poverty and increasing national debt, why should Canada get involved with a problem that is across the globe? Are the costs of going to war out weight the political benefits? Modernity, modernization theory and gender stratification are some key concepts that are related to Canada going to war in Afghanistan.