World War II Improved Canada's Identity

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One of the major historical events that strengthened Canada’s identity was World War II. About one out of ten Canadians served in the war and many sacrificed their lives for the freedom and the will to defeat the force of aggression (The Axis powers), in hopes of having a better world. Represented by the hard-fought battles of the determined citizens and heroic soldiers, Canada was able to make one of the most significant contributions towards the war. Utilizing each of the military branches effectively, Canadians were able to display their strength further than most of the countries. Especially in the Battle of Britain, the Battle of the Atlantic and D-day, Canada showed their impressive and tactical demonstration of their ability. Not only …show more content…

Since Britain was one of the major Allied powers, if it was defeated, it would have brought devastating effects toward the Allies. In helping Britain withstand the German assaults, Canada played a pivotal role of the airborne counter-attack and supplying the man-powers including the equipments. In July 1940, Hitler started to prepare for Operation Sealion which involves the seaborne invasion of Britain. However he sent the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) first because he felt that it was essential to weaken Britain’s Royal Air Force to achieve air superiority. Since Britain lost its principal ally, France, Britain had to depend on the Dominions and itself. Noticing Britain might fall under German force, Canada provided one of the largest contingents of pilots (112) to aid Britain. On top of that, Britain had only weak troops to endure the hardships of German assault, so the 1st Canadian Division provided variety of equipments and later became part of the 7th British Army Corps. By creating a new formation of the army, Britain was able to intensely prepare for the counter-attack against the German force. Also, many Canadians pilots with the experiences became flight

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