The battle of Vimy Ridge was one of the most important battles in Canada's history. It was on the morning of April 9th, 1917, that 20,000 soldiers attacked in the first wave of fighting (Historica Canada, n.d.). Around noon, the two front lines had been taken up by the Canadian corps. By the 12th of April the whole ridge was taken by the allies and when Hill 145 fell, the operation was considered a resounding success (Scott, 338).The battle of Vimy Ridge was a magnificent victory that brought forth a new national spirit and was one of the most notable days in the development of Canada's national identity. This national identity was brought forth firstly because they achieved an amazing victory that no other allied country had accomplished. …show more content…
The battle also displayed our countries integrity, courage and dedication. Lastly, the Vimy Ridge victory revealed to the world that Canada had the ability to lead their own nation. Even though the battle of Vimy Ridge was a resounding victory, it didn't come without a cost.
That cost totaled 10,602 Canadian casualties and 3,598 dead (Historica Canada, n.d.). The battle of Vimy Ridge brought honor to Canada's name and was a remarkable achievement. This accomplishment of capturing Vimy ridge owed its success to sound and meticulous planning and thorough preparation (Christie, 11). Four young soldiers from the Canadian corps won Victoria crosses for their bravery (Christie, 11). Without the integrity, courage and dedication from the Canadian troops, this would not have been such a magnificent …show more content…
battle. -need to achieve -quote During the battle of Vimy Ridge the Canadian troops were very devoted, strong willed and relentless in their endurance in the face of great adversity. Regardless of the tough conditions of the trenches, and the vast sections of no man's land, the troops fought through with courage and determination. The Germans were so sure that the ridge was invincible. (Christie, 6)They had all artillery and weaponry to make sure the ridge would not be captured. But with brute force the Canadians fought through the tough conditions and the enemy was overwhelmed with their tenacity. Canada will always remember the endurance and might of the 100,000 young soldiers who captured the ridge. (Christie, 11). The preparations and leadership is what brought this outstanding victory. Without the months of planning and rigorous training, simulating this battle, Canada could not have been so successful. Many attempts by other Allied forces had not succeeded in capturing the ridge.
There was thoughts among the Allied leadership that this hill was too big a task to conquer until the Canadians came with their strategy. The Canadian troops showed leadership to the eyes of many. The leadership skills of Sir Arthur Currie and Byng were outstanding and a big part of how the Canadians captured the ridge. (Edward, 307)This was the first battle where all four divisions fought together on the same battlefield. (Jennings, 6) Currie made sure that the Canadian divisions were kept together rather than having them mixed with other British units. (Historica Canada, n.d.) This was a act of leadership by Arthur Currie showing that the Canadians took their own stand and decided to be their own dominion. This led to achieving an amazing victory, by sweeping the Germans off the ridge . The Canadians prepared and rehearsed for this battle for four months. (Edward, 308)They developed their own strategy called the creeping barrage where they would shuffle in groups not lines which was not something the German troops expected. The Canadians gained more knowledge, strategic battle maneuvers and skills that when implemented, helped to accomplish the victory. Even with this significant battle won, some say that since Canada was still under Britain it wasn't such an accomplishment for Canada as a
nation. During the battle of Vimy Ridge Canada was still technically, under Britain’s power. The Canadians were fighting as a part of Britain’s divisions. Although Canada was fighting as four divisions together for the first time, without any other British troops, they were still under Britain’s control and leadership. Since Canada was still under Britain’s power this battle was not 'technically' a Canadian victory because Britain was a part of this victory. Even with this understanding that Canada was still aligned with Britain while capturing Vimy Ridge, it was the Canadians who went through all the preparations alone and made the final decisions. The Canadians troops’ performance on the battlefield was outstanding because of their training as bringing all divisions together, alone, without any suggestions or interference of Britain. Canada was totally in control with their choices, and Britain was aligned with them while they fought their own battle. (Taylor, 338) Vimy ridge was one of the most history changing battles for Canada. The conditions in the ridge were hard but with courage and endurance, Canadian troops tackled the ridge. The battle of Vimy Ridge was a magnificent victory that brought Canada to a place on the world stage, where they could stand with a feeling of pride knowing they developed their nation to what they are today. The battle showed Canada’s ability to lead, their dedication, innovation and strategic intuition to go outside the norm to try something new, in order to obtain the desired result.
The years since the Battle of Vimy Ridge may have passed quickly, but the legacy of the Canadians whose accomplishments were great in that pivotal First World War battle lives on. Many people claim to this day that Canada came of age as a country on those hard April days in 1917. At first, through the meticulous planning of the battle, the world saw a nation capable of working together and making decisions as a team. Afterwards, with the range of technical and tactical innovations involved in the attack, the world saw a strong nation unafraid to protect and defend. In the end, through great sacrifice the world bore witness to the birth of the Canadian legacy.
demonstating his carelessness over casualtiles, Passchendaele proved Currie’s concern for he preservation fo the lives of the men under his command; indeed, Currie’s actons throughout th war stand as strong evidence of his desire, and ability, to win battles only at the least possible cost. A lot of Canadians, veterans and conscripts alike, had little regard for General Currie. Passchendaele convinced many of them that victory was his old consideration.
”[2] Ultimately, the final decision, without any approval of Parliament[3] was to support the Imperial request. This was Canadian army’s first major overseas campaign. However, the decision to participate in Boer war resulted in a vast range of problems for a young country. First of all, the war had nothing to do with Canadians, it further increased conflicts between French-English Canadians, resulted in many other home front problems and even after all the efforts, Canadian contribution was not fully recognised.
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...
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...
currently occupied by the German Army and both failed. It was left to the Canadian
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
"I am a good enough Canadian to believe, if my experience justifies me in believing, that Canadians are best served by Canadians." Sir Arthur Currie. This statement Sir Arthur Currie, Major General for the Canadians at Vimy Ridge, could not describe any better why the Canadians were so successful at Vimy Ridge. Thought to have been a near impossible task to take Vimy Ridge as both the French and British had tried and failed miserably with substantial losses the Canadians were now tasked with taking this Ridge. The Ridge overlooking the Douai plain was essentially the “Hinge of the German line” as quoted by John Stephen. Losing this high ground would leave the Germans positions in the region exposed to the Allies, destabilizing the entire area. In the end the impossible was made possible and the Canadians captured the ridge and won the first major victory in the war. The reason for their success came from not only their strategies and preparedness but also uniting together for the very first time in the war as Canadians.
Contrary to what many believe, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was more than “another bloodshed” for 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.
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.
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...
...he British had the upper hand in multiple areas such as manpower, supply, and chain of command, which are all vital for the tactical assault on Bunker Hill. The British were able to take the hill and take control of the region, but were also hit severely by a large amount of casualties. Nevertheless, the Americans lost this battle, but were able to realize that they are capable to take on and defeat the British Empire if given the right leadership and equipment; this gave the American forces an enormous morale boost, which because useful during the duration of the American Revolution.
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...