Canada Autonomy Essay

Autonomy: the state or condition of having independence or freedom, or of being autonomous; self-government, or the right of self-government. In both World War I and World War II, Canada demonstrated its independence from Great Britain in various forms, but it was during World War I, also known as the Great War, and soon after, that was particularly effective in shaping Canada’s individuality. The war accelerated the shift from the British Empire into the British Commonwealth and revealed the independence of the self-governing dominion. It was during WW1 that Canada had confirmed its individuality for the first time through the demonstration of war efforts through its resilient military, booming economy, and greater voice in political

affairs. By the time World War II had begun in 1939, Canada had already experienced the greatest growth toward Canadian Autonomy.
When Britain announced it would be going to war in 1914, Canada was automatically involved and by 1918, Canada’s key fighting force at the front, the Canadian Expeditionary Force, had achieved an excellent reputation as one of the most effective formations on the Western Front.

From the beginning, the Canadian government assured its citizens that although Canada had no choice in the matter of whether or not to fight in the war, Ottawa did have the right to choose the degree of its participation. When more than 33 000 Canadian soldiers landed in England for training, Lord Kitchener, the British Minister of War, informed Sam Hughes, the Canadian military commander, that the Canadians would be divided to serve as support for existing English battalions. Hughes intentionally ignored this order, keeping the Canadian soldiers together, and establishing from the start that Canadians were an independent combat force, not simply an extension of the British army. As the war continued on, Canadian troops proved again and again their military distinction autonomous of Britain and secured the admiration of the other Allied nations, specifically shown in Canada's brilliant performance during the battle of Vimy Ridge. The fight in 1917 was a significant

moment in Canada’s military history, marking the first time Canadians had attacked as one force. The German militia was unprepared for the swift and forceful attack, and the CEF advanced with promptness and brilliant accuracy, capturing more guns, more prisoners, and more ground than any prior British offensive in the war. In addition, throughout the final three months of the war, the Allies initiated a series of offensives against Germany on the Western Front known as Canada’s Hundred Days Offensive. In this offensive, the Canadian Corps worked as the forefront for the British Empire, and meritoriously imposed a series of significant defeats upon the German Army. Canada carried out a dire role in the final allied victory that won the Great War. Canada's soldiers made enormous contributions and turned out to be the best, most successful fighting force in the whole combat. As a result, the battles evidenced Canada's worth to the British Empire, and the rest of the world: that Canada was able to do well on its own without help from the British.

Undoubtedly, both Canada’s value and independence were not only confirmed through its military resilience, but through its thriving wartime economy. Before the war Canada's economy was developing at an average rate, but by no means would it have increased so rapidly if not for the abrupt need for material overseas. For instance, Canada played a fundamental part in the manufacturing of ammunition during the war. In 1915, the British Ministry of Munitions generated an Imperial Munition Board (IMB) in Canada. The IMB turned out ships, shells, planes and explosives that were sent overseas, and by 1917, virtually one-third of all British shells were being mass-produced on Canadian soil. The Munitions Board was the leading business in Canada, taking on 150 000 employees. Additionally, Canada became a major food producer and helped transport goods to the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations and allies. With that said, eventually Britain could no longer meet the expense of Canadian goods, and Canada turned to America as business allies, therefore becoming increasingly less dependent on Britain financially. Moreover, up to thirty thousand women found work as labourers in new munition factories and worked on farms assisting the harvest. The contribution of Canadian women was a key component to Canada’s growth during the Great War. Indeed, increased economic activity was one of the greatest effects WWI had on Canada’s sovereignty. It was during WWI that Canada no longer had to depend on on the British. Instead, the British relied on Canada for support, artillery, and goods. Canada’s economic triumph was a crucial step on the road to achieving full nationhood.

Gradually, Canada began to affirm its nationhood from Britain more officially from a political standpoint.

The actions during WWI and the events soon afterwards set Canadian autonomy in motion. For example, Sir Robert Borden fought for Canada to have a greater voice, and a key step to independence was taken in 1917. Britain systematized the Imperial War Cabinet, where Borden presented Resolution IX, which acknowledged Canada as an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. Furthermore, the Paris Peace Conference drafted the Treaty of Versailles (1919) which concluded the war. Borden successfully insisted that Canada have a seat at the meeting and be a signatory to the ensuing treaty. One provision of the Treaty was the establishment of the League of Nations, and Canada quickly joined as an independent member. Finally, in 1931 the Statute of Westminster made it a matter of official British law that the Commonwealth members were autonomous and equal in status to Britain. Canada had proven its individuality throughout the war, and by the end, Canada was no longer perceived as simply a colony of Britain. Canada was able to function on an international level ‘’shoulder to shoulder’’ with

Britain.
Canada’s outstanding WWI contributions resulted in the achievement of Canadian autonomy by the time they entered WWII as a fully independent nation. First, Canadian action on the frontline contributed to a growing sense of nationalism. Second, industry and economy thrived and diversified on the home front without the help from Britain. Third, Canada affirmed its independence from the UK through the Imperial War Cabinet, Treaty of Versailles, and the League of Nations, finally culminating in the Statute of Westminster. In conclusion, it was during WWI Canada had proven to the world that it was a resilient, autonomous nation, no longer a subordinate to the deep-rooted colonial power of Britain.