Canada became increasingly autonomous throughout the 1920's and 1930's. Being established officially as a nation apart from Britain certainly helped, but there were more than just official pieces of paper at play. The negotiation of the Halibut treaty was a large push towards become an autonomous nation from Britain. The final push were the seats Canada was given at various significant events.
To begin, Canada became an independent nation on paper through two very important papers. The first paper was the Balfour Report at the imperial Conference of 1926, which stated that Britain's dominions were independent communities from Britain. This was the first step to the official declaration of Canada's independence. The second paper was the Statue of Westminster, the Act signed in the Britain that declared the Balfour Report law. This caused the establishing of The Commonwealth of Independent States. These two papers are of great importance in the formal creation of Canada as an autonomous state from Britain.
Further with "pieces of paper", the negotiation of the Halibut Treaty between Canada and the United States of America was also instrumental in establishing Canada's
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independence. The treaty proved invaluable in showing Britain that Canada was independent. The treaty was first threatened by British involvement, to which Canada's response was to send her own ambassador to America. This forced Britain's hand in retreating from involvement with the treaty. Moreover, due to retreating, this led to no involvement from Britain at all in the treaty process. The treaty was solely made between Canada and the United States of America. Furthermore, this was a tremendous development due to this being the first time for Canada to negotiate its own treaty ever. The final and most important piece to the increasing independency was the individual seats Canada was given during times of great importance.
The Paris Peace granted an individual seat for Canada. This seat was apart from the other state under British rule and was symbolic for Canada's independence during the war. Furthermore on the war effort, at the signing of the Treaty of Versailles Canada was also given its own seat. Canada was still the only state under British rule to have its own seat and further impressed the independence of Canada upon the world. The last important seat Canada was granted was one part of the League of Nations, the interwar league that was focused on maintaining peace. Canada was yet again given a seat apart from Britain and this one lasted for more than one
meeting. All in all, Canada became much more independent during the 1920's and 1930's from Britain. The official statements, the Halibut Treaty, and the seats Canada was given were all instrumental in developing a nation autonomous from Britain. The fact that two of the main points were not orchestrated by Britain leads one to ask whether or not a nation becoming autonomous depends on the official decrees of the greater power.
It was once stated by F.R.Scott “ There are two miracles in canadian history. The first is the survival of French Canada, and the second is the survival of Canada.” His quote came to reality as of Canada grew to be a stable and secure country where everyone would want to be. Yet to accomplish this, many obstacles and events occurred such as the Spanish Succession war in 1713 , the seven years war in 1763, the constitutional act in 1791 and finally the Act of Union in 1841. First in 1713, the Spanish Succession war occurred where the British took control of Acadia. Soon after that, in 1763 the Seven Years War ended where the British took over New France and was later renamed British North America. Before the British most of the colonies were
Canadians were frustrating, wonderful, and hard. Soldiers returning from the war expected jobs, but were faced with unemployment, inflation and strikes. Inflation had doubled the cost of living where wages had not and those fortunate to be employed still faced immense financial difficulty. Many people joined unions for better pay and working conditions, 1919 saw the most strikes at a staggering three hundred and six, people were angry and discontented. The 1920s were a time of crime corruption and extreme poverty, yet by mid era difficult conditions began to improve. Foreign investors gained confidence in Canada and as a result new industries were developed, The twenties really did 'roar' and with this boom of change Canada underwent the transformation that was the gateway to the future.
The events of July and early August 1914 are known as the sparks that lit the explosion of World War I. Uneasy tensions that had been boiling beneath the surface of Europe for many years soon erupted and with that several alliances that were formed over the past decades were invoked, so within weeks the major powers were at war; via their colonies, the conflict advanced rapidly. When war officially broke out in 1914, Britain joined in the defense of Belgium and in reaction to Germany's violation of the treaty in which the countries neutrality was to be respected by all other nations. Upon this Britain requested that all dominions of the British Empire, including Canada were to fight on its behalf. Canada’s involvement in the War changed history, deepening our independence, strengthening our right the self govern and opening a gap between the French and English-speaking populations. Canadian's were a great asset in WW1, and it marked the beginning of independent Canadian forces fighting under a Canadian-born commander. On August 5, 1914, the Governor General declared a war between Canada and Germany.
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.
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.
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.
Currently, Canada remains the world’s second largest country, full of vast and rich resources from all corners of the nation. None of the accomplishments and achievements that Canada has made to date would have been possible without Confederation. Without intense pressure from the Americans, and without the common goal that a few men shared of unifying a country, Canada would not be the strong, free, independent and united nation that it is today.
Canada is a strong and independent country made up of thirteen unique provinces and territories. However, it took great efforts for Canada to become the united nation it is today. The British colonies were facing many problems. One solution for these issues was for the colonies to come together and form one county or nation. There were a number of different factors that pushed the colonies of British North America towards confederation. Due to political deadlock, economic challenges and pressure from the United States, confederation was absolutely necessary for the well-being and progress of Canada.
After the Second World War, Canada contributed to conflicts preceding it, being impacted as it bred to a nation. The major factor that influenced Canadian autonomy as a peacekeeping nation grew through her involvement in the Suez Canal Crisis, Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The conflict to the Suez Canal was a threat, that may have led to another World War, that Canada took part in to keep the peace. Korean War and the Vietnamese War was one of the two proxy wars that Canada participated in, establishing her independence from Britain and creating ties with other countries. Canada’s political independence
Alberta became a province of Canada in 1905. They joined into Confederation because of many reason. One of the big factors was because of the fur trading. Canada was in big demand of fur, therefore having Alberta join would add to their business. Another reason was because of Manifest Destiny, the construction of an inter-colonial railway between Canada and the Maritimes was necessary since all goods were being transported on American lines. The Grand Trunk Railway needed increased traffic on its line to avoid bankruptcy. Also, transcontinental railway uniting the Atlantic to the Pacific would have to be built to open up the West and to prevent a possible takeover by the United States. Railway construction however was extremely expensive. The only way to ensure its construction would be for all the colonies to unite and to contribute to its construction. All of these causes for Alberta and the other provinces to join Canada was to prevent America from taking over the continent.
Before 1931, Canada was under the British crown, meaning the Canadian government abided by the decisions made by the Queen. However, Canada has long escaped the rule of Britain as portrayed though many instances in Canadian history and it can be proven by many instances throughout history. Canada not only demonstrated it was a self-governing nation, but it was also a strong one. Specific examples of Canada’s growing independence are the Chanak Affair, the Balfour Report, and the Statute of Westminster
The second world had a very significant effect on Canada. Canada began to gain independence through various events in World War 1. For instance, the contribution made by women during the war effort. It not until World War 2, that Canada began to shape itself into an independent country. In 1939, Canada was unprepared for war. However, the country made a vital contribution to the war effort. By 1945, Canada emerged with an important place in world affairs. Canada’s autonomy grew significantly in World War 2 because of the efforts made on the home front, international status, and their contributions to battles.
The adaptation or the maple leaf flag in 1965 is a defining moment in Canadian history because it exhibited Canada as its own country, it created the true meaning of “Canadian”, and it can now be classified as an independent country.
Salutation: Good afternoon and many thanks to all the UN General Assembly members for taking the time to evaluate Canada’s capability on maintaining responsible international involvement. I hope you all will agree with me in terms of Canada being given this esteemed position.
World War One was the first war to impact the world as much as it did. It was called “the war to end all wars,” which it was for a while. Canada being a growing, young country, had to pay the price for this war not only with money, but also through divisions within the country and a countless number of deaths. The sheer horror and tragedy that Canada had to go through in this World War was unfathomable. Many will say Canada became a nation because of this war, but the costs that our nation paid completely outweigh the gains. Canada may have been seen an independent country, but they could have done it in a way that did not involve fighting World War One.