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Canadas impact on ww2
Canada's involvement in World War II. i
The impact of the First World War
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World War I was the First World War to have affected many countries on a global scale. Along with the millions of people who were killed, many countries were thrown into a state of economic instability that would last for several years. Although the consequences were detrimental, Canada did many things during and after the war to solve the problem. Among many things, Canada played a major part in the war effort during the war.
According to Reader’s Digest, “Canada mobilized with amazing speed: A division of 30, 000, every man a volunteer, was sent to England in October. There were bond drives and women knitted socks and sweaters and went to work in factories. More and more volunteers went overseas, and almost missionary zeal, Canada rose to help the challenge, “the Hun”, and make the world safe for democracy.” When World War 2 broke out, Canadians rushed to help in any way they could, whether through direct military involvement, or indirectly, such as the use of drives to generate money to fund the allies. Many countries did not have a choice to go war against the Triple Alliance as they were in the center of it. However, Canada did have a choice to limit their involvement. Influenced by the British, and their loyalty to them, Canada as a country did help the war effort, but it was the people of Canada who went out of their way to help the allies win the war, even if it meant sacrificing their lives or working longer hours for less pay.
Canada was also a major player in helping many issues during the war effort. Through the use of many organizations, either located in Canada or in other parts around the world, many Canadians aided in the many problems that occurred because of the war. These contributions included fighting the...
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...: Achievements and Challenges. Washington, DC: Institute for International Economics, 2005. Print. (Secondary Book)
• Morin, Jean H., and Richard Howard Gimblett. Operation Friction: 1990 - 1991 ; the Canadian Forces in the Persian Gulf. Toronto [u.a.: Dundurn, 1997. Print. (Secondary Book)
• Parkinson, J. F. Canadian War Economics. Toronto, Can.: University of Toronto, 1941. Print. (Primary Book)
• Reader's Digest Great Events of the 20th Century: How They Changed Our Lives. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 1977. Print. (Secondary Website)
• "The First World War: 1914-1918." Canadian Red Cross. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. (Secondary Website)
• “The World Looks North." The Canada Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. (Primary Website)
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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
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.
Before the war, Canada’s most important sector in its economy was agriculture. However, this was changing drastically after and during the war as industry began to take over as being more important. Canadian production of war material, food supplies, and raw materials had been crucial during the war. After the war, it was only natural that big investments were being made in mining, production, transportation, and services industries. Canadian cities were becoming very important contributors to the economy. This was also bringing in waves of post-war immigration, the backbone of Canada’s multicultural society we know today.
Canadians contributed in many ways to help our country's great efforts in the First World War. Canadians had literally the whole country and made enormous demands on the Canadian people, whether they were involved in the actual fighting or remained on the home front to work in industry or farming to support the war effort. Canada grew tremendously through the war as a nation, individually and emotional. Canadian troops had to be strong and responsible as they were always running from one front to another and had to be strong so that the little thing don’t bother them so they don’t become emotionally unstable, then could end there life. Strength played a major role through the war as did courage and every Canadian troop had those two components making them a strong army to attack against.
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 economic progress Canada made after the war lead to the growth of the country. New industries emerged from innovations of products like automobiles, radios, television, digital computers and electric typewriters (Aitken et al., 315). Canadians quickly adapted back to the “buy now, pay later” strategy rather than careful budgeting during the Great Depression (Liverant). Almost everything that Canadians did was influenced from new inventions; television was the most influential. Canadians conversations, humour, and lifestyle were influenced from television (Aitken et al., 315). Trade relations between the United States and Canada had become more efficient due to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The mass development of the St. Lawrence Seaway, in 1954, was to provide a large wate...
Canada’s contribution was required as Britain needed military and food supplies. However, the ships that were deported from Canada were being attacked and sunk by the German U-boats. The Germans plan was to limit Britain's resources being attacking the Allies ships. In order for Canada to protect and ship their supplies across the Atlantic, they had to make convoys. These warships protected and escorted the vessels containing the supplies across the ocean. However, the Germans were still sinking these vessels and therefore corvettes were made to escort the convoys across the ocean. It was said that the corvettes were the best ship that were built to escort during this time. Canada’s contribution was significant as many sacrificed their lives just for Britain’s sake of limited resources.
Prior to World War I, Canada as a nation had an identity crisis. A key factor in Canada’s pursuit of an identity are the countries that have influenced it.Through the influences that other countries have had upon the nation of Canada, Canada has been able to create a unique identity. The nation was created without one, but it was able to create a unique nation that in turn, went on to influence those who’s influences it drew from originally. Canada’s national identity is attributed to our role in World War I. Due to our British and French Heritage, there was a conflict of interest concerning the nation’s expectations. In the 1920’s, Canada achieved independence from Britain, as seen in the Statute of Westminster in 1931. Even though Canada remains part of the Commonwealth, its independence was starting to be recognized globally, through foreign and economic relations with non-commonwealth countries. When Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, Canada was automatically enlisted in the war as well. Within three week, 45,000 Canadians had been enlisted, and John McCrae was one of them.1 McCrae was a Canadian physician and soldier. On Sunday May 2nd, 1915, Lieutenant John McCrae scribbled a rough poem on the battlefield of Flanders, France. The day before, his closest friend, Alexis Herlmer of Ottawa had been killed by a shell. McCrae performed the ceremony for his friend the night of his death. As the battle of Flanders continued on, wild poppies began blooming between the marked crosses that marked the various makeshift graves.2
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
The huge expense of the essentials for war such as munitions, food and hiring people to fill the job vacancies created by the departure of the soldiers resulted in Canada’s wealth plummeting (Jefferson). Before going to war, the soldiers fighting in Europe were the ones that drove the Canadian economy as they worked as manufacturers, businessmen and farmers (Jones). A huge source of income in Canada prior to and during the First World War was the exportation of wheat, timber and munitions (Jones). Conscription resulted in labor shortage affecting the quantity of resources and finished goods exported from Canada, the amount of money made and subsequent tariff collected (Britannica). With so many farmers and agricultural leaders forced to cease production, exportations decreased by as much as 30 percent (Armstrong 75). According to Annette Deluca, an economist for the research firm Sherbrooke, as a result of conscription, Canada’s industrial, agricultural and wartime economies were left in a “frenzy” as industry leaders were forced to abandon their businesses in order to accommodate conscription. In addition, conscription caused the government’s war debt to grow even further since additional ammunition, food and equipment was needed. This left the government in desperate of money and in 1917 income tax was introduced to Canadians (Metherell 128). It began as a temporary measure and people were
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.
There had been many battles that were crucial in both World Wars, but the battle of Vimy Ridge and Dieppe had proved Canada to be a strong and developing nation during the wars. Vimy Ridge was captured by Canadians when all attempts made by the British and French both resulted in failure. On the other hand, the Dieppe Raid’s mistakes taught the Allies the importance of preparation, as proven during in D-Day. Finally, during these battles, Canada has supplied the most soldiers, which often times, reached thousands. The battles of Vimy Ridge and Dieppe proved Canada’s significance to both World Wars because of its many soldiers they provided, their leadership, skills and military expertise.
This battle had helped Canada gain a spot at the Paris Peace Conference. This victory also helped Canada’s economy. As Canada became better known, more countries began to be more willing to trade with Canada. Canada also started to become more involved with global issues. The Canadian force played a big part
The First World War had one of the greatest impacts on changing Canada forever. This significant worldwide conflict played a major role in shaping Canada’s identity. Canada’s constant participation and success throughout the war created adjustments that would evolve into the modern age country known today. The start of becoming an independent nation, the strengthening of Canada’s reputation and the steps towards equality for all genders are reasons of why the Great War changed Canada forever.
In 1914-1918 World War One devastated Canada and the world. But for the the new country of Canada it may have brought some good. There is no doubt about it World War One was a very, very bad event... or was it? If we didn’t participate in the Great War would Canada be the same? Simply put, NO. Canada may have been a new country but our patriotism shows through when more than half a million men volunteer for the Great War and many from different backgrounds and ethnicities. While the men from Canada were out battling in the trenches, the Canadian women were waging their own war on the homefront. Finally Canadians distinguished themselves as an independent country throughout the war. Canada in 1920 was very different from the Canada of 1914 after