Essay On Canada's Involvement In Ww1

Canada participated in the WW1 showed an extraordinary act of bravery, although it came at a high price followed with many controversies. It left many Canadians on the fence about Canada’s true intention in the war. Yet it proved to the beginning of the foundation of Canada’s nationalism and growth of sovereignty in the country.

In the source, the writer showcases how Canada’s involvement was a must to establish the sovereignty of Canada. Nonetheless, it did not come easily one would have expected or anticipated it for the war had indeed strengthened the unity and nationhood as citizen throughout Canada. Despite the costly and the ruins, Canada was forsaken in the aftermath of the war. The participation ultimately made other nations recognized

Canada for the independent and brave country that is. But also, unity in the country was restored with a new sense of identity of nationalism from coast to coast. As demonstrated the writer’s perspective is that Canada could and would not have become Canada if it was not for the war. As result of the involvement of the war, Canada has been left a mark of scar and victory.
The perspective of the source shall be embraced to the full extent of the nationhood of Canada, as it is true that Canada’s voluntary participation in World War 1 had developed and shaped Canadians identity but also gained independence and international name for its country.

Firstly, Canada was considered young in relation to many other countries. Regardless of being part of the British Empire, it strived to be taken seriously on the world stage. When the British declared war, Canada as a colony of the British felt subjected to engage in the war. But despite not having much power or control Canada sought the opportunity to join the war as a chance to establish Canada’s nationalism and independence. It was then confirmed Canada would join the war on the behalf of the British. But Canada not only opportunities to get involved in the war as their duty, but also as a chance to establish Canada’s nationalism. Many British Canadian felt that it was their duty to fight for their mother’s country. It was evident that many French or Frist nations people were not on board with the decision of the government going forward with the war. Despite the animosity and tension between the two groups, as many as thousands of men and women of British background Canadians and some French background Canadians responded quickly to be considered as a volunteer to fight in the war. Through the volunteer’s effort and campaign as Canadian that formed troops and station were set up immediately. The Canadians willingness to join the troops showed a lot of pride and loyalty to the mother British. The action of the volunteers was met with gratitude and patriotism by Canadians. When the war was declared, Canada had only few thousand soldiers in their army. But through campaigning and use of propaganda, a large sum of the volunteers was enlisted, which showed a large amount of commitment that led the Canadian government to set up their first ever four division troop. This was particularly important to Canada for it being a colony yet being new and not having much experience in the war. Canada was preparing it to fight it first ever war without knowing the outcome yet believing in a victory. Canada entering was a quite an act that was expected as a colony, but the willingness truly demonstrated its character.

Secondly, the progression of the war led to disagreement and forming division among citizens.

Canada had experienced it first ever war casualties losing over half of its soldiers in the beginning of the war. As many expected the war to last up six months or less, but Canada was in for a rude awakening. The government pushed for more volunteer using propaganda in media, films, and newspaper. Yet fewer and fewer people were being enrolled, as the casualty rate went up and a chance of survival was very low. Many people were not as excited about the war before it began. The horror of the war and damages were difficult to comprehend. Out of fear and making living many men were joining the military force. In desperation, the Canadian government used its power by introducing the conscription. The parliament passed the Military Service Act which caused deep resentment and high tensions in many French and British Canadians. Soon enough the conscription came into action, young and older men were forced to fight in the war. Despite much Canadian expressing their concerns and felt that they should not be forced into joining the war. In specifically, French Canadians were outraged as some felt that they were not loyal Britain. The decision of the government left the nation of Canada divided. Notably, the policy helped the soldiers fighting overseas in the frontline. The most notable and moment defining battle was the Battle of Vimy Ridge, this battle was unlike

any other battle Canadians had fought. It was the most significant battle, as the four division troops came together to fight as a nation. Canadians managed to accomplish what many nations thought was near impossible. The Canadian troops working together strategic gained high ground and defeat the German despite them having used poison gas. The successfully achieved as a nation without much experience and refused to back down and do what experienced and well-known France and Britain troops could not. This battle was significantly important for it showed the world what Canadians were capable of and gained a reputation of humility and bravely. This battle is known by many as nation making event in which Canadian gained a self-identity of what it means to be Canadians.
Thirdly, Canada came out of the war, a strong independent and yet thriving nation.

It gained the reputation and recognition it deserved for participating in the war. The battles were what gave Canada an international reputation for loyalty and military strength. Because of Canadians smart thinking and great strategy abilities of the last battle with few casualties. In honored of the involvement, Canada had representatives at the Paris conference, speaking on the behalf of Canadians. This was a defining moment for Canada being its own nation not a colony of Britain. Canada can know man it owns decision without the supervision of the British Empire. This was a huge deal for only the elite and big nations were present at the conference. Having won two seats at the conference, indicated a symbolic victory and surprised many nations. But also, Canada had won an independent seat in which they had a voting right in the League of Nations. Surely, enough Canada was moving up from being an underdog to a powerful nation. As a nation, Canadians have felt stronger and braver specifically after the battle of Vimy Ridge. The battle of Vimy Ridge was a symbol who Canadians were and was an opportunity for bonding together as a nation. Canada role’s as a nation and in the world, was fundamentally changing for the better as the result of the

war.

In conclusion, the war was the beginning that compelled Canada’s nation to self-identify their nationhood, which ultimately helped to attain independence, but not without many guessing and loss of many Canadians lives. Corresponding to the source, the war had glorified and gained Canada a reputation. In many ways, the war participation may not have been the best choice, but if it was not for Canada’s participation in the war changes and development may not have taken place. The country emerged from it as a new nation of sovereignty and well respected. Canada may have entered the war on the behalf of the British empire but fought its own battle. The conscription may have divided the nation, but eventually came to be what brought a stronger sense of unity to the nation. The Canadian troops in the battle demonstrated strength and intelligence on how to fight. In the most celebrated battle of Vimy Ridge displayed unity as they stood their ground against enemies. It was the sacrifice that many of Canadians made in the war that established Canada a place on the world stage.