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 …show more content…
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 …show more content…
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
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.
One of Canada’s largest military endeavors was the battle of Vimy Ridge during World War One. It was a fierce battle between Germans and Canadians. Canada was trying to take over the German controlled ridge, which ran from northwest to southwest between Lens and Arras, France. Its highest point was 145 feet above sea level, which was exceptionally helpful in battle because of the very flat landscape. Already over 200,000 men had fallen at Vimy, all desperately trying to take or defend this important and strategic ridge. As a result of its success in taking the ridge, Canada gained a lot more than just the strategic point. Canada was united as a nation, and the victory changed the way other counties viewed them. Canadians no longer viewed their soldiers as merely an extension of allied forces; they now viewed their troops as an independent and unified entity.
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...
Before the General Strike, the Canadian government was fully invested in WWI, whereas most Canadian citizens were not; the dissonance urged industrial workers to unionize. From the beginning of Canada’s involvement in the Great War, their industrial complex mass-produced supplies and armaments for the Allied Powers. Most Canadian citizens had no qualms with the shift in the job market until there were not enough workers to produce the basic material goods necessary within Canada’s borders. The citizens began to form groups, seemingly in opposition of the government and its advocacy for war. To the Canadian government, this was incredibly concerning, presenting the possi...
Approximately 620,000 Canadians fought during the First World War. Nearly 700,000 if we account for the men and women that enlisted in the Canadian units outside of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and in the British forces. Of which, almost 173,000 Canadians were wounded and about 67,000 Canadians had lost their lives by November 11th, 1918. These casualties were devastating in numbers. Canada needed to regain the good faith of its people, despite the fact that it was still a colony of Britain. Canadians knew very little about why the war had started, or the significance of the events that instigated it. But, Canadians were called upon to fight it, therefore now was the greatest need for there to be better compensation for our returning Veterans than ever before. This was the time when the ground work for the Veterans Assistance Programs of today was laid down. Of ...
Contrary to what any believe, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was more than “another bloodshed” to 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.
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 contribution to the war effort, especially at Vimy Ridge earned the country international respect and emerged from the war as a country more independent from Britain, to illustrate; Canada won a separate seat at the Paris Peace Conference and signed the peace treaty as a separate nation, which marked a start in Canada’s autonomy from Britain. Borden demanded Canada have its own seat because Canada had fought longer and supplied more troops than other countries, and for the first time Canada was recognized as an independent nation. Also Canada was given representation in the new League of Nations. Furthermore, in terms of economic impacts of the Great War on Canada, for one, produced a boom in Canada’s industry: steel and munitions production and manufacturing rose dramatically. During the war almost everyone could find a job. The Canadian economy relied on industry as well as agriculture, lumbering, fishing and mining. Canada had been changed from an agricultural economy into a growing industrial
The History of Canada and Canadians Canada and World War 1. (n.d.). The History of Canada. Retrieved May 29, 2012, from http://www.linksnorth.com/canada-history/canadaandworldwar1.html
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
Pre-World War One, Canada was looked upon not only by foreigners, but also by Canadians, as being just a British Colony.
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...
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...
In conclusion Canada gained independence because of a series of events that took place during the twentieth century. If it hadn’t been for these events, Canada to this day might have been a part of the British Empire. Through discussion on the Chanak affair we signalled that we wanted autonomy. Through our hard work and lives, the world knew we had the ability to stand alone as a strong nation. While, our international reputation of being a “peacekeeping” country the right to stand as an independent self-governing nation. But finally through the Canada Act, we stood solely independent from our Empire. It is obvious that the twentieth century provided us with great chances to become an independent strong nation.
...ecause Canada belongs to alliances such as NATO, it was persuaded to assist with this “war on terror.” Canada’s involvement has been mainly