Essay On The Impact Of World War On Canada

Prior to World War One, Canada was seen as part of the British Empire, rather than a country with a national identity of its own; but the war changed that, and the country itself, in many ways.

Canada was one of the first countries to respond to Britain’s call for aid in the war efforts, although rarely credited in world history for its brave efforts in defending England. On August 5, 1914, the Central powers declared war on Britain and Canada together. Canada deployed 3,110 initial military troops, which were joined by another 32,000 men and women who volunteer to Canada's military defense.

WWI made Canada an independent country with a strong overseas reputation with its military and loyalty to its British Empire. However, this war also

had a negative impact on Canada as the French and English Canadians drifted apart with the idea of conscription being in place and whether or not Canadians should help Britain in the war.

While French Canadians could not see themselves fighting alongside British troops, Canada welcomed all infantry to the battlefront.

In Europe, Canadians took major roles in key battles such as the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of Ypres. The Battle of the Somme was one of the bloodiest battles Canada fought, with a death toll of at least 24,000 Canadian troops.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a huge accomplishment for Canada. After the French and British tried to take the ridge, Canada’s military leaders developed an attack initiative which used an innovative method of attack, the creeping barrage, which kept the troops behind the guns, hiding them in the smoke and dust. They made their way up to the ridge and eventually took the much-fought-over position. The Canadian troops had accomplished in one day what other forces were unable to do in a year, proving the military training and determination of the Canuks to the world.

During the war, Canadians enjoying the peace that came with being so far from the battles had their complacency shattered on December 6, 1917, when it seemed as if war came home to Canada. The Mont Blanc, carrying 2,500 tons of dynamite on its way into the Halifax Harbor, was struck by another ship. The collision caused the dynamite to explode and the explosion was so powerful, it devastated the Halifax harbor and killed 2,000-3,000 people, and more than 10,000 were

injured.

When World War I broke out, women’s roles changed from mothers to munitions workers.

Women were not allowed to vote due to not being classified as “persons” under law. Women were allowed to be police officers who monitored who and what went into factories. Women were also allowed to be nurses, teachers, bus conductresses, ticket collectors, porters, carriage cleaners and bus drivers. Due to not being “persons” under law most women stayed home and some had trouble trying to get jobs.

The only time women got to vote before legally allowed is when she had a husband or sons fighting in the war.

The campaign for women’s right to vote stopped militant activities and the suffragettes agreed to assist with the war effort. Women were needed to help with the war effort by filling gaps left by the men who went to fight in the war. Those roles included working in factories for the war effort. Because of their work during wartime, it was decided by many Canadian provinces to grant the vote to women. Following the war, Canada also had to deal with the debt left behind.

After the war ended, Canada's economy did not jump back into shape. Because of the war, Canada had to pay $164 million per year to pay off its debt. This led to the introduction of the modern day income tax. Overall, Canada's total debt reached $1,665,576,000 because of the

war.

When all of the soldiers came home, they were out of a job. Many went back to farming, but most looked for jobs in factories. After the war there was a heightened need for goods and services. Chemical and steel plants shut down due to low demand. This resulted in many years of unemployment that took Canada ten years to recover from.

The Statute of Westminster was passed by the British government in 1931. After Canada's contributions to WW1, "Canada was seen as a separate nation from Britain". Canada became its own country that was equal in status with Britain and could make its own laws. The only restrictions to Canada’s autonomy were Canada's constitution remained in Britain and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council was located in Britain until 1949.

In conclusion, WWI lead to Canada’s national identity by proving to the world it was capable of defending its position on the world stage, and could stand proudly independent from Britain. Canada began developing its own alliances with other strong, independent nations, such as the United States and was no longer seen as just a British colony