Historical Moments In Canadian History Essay

There are many defining moments in Canadian history that shaped Canada like the country known as today. Each historical moment shaped Canada and Canadians into strong, free, successful independent country. However, the most important events that Canadians will always remember is the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Battle of Normandy, and the creation of the Charter of Rights and Freedom.

One of the most significant historical memorable event that took place in Canadian history is the battle of Vimy Ridge between the Canadians and Germans located near northern France. This event shaped Canada into a strong, satisfied independent country known as today. During World War 1 in mid 1917 not long after the Battle of Somme occurred, both British and French forces attempted to overrule the Germans at Vimy Ridge, however their plan failed leaving the British and French to sacrifice over 100,000 casualties. Numerous countries urge to obtain this area because it was considered as a key vantage point for the nation. During their third attempt to capture Vimy Ridge, the Allies turned to the Canadians. Many Canadian soldiers including Commander Major-General Arthur Currie learned tactics from pervious battles which allowed them to be more effective against the Germans. During the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadians introduced new techniques like “The Creeping Barrage”. This

strategy allowed artillery from the front line to bomb no man’s land and gradually advance their salvos toward the German trenches. Infantry would follow this and moving as close as possible to enemy positions before attacking. Preparation for the attack included showing soldiers maps, aerial photographs, the locations of the German positions and daily practices. The careful preparation paid off and within three days Canadians took hold of Vimy Ridge. The battle of Vimy Ridge is significant to Canadian history because it showed that Canada can established themselves as a self-sufficient country and not have to be apart of the British Empire. Also, for the first time in history a Canadian was the Commander of Canadian troops. By 1917 seven out of twelve infantry units previously commanded by British officers, were being instructed by Canadians. This demonstrated that Britain was extricating the rules and permitting Canada to show how their developing self-rule would function. Obtaining Vimy Ridge was one motivation behind why Canada got their own particular seat at the Treaty of Versailles, and did not sit behind Britain. In fact, after the battle, a Paris newspaper called the victory “Canada’s Easter gift to France.” And after the war, the battlefield became a memorial park when France granted Canada the right to use the land forever. This clearly gave Canada a sense of national pride and identity. The battle of Vimy Ridge is not only a battle but also was the first step for Canada to become an independent country. In other words, Brigadier-General Alexander Ross famous saying of the battle: " in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation."

Secondly, a standout amongst the most imperative occasions that occurred in Canadian history is the Battle of Normandy or as it were the day known as D-Day. During World War II, the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, brought many Allied freedom of Western Europe from Nazi Germany's control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, officially began on June 6, 1994 when somewhere in the range of 156,000 Americans, British and Canadians forces arrived on five shorelines along the intensely sustained coast of France's Normandy region. Prior before the battle, the British, Canadians, and Americans conducted a plan to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target, this led to their success. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been freed, and the Allies officially defeated the Germans. The Normandy arrivals have been known as the start of the end of war in Europe. D-Day or Operation Overload was a very significant moment and turning point experience for Canada. By winning this battle, Canadians proved to the world they would die defending freedom and democracy. They demonstrated that had ethics and believed in human rights. The sacrifice of Canadian soldiers helped end the mass killings of Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, handicapped and mentally unstable people. Not only that, this battle also brings significances to Canada because the Allied powers gave Canadians forces their own beachhead (Juno Beach) and not having to fight beside the British Empire. Therefore, Canadians demonstrated great skill in combat, were the first and most successful country in achieving their mission, that they fought for the freedom and human rights of others, and that they were part of this very critical operation. Many Europeans around the world until this day must be thankful for the Canadians because if hadn't succeeded, Hitler would have led Europe into dictatorship and suffer in oppression.

Lastly, the most historical memorable event that took place in Canadian history is the creation of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom is a bill of rights included in the Constitution of Canada. It forms the first part of the Constitution Act,1982. The document includes pictures of the Canadian coast of arms, the flag of Canada, the Parliament Building, and the signature of the former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The purpose of the Charter is to guarantees certain political rights to Canadian citizens. These rights include:

• Freedom of religion, of thought, or

expression
• The right to participate in political activities and right to a democratic government
• The freedom to move around an live within Canada and to leave Canada
• Legal rights such as the right to life, liberty, and security
• Equality rights
• Language rights
The Charter is very significant to Canada because Canadians count on having fundamental rights and be respected as well. By creating the Charter, people are able to ask the court for equal protection and benefits. In fact, criminals must be treated fairly and must be given full rights according to the Charter. The Charter has also brought clarity to our identity as a nation. Our nation history is founded on two official languages. The French and English language, distinguishing and using these languages in our everyday society allows us to protect our nations heritage. According to the Charter, the multicultural character of Canadian people is formally recognized as a part of our national identity. Thus, preventing discrimination, racism, and stereotypes within the society. Canada's experience with the Charter also has a huge an impact around the world. For example, the Charter introduced a new way to look at rights and freedoms, this encourages other countries to allow certain political rights for citizens. Not only that but, encourages society members to fight for rights and freedoms and create a democratic society to live happily and successfully. Overall, the Charter is very important to Canada because it unites Canadians into a civic nation and encourages nationalism in the country.
There are many defining successful moments in the Canadian history, however the important events were the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Battle of Normandy, and the creation of the Charter of Rights and Freedom. Each events brings a sense of unity and nationalism. In fact, each event encourages other countries and society members to fight for rights and freedom and become an independent country as a whole, just like Canada! Canada will always be recognized for heroism and courage!