The adaptation or the maple leaf flag in 1965 is a defining moment in Canadian history because it exhibited Canada as its own country, it created the true meaning of “Canadian”, and it can now be classified as an independent country.
A flag is a symbol, which identifies people in a specific group. Having the Union Jack on the Canadian flag creates a tie between Canada and Britain. This made other countries perceive Canada as part of Britain. Once the union jack was removed from the flag designs, Canada was no longer part of Britain’s dominion. If it wasn’t for the removal of the Union Jack, there would not be a study of Canadian history; there would only be the study of Britain’s dominions.
The Maple Leaf flag also united Canada as a union. The Red Ensign had three leaves in total, one for each type of Canadian: The French, Native, and English. The Maple Leaf flag has one leaf which represents Canadians as a whole. Now
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when other countries look at the flag, they associate it with Canadians and no longer three different groups of “immigrants” (Even though the natives were not immigrants, they were still seen as “indians” to the world at the time). Also, the connection Canada had with Britain made the french canadians unhappy and they felt they were losing their culture. Due to the french and english quarrel going on for many years, the french felt betrayed by the rest of Canada. After being able to unite the country's inhabitants this brings a sense of achievement to the country. "I believe that today a flag designed around the Maple Leaf, will symbolise and be a true reflection of the new Canada." ( Pearson, Lester) This quotation was from Lester B. Pearson’s speech in winnipeg in 1963. It helps to emphasize that having the Maple Leaf flag finally defined them as Canadian. Finally, the Maple Leaf flag was a defining moment in Canadian history because others did not trust Canada and had become distant from them.
When the Canadians were in the in Egypt on a peacekeeping mission the Egyptians did not trust the Canadians because they had british symbols on their uniforms. This made Canada uneasy, being feared by others because they were related to another union. Having the Maple Leaf flag created a symbol that can be recognized and trusted around the world by many. It is also a symbol of safety and peace, whereas the Red Ensign was seen as a symbol to be feared. “It wasn’t until later, when I saw the reaction of young Canadians in particular, that it came to me quite strongly that we had done something rather wonderful.” ( Reid, Patrick.). This quotation helps to show how someone who was there in the midst of the flag creation saying that the symbol is a wonderful thing that has happened. Creating something that the young Canadians can look at a relate to peace and home rather than war and fear is a wonderful
thing. Canada’s symbol is now the Maple Leaf, it defines Canada as a united, peaceful, and welcoming country. The Maple Leaf is a defining moment in Canadian history because it changed the way Canada was broadcasted to the world and how others around the globe look at them.
It was once stated by F.R.Scott “ There are two miracles in canadian history. The first is the survival of French Canada, and the second is the survival of Canada.” His quote came to reality as of Canada grew to be a stable and secure country where everyone would want to be. Yet to accomplish this, many obstacles and events occurred such as the Spanish Succession war in 1713 , the seven years war in 1763, the constitutional act in 1791 and finally the Act of Union in 1841. First in 1713, the Spanish Succession war occurred where the British took control of Acadia. Soon after that, in 1763 the Seven Years War ended where the British took over New France and was later renamed British North America. Before the British most of the colonies were
... nation. In addition to, supporting their allies, this shows how Canada is committed to maintain good alliances with their allies. They also joined a peacekeeping military defense with United States in order to gain trust from United States and become a peacekeeping military defense Canada is recognized today.
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.
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
First, the Pearson government took initiatives that enhance Canadian nationalism. Pearson's government introduced the current Maple Leaf Flag on February 15, 1965 (Bourdon). Before then, the flag that Canada used was the Canadian Red Ensign ("1956-1968"). That flag included the Union Jack, which French Canadians resented ("1956-1968"). The adoption of the new flag showed both Canada's independence and the importance of representing Canada as a whole. Also, Pearson adopted the current national anthem. A special joint committee of the Senate and the House of Commons was considering the status of 'God Save the Queen' and 'O Canada' ("National Anthem: O Canada"). Pearson, by a motion in the House of Commons, requested “that the government be authorized to take such steps as may be necessary to provide that “O Canada” shall be the National Anthem of Canada” ("National Anthem: O Canada"). This motion led to the establishment of our current national anthem, which Canadians are patriotic towards. In addition, Pearson promoted Canadian nationhood by creating another symbol. He replaced the system of British honours that were previously awarded to Canadians with the Order of Canada on April 17, 1967 (Bourdon). This replacement further showed Canada's independence from Great Britain ...
Canada experienced the revolution of changing politics and new ideologies, it was a necessary wave
Canada became increasingly autonomous throughout the 1920's and 1930's. Being established officially as a nation apart from Britain certainly helped, but there were more than just official pieces of paper at play. The negotiation of the Halibut treaty was a large push towards become an autonomous nation from Britain. The final push were the seats Canada was given at various significant events.
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...
After greatly contributing to the war, especially in the Battle of the Atlantic, Canada ended up having the 3rd largest navy and 4th largest air force. Now, for such a small nation of only around 11 to 12 million, this was a large military force. Since Canada had done so well in the war (already their second world war as a country) Canada started to grow further and further apart from Mother Britain. There was a feeling a greater sense of pride and a more nationalistic notion. Canadians everywhere no longer saw themselves as British, Scottish, or American, they were Canadian. Canada was now a respected country, and I might add, a pretty powerful one too.
Canada has become a superior nation thru, perseverance, courage and even care as they persevered thru many dark battles, and made sure they all came thru together as a unit other than individuals. Their courage made there fighting 100% stronger as they wouldn’t back down to any task and they weren’t afraid to lose their life to help a fellow friend and country out. Care played a major aspect in each Canadian heart. There cared about Britain so they weren’t to go help them when they declared war, they helped other troops with their emotional problems and lastly they even cared a little about there enemies as they are the same person, however the only thing separating them is there culture. Canadians contributed in many ways to help our country's great efforts in the First World War.
Currently, Canada remains the world’s second largest country, full of vast and rich resources from all corners of the nation. None of the accomplishments and achievements that Canada has made to date would have been possible without Confederation. Without intense pressure from the Americans, and without the common goal that a few men shared of unifying a country, Canada would not be the strong, free, independent and united nation that it is today.
First I would like to include some information about our american flag and how it came about. In the British colonies of North America before the Revolution, each of the 13 colonies had its flag. On Jan. 2, 1776, the first flag of the United States was raised at Cambridge, Mass., by George Washington. Known as the Grand Union flag, it consisted of 13 stripes, alternate red and white, with a blue canton bearing the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew. Congress, on June 14, 1777, enacted a resolution “that the Flag of the United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” On Jan. 13, 1794, Vermont and Kentucky having been admitted to the Union, Congress added a stripe and a star for each state. Congress in 1818 enacted that the 13 stripes, denoting the 13 original colonies, be restored and a star added to the blue canton for each state after its admission to the Union. All of the states and territories of the United States also have their own flags. Betsy Ross created the first flag. Betsy would often tell her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends of the fateful day when three members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress came to call upon her. Those representatives, George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, asked her to sew the first flag. This meeting occurred in her home some time late in May 1776. George Washington was then the head of the Continen...
The British North America Act went into effect July 1st, 1867 creating a union known as the Dominion of Canada, but this did not complete the debate on the Confederation issue. Many Nova Scotians continued their opposition to the idea and it would take considerable time before all Nova Scotians would accept the fact of Confederation. “These Nova Scotians, disgruntled at their treatment by Great Britain, found that their loyalty had markedly diminished. The more they considered taking over the responsibility for their own affairs from England, however, the greater trust they had to place in Confederation.”25 Confederation struck a balance between the rights of English and French speaking Canadians. Nevertheless, many divisions, conflicts, and debates would occur not only in Quebec but also in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick over this balance. Economic disparities between the Maritimes and the rest of Canada would also create many problems for the years following 1867. As a result, Confederation can be viewed as a beginning and not an end.
During the last 4 months, I’ve studied a lot about Canadian history and come across many great historical events that have shaped Canadian identity. The two most defining moments between the years 1900 to 2000 were women’s suffrage which was an issue to determine if women should have the right to vote or not. The other defining moment for Canada was Expo 67, which was the most successful worlds fair in history.
The defining moment of the importance of hockey in Canada was “The Goal of the Century” in 1972. It was the evening of September 28th; the site was Moscow – U.S.S.R. In the midst of the Cold War, a game-winning goal by Canadian hockey player Paul Henderson at the end of the third period with only 34 seconds left on the clock vaulted Canada to a victory at the Summit Series and put them on top of the hockey world. The heart and character of Canadian hockey internationally began. “The exact moment of that spectacular goal has become a reference point in our national collective consciousness.”- R. Eagleson (Foreword). It was the climatic goal watched by almost every Canadian, and their pride swelled to amazing heights. Hockey is more than just a game in Canada, it is a celebrated history. Hockey is Canada’s identity. “Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience in the New World. In a land so inescapably and inho...