Vimy Ridge: A Defining Moment in Canadian History

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April 9, 1917, was the beginning of a battle that would reshape a nation known as Canada. The battle of Vimy Ridge is considered a defining moment in Canadian history because, the achievement of Vimy earned Canadians a separate signature on the Treaty of Versailles, the victory was planned and executed by Canadians, and Canada’s nationalism was born. To begin with, Vimy is a defining moment as, the achievement earned Canadians a separate signature on the Treaty of Versailles. The victory was a record set by Canadians which was “…crowned by the achievements at Vimy, won for Canada a separate signature on the Versailles Peace Treaty ending the war” (“The Capture of Vimy Ridge: Canada in the First World War and the Road to Vimy Ridge.”). The achievement of winning …show more content…

This win proved Canada’s capabilities and strength to have an individual voice. Therefore, it is a defining moment as it increased Canada’s prestige and the opportunities for making its views known. Furthermore, the battle is a defining moment, as the victory was planned and executed by Canadians. The mastermind behind the success was the “…commander of the Canadians Corps, Lieutenant- General Sir Julian Byng, planned an assault on a front of seven kilometers by all four of his divisions of the Canadian Corps”(“The Battle of Vimy Ridge: Canada in the First World War and the Road to Vimy Ridge.”). This was a historical moment as it was the first time Canadians fought together shoulder to shoulder. Canadians did not fight as an underling unit in the British army, but on their own for the first time. All four divisions worked together as one formation. The win earned Canadian troops a stature as daunting effective troops, as well as, gave Canadians a title of strength and intelligence. Therefore, this is a defining moment as this gave Canadians heavy hitter reputation for breaking through the impassable German

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