Canada’s Defining Moment: D-Day Canada played an important role in World War I as they showed great perseverance, courage, and gained decisive victories as shown in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. In World War II, Canada failed to disappoint once again in their contribution to the Battle of Normandy. During that time, Germany had invaded northwestern France and the Allies, which includes Canada, planned on liberating them. The Allies prepared a plan to mislead the Germans into thinking they were not going to invade through the coast of Normandy. Fortunately, the operation to deceive them was a success and the members of the Allied Forces landed on their designated areas.
The young Dominion of Canada at the turn of the 19th century had no active professional military service. The Canadian militia was a social institution that provided an amateur paramilitary service to aid in domestic issues and uprisings. As a dominion to the British empire, the onset of World War One propelled the inexperienced militia force into the horrific realities of trench warfare in the European theatre. With few expectations from the major powers in the war, Canada established itself as a strong and reputable force in the trench of Ypres. Throughout the entire First World War Canadians would demonstrate through the trenches of the Western front of Ypres, Vimy Ridge and countless other combats that the Canadian armed forces were evolving into a mature and respected professional military organization.
Before D-Day we were a part of Dieppe which failed miserably and had a lot of Canadian casualties. As a result of those sacrifices the Allies were able to make D-Day successful. We helped the Allies win D-Day, it was the test they did at Dieppe and they learnt from their mistakes. Canada was the 1st nation to capture it’s beach at D-Day and our mistakes from D-Day taught us a few valuable lessons which resulted in the success of
However, the World Wars and the following disputes signalled a shift towards Canada playing a more independent role on the international stage. The creation of an aggressive foreign policy resulted in increasing international contacts and a greater focus on collective security. Today, the Canadian military regularly participates in international peacekeeping missions, alliance operations, and humanitarian assistance
Canada played a large role in WW1 and the victory for the Allies by fighting in numerous battles, which in turn reflected how Canada was viewed and their identity. Although the Second Battle of Ypres was the first major battle fought by Canadians, they were successful, proving Canada a capable country regardless of their inexperienced military. Despite Canada not wanting to fight in this battle, the Battle of Passchendaele contributed greatly to Canada’s identity as a strong, determined nation. The Battle of Vimy Ridge had the largest impact; it sparked the fight for Canada’s independence as well as represented the strength of Canadians. The participation in the Second Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Passchendaele, and the Battle of Vimy Ridge were important to the development of Canada’s national identity.
For the Canadian forces, World War II began on September 10, 1939, only nine days after the war had officially begun in Europe. Although the Canadians did not encounter their first battle until December, they were stationed in the United Kingdom to assist the British Expeditionary Forces (BEF) if needed (“Canada’s Role in WWII”). Canada’s first role in the war was to defend on the British Isles until needed in a separate battle (“Canada’s Role in WWII”). This event emerged in December of 1941, when the Canadians took part in a battle while attempting to protect the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong throughout a major Japanese attack (Chen, C. Peter). This battle became known as the Battle of Hong Kong.
Historian Desmond Morton stated “By 1918, the British retained little more than tactical command of the Canadian units in France... In military terms, if not yet constitutional law, the war transformed Canada from a colony into a junior but
On July 28th,1914 the First World War and ended on November 11, 1918, what we know now as Remembrance Day. Numerous people died because of countless countries fighting over land. The Battle of Vimy was one of the most important battles that Canada won in four days. Before 1914 Canada did not appear as a proper country, although it got its independence thanks to John A. MacDonald. Britain kept Canada under its feet although we were an independent nation.
During World War 1, Canada was not an independent country, rather it was still controlled by Britain. But, Britain provided Canada with a very minimum amount of responsibility, that is ultimately why Canada became delighted to sign the Treaty of Versailles, because they have never experienced an individual role, in regards to being seen as independent from Britain. Nevertheless, this small significant moment for Canadians was a step closer for them to achieve their independence from Britain. Throughout World War 1, Canada realized that they were functioning better as a team separate from Britain, than they were when they worked under the orders of Britain. Therefore, this started their motivation to become their own established country.
The battle of Vimy ridge has left a significant mark on Canada and the reputation of Canadian soldiers. The battle of Vimy ridge is known as the most defining moment for Canada, it has put new tactics in place that have created long lasting change and were used throughout the rest of WW1 and still used today. The significance of the battle was not the battle itself but the effects that Canada would feel nationally instead, the first steps were made of Canada becoming its own country instead of a British colony. After the battle of Somme, Canadian soldiers had lost their passion to fight and confidence in their general.
“We have shown that even in trench warfare it is possible to mystify and mislead the enemy.” -Sir Arthur Currie (World War 1). The most vital and important battle that gained Canada respect was The Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canada played the biggest part in taking this area since they fought alone.
Canada has been defined by its contributions at home and abroad in WWI, WWII, and peacekeeping. World War I played an important role in Canada’s history. It shaped Canada by giving women suffrage and by the war creating a greater divide between French and English Canadians. By the end of WWI, the Canadian government
Finally, the battle had a significant impact on Canadian national identity, as it demonstrated Canada's capability and contribution to the war
In 1914 Britain brought Canada into the war with no authorization because of the legal status they have. They have declared war on Germany, this has started World War 1. However, the Canadian government had the freedom to determine the country's level of involvement in the war. Canada wanted to be more independent so when Britain asked for help they declined the offer because they did not want to be involved in Britain's acts. However, Britain did not have an outrage against Canada because they do have freedom
On June 6, 1944, the Battle of Normandy began. This day, also known as D-Day, would go down in history for making a tremendous impact on the war. The German and American forces fought hard, inflicting injuries beyond compare (G1). Many people were highly dedicated to fighting for their country, resulting in many lost lives (C1). Many Americans were so determined that they actually swam into German fire to fight on the coast of France (F1).
