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How Did World War 1 Affect Canada

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World War One was a huge event in World History, and it is widely considered as a terrible thing although it may not be as bad as you may think. As time continues, society evolves. This centuries evolution could be inspired by and correlated alongside World War One. Seeing what Canada is today, it may not have been possible without the First World War. The First World War had the most significant impact on the Canadian nation, changing it for decades to come. This is evident because of how Canada could be less respected if it wasn’t for their war contributions, how women’s rights could have been different or non-existent, and how Canada could not have gained it’s independence from Britain. In conclusion, World War One impacted Canada greatly …show more content…

The first point of proof of this is how the Canadians helped with Somme. This battle is remembered because of the over 2.2 million soldiers killed, wounded, or missing over the full 2 battles (Christie, 1). Canadians (and Newfoundlanders) usually fought alongside the British and they helped take this land with their courage. This lasted from July 1st to November 18th (Gootz, 7-8). Canadians also played a big part in taking Ypres. This was the first ever battle where gas was introduced. It was brought by the Germans and swept the French trenches (Christie, 9). The French retreated and the Canadians had to hold down the trenches. Germans attacked when the gas cleared and the position was held by The Royal Highlanders from Montréal. Because of Canada’s selfishness, they helped win this battle. “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. The British and French had already attempted to take this area, and although it was valiant they still lost. This put weight on Canada’s soldiers. On April 9th, 1917, 1000 guns opened fire on German positions. 15000 Canadians attacked the Germans and after four days and 10000 casualties, Canada single handedly took Vimy Ridge (Vimy Ridge, 1). This victory gained the nation immense respect from the rest of the world. All of these battles were greatly impacted by the Canadians and without some of them (Vimy Ridge in particular) Canada may not have gained any respect from other

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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.

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They Canadians defended Hong Kong till the bitter end, until they were left with no choice, but to surrender. Not only was it non-of their homes, not even part of their country. The bravery and sacrifice these men made shall always be remembered. With many that lost their lives and the rest going to a POW camp ran by the Japanese, where they were treated like animals for 3 and a half years, some where able to go home after the war. Even if some were able to go home, the trauma/PTSD suffered by these soldiers was extensive “In the years immediately after the war, the surviving Hong Kong veterans tended to keep their stories to themselves.

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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

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The Battle of Vimy Ridge is historically significant because it established the Canadian Expeditionary Force as elite troops of the Entente Army, allowed Canada to emerge from the shadows of the British Empire, and united Canada as a Nation. The battle of Vimy Ridge showed the world that Canada was an important ally of the Entente. French and British troops tried to recapture Vimy Ridge for three years and failed (Service and Sacrifice). However, Canada succeeded in recapturing the ridge (Service and Sacrifice). This shows that Canada is an important ally to the Entente Army because it proved that they were capable of doing things the other powers couldn’t.

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In conclusion, The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a fundamental part of Canada’s identity by uniting citizens in pride for the courageous soldiers and establishing itself as an impressive force to be reckoned with, even on the International

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As a country Canada’s strengths included, gaining autonomy through persevering and showing just how mature and ready Canadians were to be in charge of their own army; and be recognized as a separate country from Britain. Another one of Canada’s strengths was how calmly autonomy was achieved after the war. Canada did not need to make a fuss about becoming their own country because it was obvious that they were already ready for that. Their proof was presented in how they planned and executed their battles, and fought alongside Britain to successfully defeat

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Many historians and writers consider the Canadian victory at Vimy a defining moment for Canada, when the country emerged from under the shadow of Britain and felt capable of greatness. Canadian troops also earned a reputation as formidable, effective troops because of the stunning success. But it was a victory at a terrible cost, with more than 10,000 killed and wounded. The Canadian Corps was ordered to seize Vimy Ridge in April 1917.

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Today, Canada is seen as a multicultural and peaceful nation that has evolved over the course of history. This great nation would never have been possible without the impact that former Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson left on this country. His achievements and insights profoundly affected and shaped Canada’s nation. First, peacekeeping is an important part of Canada’s heritage and a reflection of its fundamental beliefs that Pearson implemented after dealing with world changing situations and winning a Nobel Prize. Also, his contributions as a liberal leader as well as the flaws and controversy with Diefenbaker did in fact define this country.

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The prelude began when Canada entered the stage of confederation. Canada as a nation did not want to be seen in the shadows of Britain, which led them to take a stand in the war. Although Canada was drawn into battle with Great Britain, they wanted to prove that they could also be a major power. Fast forward to mid-1916, when the Canadian troops first landed in Britain. The British Minister of War, Lord Kichener had intended to split up the Canadian troops among the remaining British battalions.

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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.

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Many Canadian soldiers gave up their lives to help defeat the German army. Out of 100,000 men, there were around 11,000 casualties and about 3,600 fatalities (4). The consequences of this battle affected a lot of people at the time because of the number of deaths or injuries that had occurred. This makes it significant because a large group of people had been affected by the battle. The loss of these men left families without fathers, sons or husbands and many people needed men to help out with farming and businesses back home.

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Canada wanted to be recognized for their war efforts, and they opposed to further fight without representing their own country, indicating that they could be independent, a step towards developing their constitution. Next, the notable war records and successes in battles such as Vimy Ridge won them recognition on the Treaty of Versailles. Prime Minister Robert Borden, in the Liberal-Conservative Handbook , ‘Equal status or Equality of Nationhood', stated, "The highest future for this Dominion lies within this Empire upon conditions of equal status." This statement by Borden foreshadowed Canada’s important role in the Paris Peace Conference and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Versailles. This was a significant milestone in Canada’s history and the signing showed the world that Canada is a new independent nation that can support and represent

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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

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World War 1 was a historic event which began in 1914 and ended in 1918. This bloody conflict took the lives of more than 17 million people who were fighting for their countries. Being a British colony at the time, Canada was dragged into the war that did not impact the country in any way, yet thousands of Canadians volunteered to devote their lives for their nation. The first World War had the greatest impact on Canadian history during the 20th century, as this event helped Canada gain more independence from Britain, it helped introduce women in the workforce, and also introduced non-white Canadians in the army. For the longest time, Canada had been under British control, however, this changed a bit after World War 1 took place.

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