Is Vimy Ridge A Defining Moment For Canada?

Vimy Ridge is a hill in France that was Germany’s key defence system which was captured by Canadian soldiers from Germany in World War 1. Since then, many people have argued about whether it was a successful and defining moment for Canada or not. One side argues that too many lives were lost at the cost of capturing Vimy. The other side argues that it was important because it was a defining moment and success due to the Canadians who conquered the hill when the British and French could not, they were prepared by their commander and trained very hard for the battle, which leads them to victory and earned many awards. Even though many lives were lost, it is highly unquestionable that the Battle of Vimy Ridge was a successful and defining moment

The French and British tried to take control of Vimy from 1914 to 1916 but failed with about 150,000 casualties with no positive results. Compared to Canada, there were 3,598 dead out of 10,602 Canadian casualties. Which was why the French and British commanders thought it was impenetrable to capture Vimy from Germany. Canada proved them wrong and captured Vimy on their first try. This is because all the strategies the French and British tried failed and got more soldiers killed then Canada did. However, Canada had smart strategies such as the “ creeping barrage “ it was used to protect the attackers by keeping enemy troops sheltering in their bunkers which worked on the first try. In addition, Canada had captured more prisoners, guns and ground in Vimy Ridge then Britain ever did in the

After the war, four Canadian soldiers William Milne, Ellis Sifton, John Pattison, and Thain Macdowell were rewarded with the Victoria Cross medal for their bravery and heroism in the battle. This medal is very significant because it was the highest military award you could get and only very few soldiers were given it. Canada also was awarded a spot in the League of Nations for their contribution to the battle. The League of Nations was an International organization created to keep peace in the world and prevent another war from happening. In addition, they won a separate signature on the Treaty Versailles Peace Treaty instead of being considered as one of Britain's colonies and having Britain signing for Canada. This was the first time Canada signed as an independent nation and not under