More than 100 years ago Canada had been a small child, progressing through life trying to find its place in this vast world. During the time periods of 1914-1945, 1950-1970, and 1971- 1990, there have been many factors that have helped induce its growth including: recognition due to military achievements, its international relationship with the United States, and uniting as one country. Through these times of hardship and glory Canada has succeeded in finding its autonomous identity in the world, as a “middle power”.
Throughout the time periods of 1914-1945, 1950-1970, and 1971- 1990 Canada has been involved in many wars that have displayed its independence and strength as a country. The World War One battle of Vimy Ridge, in 1917, was
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One of the members of NATO was and still is the United States and because it is the most powerful of the members most of NATO activity is directed towards American policy (pg. 194 Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues). This made it hard for Canadians to gain more power and keep their own identity. However, in 1956, when a war broke out over the Suez Canal in Egypt, Lester B. Pearson “proposed that a multinational peacekeeping force be created and installed in the war zone to maintain ceasefires and oversee the withdrawal of troops.” (pg.200 Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues) Since this proposal to the United Nations (which Canada toke part in creating the Charter of) rather than fighting, which the superpowers of Russia and the United States take part in, Canada mostly maintains peace on the battlefields. This has given Canada an identity of a peacekeeping nation. However, the United States has still been able to influence Canada to contribute more than peace to wars. In the 1990 Persian Gulf War “Canada contributed two destroyers, a supply ship, a squadron of CF-18 fighter jets, a field hospital, and hundreds of military personal” (pg. 274 Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues) to help the United States take out the Iraqi forces. Even before this occurred, Prime Minister Pierre Eliott Trudeau, and many Canadians, started wanting more independence from the United States. Therefore, Trudeau reduced Canada’s NATO involvement in Europe.
The first major event that impacted Canada’s legacy, as a whole, was the sacrificial battle of Vimy Ridge. Vimy Ridge was proven to be essential to the foundation of Canada as it signified the birth of a new nation and it was considered to be the greatest battle fought, in World War One. Firstly, the Battle of Vimy Ridge established Canada’s emergence as a newly born nation from under the shadow of Britain and gave a verification of Canada’s prominence on the international level. For instance, after successfully regaining the ridge, it displayed to the British superpower, that Canada are worthy of independence, that must be granted upon as a reward for a significant victory (Fonseca). As a result, the Battle of Vimy Ridge, marked the end of British soldiers commanding Canadian troops, as Canada showed tremendous resilience internationally, and also proved that we are independently, capable of leading a well-organized attack against other countries (Fonseca). This milestone was a huge accomplishment for Canadians, as eventually this was the catalyst for total autonomy of Britain (“History Now”). Secondly, the Battle of Vimy Ridge gave Canada justified independence on the international stage. As a result of winning the complicated battle, Canada was deservedly permitted to their own independent seat and signature at the peace talks after the war. This then allowed Canada, to participate in voicing their thoughts, and plans as a newly independent country. This was seen to be,
"Canada entered World War I as a colony and came out a nation..." a quote from Canadian journalist Bruce Hutchison. The First World War, or more commonly known as World War I or WWI, was a war centred in Europe, which in time became global, considering all the colonized nations of Europe were expected to fight, as well. WWI gave many of these colonized nations, and their people a chance to prove their worth, by fighting for the countries that “owned” them. Thenceforth, they could finally create an identity for themselves that was separate from the rest of Europe, they were longer another colony of places such as the British Empire. Following along with that idea, Canada is one of the best examples of a country that used the war as a way to
At the end of the Great War, Canada plunged into economic darkness; the once-powerful war industry was no longer needed and factories shut down all over the country, causing unemployment for civilians and veterans alike to skyrocket. This reflected on the military of Canada; vehicles that were destroyed were not replaced; the number of permanent forces and militia barely grew. Canada’s military saw a period of inactivity that would even cause land, sea and air components merged as a singular entity due to the Great Depression’s effect on the military budget. However, the peace was not to last. As Adolf Hitler’s Germany appeared and showed the world its intentions, nations gathered and Canada committed an important act demonstrating its independence as a nation; Canada declared war. Viewed for a long time as a British colony even after Confederation, Canada took a stand against a virtually universally-recognized evil alongside the major powers of the world at the time. Canada’s participation in conflicts in many different operations throughout WWII demonstrated its military effectiveness, but its important role in the D-Day landings defined Canada’s military competency through the crucial Operation Overlord, dubbed by some as the beginning of the end of the Second World War, in Normandy. Canada’s role in Operation Overlord in Normandy solidified the military structure that is our modern military and sculpted the image of an independent nation through Canada’s military
Canada began as british colonies that settled people along the west coast. From there, Canada began to develop its own identity as its people became less reliant on Britain. Over 200 years later, Canada was officially founded on July 1st, 1867. As a new country, it was not as experienced compared to other independent nation ie. the British Empire. Although at the beginning Canada was technically part of the British Empire, Canada had proved itself to be a powerful ally in war. Canada’s influence on major international wars was significant through their skill and military prowess, along with supplying their respective allies with resources that enabled the soldiers to continue fighting on, especially in wars such as WW1,WW2 and the Korean war.
The battle started on April 9th 1917 an ended on April 12th. The battle of Vimy Ridge was in France. It was four Canadian divisions against three German divisions. In this battle Canadians used a new strategy. Canada was led by Arthur Currie who was a great strategist as well as the first Canadian to have the rank of general. The battle of Vimy Ridge made a significant impact to Canada because they had captured the most land, weapons, war prisoners, than, any other British attacks during World War One. This helped Canadians gain a sense of identity, having part of the
Now, Canada established itself as a middle power as a result of World War II, taking on a more active international role. Their troop were recognized for their numerous contributions to the war. The Canadian army, consisting of troops with different racial backgrounds lead to civil rights. Canadians became safer as the law intervened more frequently. By then, Canada had the 3rd largest naval force and the 4th largest air force.
Canada displays their autonomy through their heroic battle at Vimy Ridge in WW1, declaring war on Germany as an independent country and giving freedom to the Dutch from leading the Battle of Scheldt in WW2. First of all, the battle of Vimy Ridge was very significant and a crucial moment for Canada since she had gained a good reputation with a strong status due to her effective, successful, and formidable impact on the field using great leadership and tactics. By changing their battlefield into their own, Canada commenced the only successful attack against the Germans and “It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then, and I think today, that in those few minutes I witnessed a birth of a nation.”(). To conclude, Canada’s heavy and excellent contribution at Vimy Ridge displays their autonomy. Secondly, Canada demonstrated their autonomy as an independent country when they declared war on Germany in WW2. In 1867, Canada separated from the British Empire. On their decision for going to war, W.L.M King announced “The Canadian Parliament would decide on what Canada should do.” () Thus, Canada’s decision was autonomous since reveals its independence as a country when they made the decision with the Parliament of Canada without considering Britain’s thoughts. Lastly, Canada had
With Russia’s belligerent attacks along its borders and in Ukraine, mixed with Trump’s presidency, Canada may have to turn towards military resources and diplomatic sources to ensure Canada’s independence. Nonetheless, Canada’s brand of peacekeeping proves to be stable as Canada will commit $450 million and possibly 600 troops for UN peacekeeping missions and in leading a NATO battle group in Latvia intending to hinder Russia’s aggressions. Overall, these actions simply reflect Canada’s morality, but they may come at the cost of its notorious American ally in this time of political
However, despites odds, Canada’s contribution to World War I, World War II, Balkan Wars and even military intervention in Afghanistan, Middle East and African has been nothing short of phenomenal and Canadian leadership command, firepower and military force has only evolved from strength to stength between 1914- 2000.
WW1 turned out to be a major turning point for Canada both economically and internationally, as Canada got the recognition of a great independent nation. In addition, Canada was one of the principal reasons to end the world war. Canada grew as an autonomy during the world war and essentially they prosper during the 1920s and in the end the key success in Canada came during the 1930s in the statute of Westminster when they got independence as a sovereignty. During the world war, Canadian served overseas as part of the Canadian expeditionary force (CEF), they fought alongside Britain. Canadian lieutenant general Arthur Currie, ensured that the Canadian’s fight as one unit with a sense of pride, the creation of the corps strengthened the unity of Canadian soldiers and also gave Canadians at home a sense of pride. Similarly, Vimy ridge marked the first time Canadian soldiers fought together as one unit, independent of British forces, and this victory became a symbol of Canada’s independence and nationhood. One of the key reasons for Canada’s growth during WW1 was the treaty of Versailles as it marked an important stage in the gradual movement toward Canadian independence from Britain. During the 1920s, Prime Minister Mackenzie king made it clear to Britain that Canada would not automatically sent troops in support, he stated that only the Canadian parliament would decide whether to send troops or not to support Britain. This was the first time that Canada refused unconditional
The United States during World War I extended their “military, economic, and/or political control” to other weaker countries like, Hawaii, Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico. They were following the policy of Imperialism.1 Imperialism allows for nations to be able to trade with one another and businesses preferred it because it helped the United States economy. Nationalism is when the people of a nation are under one government and this played a key factor in starting world war one. There was tension between Germany and France who both wanted rule of Morocco. “Nationalism led European nations to compete for the largest army and navy, or the greatest industrial development.”2 Due to nationalism, allies were starting to form between the nations. This was happening all throughout Europe in the 1800s. Ultimately nationalism is what wrecked Europe 's empires. Nations wanted powerful and large armies so militarism was also a result of WWI. Whenever a nation would get a large army, another nation thought they had to step it up and have an even larger nation. Britain was a nation that was equipped with a big army so Germany competed with Britain for a larger army. These armies were growing at a fast rate and this was causing tension between the nations during peace time.
Canada’s role as a middle power has allowed us to remain neutral on many occasions. Many historians of Canadian foreign affairs have affixed the postwar period as the “Golden age of Canadian Diplomacy.” As a middle power Canada had the ability to influence international events through
Firstly, America influenced Canada’s opinion on European and Asian enemies. In the Cold War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - or NATO - was formed between many Western and European countries, including Canada and the United States, to stop the threats of communism from reaching the West. If the Soviets attacked any country involved in the treaty, Canada would essentially be forced into defending them. Without America’s relationship with Canada at the time, Canada might’ve stayed out of the treaty, and wouldn’t get a chance to play as big a role as they did in the Cold War. This shows not only that the USA has impacted Canada’s foreign policies, but also their culture.
During the time of World War I, Canada was under the control of the British Empire. Canada was not fond of the idea of fighting in a war, because they were a recently new and inexperienced country. However, since Britain was involved, Canada was called on for support. Since Canada had no option and must participate, it was wise that they proved their strength as this newly born nation. The first battle Canada was involved in was at Ypres. The determined Canadian soldiers were seen as Canadian troops, fighting alongside the British and its allies, the French. This is one of the first sightings of autonomy from Canada in the First World War. “I am afraid… we must look upon them in the light in which we should wish to do so. They look upon themselves, not as part and parcel of the English Army but also as allies beside us.” (Webb, 31) Canadians were not happy about being part of the English Army. They wanted to represent their own nation. This motivated many Canadians to fight with determination. This also began to activate other countries in noticing Canada’s strength and ability. Canadians were determined and focused on fighting as an independent nation at the battle of Ypres. They were becoming identified and
It was in the weary war years of Mackenzie King in the 1930’s when the development of Canadian foreign policy started to take shape. Before that period Canada did not have an independent foreign policy with no international presence whatsoever and Canadian people saw themselves as part of the British dynasty. The first period in the formulation of Canadian foreign policy was in fact the ‘absence’ of policy and it was World War 1 which gave birth to foreign policy. Sixty thousand Canadians were lost which left Canadians wary of international development especially when there were very few military objectives. Canada had minimal control over her own troops and negotiations with the British were a challenge. Our troops were under control of the British and negotiating with the British was challenging. Looking back, there was almost a sense of absurdity about WW1. Therefore, Canadians came out of WW1 with a stronger than ever desire for independence. The Statute of Westminster, 1931, was the last of the Imperial Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain applicable to all dominions. It granted Canada,