CHC - 2D1-14
March 12, 2021
Canada’s Bargain with a Nation Constructor
World War I, also known as the “Great War” went on for four years, 1914 - 1918. The
war was between the allied(Russia, France, Great Britain) and the central powers(Germany,
Austria, Hungary, Italy). The nations fought through trench warfare and discovered several new
tactics to fight in the war. The Great War was unmatched for the destruction and carnage which it
had caused. Canada has fought in many battles throughout the first World War, although some
battles are more historically significant for Canada than others. This leads to the proposal that the
Battle of Vimy Ridge was the most nation-building battle in Canada.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge is extremely important because it shows Canada’s offensive
force, “The Canadians had demonstrated they were one of the outstanding formations on the
Western Front and masters of offensive warfare.”. (Reding 1) Vimy Ridge was a fortified base
point that the Germans had taken from the French. The British and the French had both
attempted to take back the Ridge several times but failed. Then on a cold Easter morning in 1917
Canadians made a large attempt to neutralize the enemy by using new war tactics such as the
“creeping barrage”, this was the first time Canadians fought as a single unit and under their
command (Reding 2). The Canadians took over the Ridge on their first try. In the faith teaching,
it states, “participate in projects that work for justice” (Faith Teachings 1), Canada worked for
justice in the assistance of others, and helping your neighbor is working for God which means
Canada was working in act of the faith teachings. Additionally, this victory of the battle that the
Canadians orchestrated, was a clear demonstration of the willpower and sheer force that the
Canadians occupied. This leads to the next reason that the Battle of Vimy Ridge was most
important, Canada had signed their signature on the Treaty of Versailles, “Canada signed the
Treaty independently, but the signature was indented under “British Empire ''. While this did
reflect the continued ambiguity of Canada and the other dominions’ role in the world, it did
represent a significant step for Canada gaining full independence over its foreign policy.” (2)
After the war had ended in 1919, Germany and the allied nations signed the Treaty of Versailles.
Previously, when Canada was fighting under British command they’re signature would signify
Canada as well, but in this case, Canada had gotten the opportunity to sign their signature. This
was an extremely large symbol of Canadians' step into independence from the British Empire up
until the Constitution Act. The opportunity to have their signature is influenced and
interconnected with their great victory of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and also must have
influenced other countries to gain independence from whoever they are under. Ultimately, the
new war tactics and the planning helped improve Canadian combat, “This attack was planned &
rehearsed for several months & carried out by Canadian troops under Canadian General Arthur
Currie, who gave all the soldiers maps, not just the officers” “soldiers attacked under a cover of
artillery fire known as a “creeping barrage” in which soldiers advanced in step with artillery
guns”. (Reding 3) Canadians had gone through deep planning and analyzing which is one of the
primary reasons Canada had claimed victory. The new tactic, “creeping barrage” was extremely
effective. It helped cover the soldiers during the forward movement towards the Ridge, the
advancement of tactics assisted Canadians in creating greater and more effective strategies and
this was one of them.
These points highlight the significance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge which is why the Battle of
Vimy Ridge was the greatest “nation-building” battle.
In conclusion, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was the most significant to Canadian history. The
new tactics, independence, and the demonstration of Canadian power showed the reasoning for
the Vimy Ridge battle being the most significant and “nation-building” for Canada. There were
large amounts of casualties throughout the war, and may we show respect for them, lest we
forget.
References
Galante, J. "CHC2D The First World War - Canada Grows Up.pdf” CHC2D1, Bishop Reding
Catholic Secondary School, Milton.
https://classroom.google.com/u/1/c/MjY5NTI3NjY4Mzk3/a/MjgzNzA4NzU3NzM4/details
Author, Unknown. “Legacy - The War's Impact on Canada.” Canada and the First World War,
13 Mar. 2021, 10:32,
www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/after-the-war/legacy/the-wars-impact-on-canada/
Rodye-Smith, John Graham. “World War I.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia
Britannica, Inc., 13 Mar. 2021, 10:33, www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I. .
Author, Unknown. “History Of Vimy Ridge.” Vimy Foundation, 25 Aug. 2020,
www.vimyfoundation.ca/learn/vimy-ridge/.