Canada’s contributions in the Boer War, World War One and World War Two are well documented. The Canadians helped in the Boer War from 1899-1902, World War One from 1914-1918 and World War Two from 1939-1945. Many Canadians were killed in these three wars. Just over more than 7000 Canadians were sent out overseas to help out in the Boer War (this included 12 women nurses).1 Approximately 65 000 soldiers died in World War One.2 (see Appendix 2) Approximately 45 000 died in World War Two.3
(Appendix 1)
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At the time of the Boer War, World War One and World War Two, Canada’s population consisted mainly of French-speaking Canadians and English-speaking Canadians. Even though there were many French speaking Canadians at that time in Canada, the Canadian military consisted of very few French-speaking Canadians and the majority was made up of English-speaking Canadians.
During the Boer War the military service was a voluntary act in Canada because of the fact that almost all French Canadians disagreed upon helping in the Boer War and they believed it was not something necessary that Canada should be involved in. Later on during the times of World War One and World War Two the military service had become mandatory for all men and this was called conscription. This meant that all men ages 20 to 45 were required to join the military. The English-speaking Canadians did not really mind this because they were in favour of the war efforts from the beginning, but it was a big deal for the French-speaking Canadians because they were not ever in favour of contributing in the war efforts.
Even when the French-speaking Canadians were part of the military they did not have a proper command over them especially since the English-speaking Canadians treated them very badly and there were problems with the languages that the English and the French Canadians spoke. “Command is important not merely because effective command wins wars, but national command is the instrument that connects the (military) forces to the government.”4. This quote explains that command needs to be practised in a military for it to exist and operate.
Since Canada was one country, the French- Canadians always disagreeing to help in all three of these wars did not show a lot of patriotism to the country. Especially during the time of the Boer War there was an outrageous reaction in Quebec against the English-speaking Canadians wanting to fight for their mother country Britain.
Canada’s eligibility to participate on the world stage and its move towards independence was proven after the accomplishments at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Foremost, Canada’s first opportunity to partake on the world stage came soon after the end of World War I, during the Paris Peace Conference. The accomplishments of the Canadian Army in the Battle of Vimy Ridge helped to earn Canada a spot in the Paris Peace Conference, after long arguments made on behalf of Canada by Prime Minister Robert Broden . The Prime Minister argued that Canada’s wartime record had earned Canada a seat separate from Britain. Canada was granted the seat despite the disapproval of the American President, Woodrow Wilson’s as they contributed greatly to the Allied forces especially in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The approval of Canada’s seat is important to both the significance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the eligibility to participate on the world stage because it was one of the first steps Canada took towards its independence from Great Britain. Additionally, Canada became more social with other countries separate from Britain after the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canada involved itself more in trading after the battle and the war, and had a flourishing...
Canada also became a leader internationally as well. With such an enormous military contribution during the war, other countries began to recognize the success of Canada. People wanted to know more about Canada. Consequently, the war advanced Canada’s sense of identity.
Prime Minister Borden had promised to provide 500,000 troops to aid in the war against the axis. When news of the gruesome trench conditions and the staggering number of casualties began to reach Canadians on the home front, the number of volunteers diminished at an astonishing rate, and the lack of reinforcements to the front lines proved detrimental to the Canadian war effort. Borden argued that obligatory military service of all men from the ages of 20 to 45 was the only way to provide these necessary reinforcements. The Francophones detested the idea of being forced to fight amongst those who had discriminated against them for years and had shown them and their culture little respect. Riots quickly ensued, and the divide between English and French Canada quickly
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
World War One is one of the most significant events in Canadian history and one of the most deadly wars known in history, having as many as sixty million casualties.The war may have been a brutal one as it impacted many countries but was extremely beneficial for Canada. The war allowed Canada to sustain their industrial production, monetary growth and shaped the nation to being a dominant and independent country. Due to Canada’s effective effort in the war, it portrayed a vital role in shaping its identity, Canada started to be seen as an independent country which led to and a nation that shouldn’t be underestimated. In addition, the war contributed to women’s rights in Canada which were distinguished as women accomplished jobs that men were
World War II affected many countries worldwide, and Canada played a vital role in the victory. It endured from September 1, 1939, to September 2, 1945, and Canadians were very generous and determined to finish the war as fast as possible. Everything that Canadians did between 1939 to 1945 was all in efforts to help ease the harsh conditions of the war. There were social contributions made by training soldiers for the war, acting as a humanitarian aid, and enforcing the anti-loafing act in Canada. There were also military contributions made by providing soldiers to fight in the Air Force, the Navy, and the Army. Lastly, Canada made economical contributions by providing money, agricultural goods,
The World War I conscription crisis worsened the pre-existing tension between Quebec and the rest of Canada by creating a feeling of isolation from Quebec to Canada, the government, and Britain causing the want to be separated (Gale Canada in Context, 2011). The French-Canadians thought they had no business in the war like as if they were forced to take part in something that has nothing to do with them (Gale Canada in Context, 2011). They felt “little to no allegiance with the rest of Canada, viewing the army solely as an English-Canadian entity (Gale Canada in Context, 2011). The Québécois also felt detached from the government in this way (Gale Canada in Context, 2011). Due to Regulation 17 (the debate of the French language being taught
Canada participated in the WW1 showed an extraordinary act of bravery, although it came at a high price followed with many controversies. It left many Canadians on the fence about Canada’s true intention in the war. Yet it proved to the beginning of the foundation of Canada’s nationalism and growth of sovereignty in the country.
The people in Quebec were never too keen on being British subjects, throughout Canada’s history they were constantly at odds with the ruling British government. The Quebecois dissatisfaction with the anglophones was warranted due the numerous amount of time when the British attempted to assimilate them into their own culture. Since the French were a minority in Canada they were mostly tolerated and left to their own devices. The loyalty of Canada’s French population was put to the test in WWI. At the beginning of the war Canada faced no difficulty in gathering eager volunteers for their fighting force, other than the fact that most of these volunteers were anglophones things were going well. As the war dragged on it became increasingly clear that having a volunteer army would not supply the Canadian forces with the numbers they needed(A City Goes to War). Canada’s French population was not likely to fight for a war that Britain was forcing them into. To replenish the Canadian army, Prime Minister Robert Borden was convinced he needed to create a conscription system. Conscription was unanimously opposed in Quebec, but Borden pushed through with the Wartime Elections Act which brought together the Liberals to join the Conservatives to form the Canadian Unionist Government. The bill allowed his government to get enough votes to enforce conscription(Jones,
In Europe, Canadians took major roles in key battles such as the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of Ypres. The Battle of the Somme was one of the bloodiest battles Canada fought, with a death toll of at least 24,000 Canadian troops.
Battles such as Vimy Ridge, the Second Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of the Somme were some of the worst battles that the world can find Canadian's. Our northern nation had boasted over 600,000 soldiers to the battlefields whilst also providing vital manufacturing facilities and training soldiers from across the world. The strong imperial bond between Canada and the 'Motherland' was an important factor in Canada's decision to participate wholeheartedly in World War I, and influenced many in their decision to join the army. Most Canadians felt a strong connection to the British Emp...
World War l, which allowed Canada to gain a sense of nationhood, was the first step that Canada took in order to become a self-governing country. Canada’s contribution, approximately 620,000 soldiers, assisted the success the Allies achieved throughout the war and proved the ability the country has in battles. The
Canada's sacrifices and contributions to the war changed its history and enabled them to become more independent and they friendship with Britain grew stronger and stronger. Canada was first inducted into the World War 1 when Britain declared war on Germany, August 4, 1914. Canada being allies with Britain had to support those in the war even know they weren’t in there and fighting all on the front they were backup just in case the German soldiers broke through the trenches and head towards France. Later on the Governor General also declared war on Germany but the Canadians fought under the ruling of a Britain commander. The achievements of Canadian military during the First World War came during the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele battles and what later became known as "Canada's Hundred Days". They help fight for the freedom and peace for the small village of Passchendaele and however as it was a muddy hell, they still persevered throu...
This historical event reflects a time when a true singular Canadian identity began to develop without being under the shadow of another country. It is said that Canada's impressive contributions during world war I was best exemplified by our triumph in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This victory changed the way that we and others in the world viewed our country. Some historians say that Canada came of age as a nation in the battle as 100,000 Canadians from coast to coast came together to capture the vital German stronghold.This was the first battle that Canada fought as one with limited help from the British, it was a primarily Canadian only
My great Grandparents immigrated to Canada from Europe after WW2. The war was the reason they decided to leave. In Holland there was a lot of struggling due to the conflict, my great grandfather was taken to work in Germany while my great grandmother was in Holland witnessing soldiers creating conflict. After the