Preview

The Liberation of Netherlands

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1126 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
The Liberation of Netherlands
When World War Two erupted, the Netherlands declared itself as a neutral state and intended to avoid any conflict. However, on May 10, 1940, Germany struck an unanticipated attack on the Netherlands. After several days of resistance, the Netherlands were officially occupied a week later by German troops (Belgium). It would be another 5 years until the Canadians, under the leadership of General H.D.G. Crerar, liberated the Dutch (Liberation of Holland). Until then, over 200,000 Dutchmen and women will perish during the occupation in which over half of them are Jewish (Goddard 140-145). The Liberation of Netherlands was a defining moment in Canadas efforts in World War II because the operation built a strong relationship between the Netherlands and Canada, freed the Dutch under the ruthless German rule, and demonstrated Canadas persistent commitment to liberty even when faced with difficult opposition.

Since the liberation, the ties between Canada and the Netherlands have never been stronger. Canadas sacrifice will never be forgotten by the Dutch because their liberty was fought for at the expense of the lives of Canadian soldiers. In fact, the people of Netherlands created many cemeteries to thank the heroes that came to liberate them. For instance, the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery is a famous cemetery in Groesbeek, Netherlands, where over 2300 Canadians were buried (Goddard 235-236). Furthermore, during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, the safety of the Dutch royal family was no longer guaranteed. In their greatest time of need, Canada opened her doors and gave refuge to the royal family in Canadas capital, Ottawa (Goddard 226). The heir to the throne, Princess Juliana, also gave birth to Princess Margriet during her stay at Canada (Netherlands ' Princess Margriet born in Ottawa). Following the occupation, Princess Juliana showed her appreciation for Canadas hostility and their efforts for liberating the Netherlands by sending 100,000 tulip bulbs to


Cited: April 30: Conference brings hope to starving Dutch". The CBC Digital Archives Website. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Last updated: 30 April 2005. . [Accessed 7 Nov. 2007.]"Belgium." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 18 Nov. 2007 . Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada.Canada-Netherlands/ Pays-Bas/ Nederland. CAN: Minister Veterans Affairs, 2005. Greenhous, "Liberation of Holland." The Canadian Encyclopedia . 2007. Historica Foundation of Canada. 18 Nov 2007 . Hillmer, Norman, and Owen Cooke, "Democracy at War - The Liberation of Netherlands, 1944-1945." War Museum. 20 Aug 2004. Canadian War Museum. 19 Nov 2007 . "Netherlands ' Princess Margriet born in Ottawa". The CBC Digital Archives Website. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Last updated: 2 April 2007. . [Accessed 8 Nov. 2007.]
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    Ch 24 Study Guide Copy
    • 419 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Ch 24 Study Guide Copy

    10. What caused the disintegration of the Dutch overseas empire and what lands did the British gain as a result? p.641…

    • 419 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Character Analysis: The Dieppe Raid
    • 533 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Character Analysis: The Dieppe Raid

    On the night of August 18 1942, the allies set out 5,000 ships, 50,000 vehicles and 11,000 planes all in preparation for the coming battle the next day. With the help of the Canadians, British commandos and American rangers, they decide to bind together their military forces and take their plans into action when they surprised attack Germany at Dieppe, France. The goal was to attack a strongly defended port in Dieppe, guarded by top-notch and highly trained German soldiers. The Raid being Canada’s first involvement in World War II, not only did they intend to test Germany’s capabilities, but they saw it as an opportunity to put their allies to the test against Europe. Despite their hard efforts, many believe there were many different contributing…

    • 533 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Vimy Ridge Research Paper
    • 500 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Vimy Ridge Research Paper

    A defining moment for Canada in World War 1 was the battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place on April 9, 1917. This was the first battle that Canadians planned and executed. It was fought without any help from the British or the French and was strategically led in its entirety by Canadian soldiers under the command of Sir Arthur Currie. It is arguable that this was the point at which Canada proved itself as capable of being a nation on its own and began to gain a bit of independence from Britain.…

    • 500 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Franco-Dutch War Analysis
    • 986 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Franco-Dutch War Analysis

    Franco-Dutch War, commonly referred to simply as the Dutch War, was a conflict in which France attacked the Spanish Netherlands (1), a territory in the Low Countries controlled by Spain (2). In 1670, England and France signed the Treaty of Dover, uniting them against the Dutch (1). When French forces under Louis XIV invaded the Netherlands, Dutch armies flooded vast portions of the country by opening the dikes, impeding French movement. William III of Orange, the Dutch monarch, oversaw the naval defense of key Dutch regions. Sweden united with France in gaining territory in the Spanish Netherlands and on the Rhine River. With assistance from Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and Lorraine, the Dutch successfully resisted further French advancement.…

    • 986 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Analysis Of The Victory At Vimy Ridge
    • 220 Words
    • 1 Page

    Analysis Of The Victory At Vimy Ridge

    The First World War invoked feelings of pride in the hearts of the Canadian citizens for the nation as victories were gained on the battlefields by Canadian armies. The victory at Vimy Ridge is one of the battles that stirred within the hearts of Canadians’ a strong pride for their nation, because “for the first time, all four divisions of the Canadian Corps had attacked and triumphed together”. In the battle there were 10 602 casualties, but this did not stop the Canadian army from defeating the enemies and taking command over the whole crest of the Ridge. This victory was a major event that instilled within the hearts of Canadians a great pride for their nation who had taken command over the whole crest of the Ridge by defeated their enemies…

    • 220 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Effects of War and Peacekeeping on Canadian Autonomy Essay Example
    • 2007 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Effects of War and Peacekeeping on Canadian Autonomy Essay Example

    Over the course of its history, Canada has progressed immensely regarding its autonomy. Starting out as just a colony of Great Britain, Canada was in the control of the overarching British Empire. However, Canada now has emerged as a sovereign state, in control of its own future. A major contributing factor to Canada ultimately reaching autonomy has been its participation in war and peacekeeping efforts. Contributions made in war efforts such as WWI and WWII have allowed Canada to demonstrate just how influential and powerful the country can be. Even though Canada entered WWI under the order of Great Britain, Canada’s showing at the battle of Vimy Ridge helped it emerge as a more independent country, gaining its own seat in the League of Nations. After participation in World War Two, Canada once again progressed in independence and earned the right to be a founding member in both NATO and the UN. Along with wars, Canada has made many contributions to peacekeeping. Canadian Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson, is considered a founder of modern peacekeeping after his efforts in the Suez Canal Crisis during the Cold War Era.…

    • 2007 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Vimy Ridge Research Paper
    • 453 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Vimy Ridge Research Paper

    Although Canadian soldiers operated with British overseers at Vimy Ridge, the Canadian led victory demonstrated to the world that Canada had become a sovereign nation. Firstly, the victory at Vimy Ridge is recognized by many Canadians and other people from around the world as an important point in the war, and in the sovereignty of Canada. As stated by the Ministry of Public Works and Government Services in Canada in the First World War and the Road to Vimy Ridge: “The success at Vimy marked a profound turning-point for the Allies. A year and a half later, the Great War was over. The Canadian record, crowned by the achievements of Vimy, won Canada a separate signature on the Versailles Peace Treaty ending the war.” This quote includes that Canada gained a separate signature from Britain on the Versaille Peace Treaty, marking the beginning of them becoming their own nation as this was one of the first times that Canada was considered to be a separate nation from Britain. Later after the war, likely due in part to their contributions at Vimy ridge, Canada gained their own vote at the League of Nations separate from the vote of Britain. As said by Pierre Berton in a publication titled Vimy: “It is a historical fact that Canada entered the war as a junior partner of Great Britain and emerged as an equal, her status confirmed when she, with the other Dominions, was given her own vote at the League of Nations.” As we can see from this quote, Canada gained recognition as an equal to Great Britain in the eyes of the people of the world through the respect granted to them, and with…

    • 453 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    What Was The Battle Of Schheldt
    • 481 Words
    • 2 Pages

    What Was The Battle Of Schheldt

    Introduction. In the final months of the Second World War, Canadian forces were given the important and deadly task of liberating the Netherlands from Nazi’s. From September 1944 until April 1945, the First Canadian Army fought German forces on the Scheldt estuary and then cleared northern and western Netherlands of Germans. The Battles in and around the Netherlands.…

    • 481 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    how did war change canada
    • 1338 Words
    • 6 Pages

    how did war change canada

    The act of warfare has never been and will most likely never be celebrated and perceived as a beneficial act for humanity. In most instances throughout history, the act of war has represented loss of life, a loss to great for any wartime triumph to overcome. Despite the negative connotations that warfare implies, a nation which goes through a major war can often emerge positively transformed. The Second World War represents a colossal juncture in Canada’s history as a nation. The war propelled Canada into the latter part of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century as one of the prodigious, western industrialized nations. From an economical standpoint, the Second World War ignited Canada’s ascension into a fully modern and mechanized country. Furthermore, the war changed the social landscape of Canada, fully transforming the roles of women and evolving the immigration policy, which eventually lead to Canada becoming one of the most culturally diverse and interracial nations by modern accounts.…

    • 1338 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Vimy Ridge Memorial Essay
    • 593 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Vimy Ridge Memorial Essay

    The Vimy Ridge Memorial is a significant artifact commemorating Canada’s most celebrated military victory (the Battle of Vimy Ridge) that exemplifies Canada’s development as a nation. In France, at the dawn of April 9, 1917, the Canadian troops (35,000 men) attacked the Ridge. It took three days of heavy combat and injured /or killed more than 10,000 Canadian men. The British attack to the south was met with defeat; the only troops to emerge victorious were the Canadians (www.histori.ca). Although, the duration of this battle was only three days, over the course of these days, Canada undoubtedly benefited from it. Primarily, after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Canadian soldiers were perceived as ruthless, slaughtering machines (Scully).…

    • 593 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Canada In World War Two
    • 1213 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Canada In World War Two

    Canada had proven itself an effective fighting force through all the World War One. Meaning that Canada was met with extreme success during World War One, with their stunning victories against immense odds. But would this reputation carry over to World War Two? In World War Two Canada would have success and failures with its first real battle being the defence of Hong Kong. Canada would fight with British and Indian forces, Canadian forces arrived just in time to repel the invading Japanese forces. This invasion lasted from December 8-25 1941. But with Canada’s success in the war there would also inevitably be failures, that failure came in the form of the Dieppe Raid on August 19 1942 … The Dieppe Raid was an attack…

    • 1213 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Canada's Role In The Afghanistan War Analysis
    • 685 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Canada's Role In The Afghanistan War Analysis

    the conflicts and wars Canada had joined in a positive matter and its outcome has shown us…

    • 685 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Why Did so Many Europeans Collaborate with the Nazi Occupiers?
    • 2547 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Why Did so Many Europeans Collaborate with the Nazi Occupiers?

    [8] H.R. Kedward, Occupied France: Collaboration and Resistance 1940-1944, (Oxford:Blackwell Publishers Ltd 1985), p. 34.…

    • 2547 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Consequences Of The Battle Of Vimy Ridge
    • 286 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Consequences Of The Battle Of Vimy Ridge

    Canada had many consequences after the battle to capture Vimy Ridge. The battle itself changed people's perspectives about Canada. Canadians earned a good reputation among the world for their significant victory against the Germans.They were known as “ tough, effective, and courageous fighters” (Eaton and Newman 169) The Canadian troops were exceptionally brave and were prepared for all kinds of assault. This battle was also the start for Canada to become a separate nation. After Arthur Carrie was promoted to become the commander of the Canadian military, the British was no longer required to command the Canadian soldiers (Eaton and Newman 170) This shows how the British believed that the Canadians can handle things by themselves without their help. Therefore Canada had countless outcomes from the battle for Vimy Ridge.…

    • 286 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Canadian History: Pride and Adversity
    • 706 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Canadian History: Pride and Adversity

    There is a common saying:” Nations are made in war.” According to many, Vimy Ridge was the first time when Canadians really felt a sense of national identity. Just like the famous comment made by Brigadier General Alex Cross "It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought …that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation." The Ridge was a key position of the German defence system in northern France. Here the four divisions of the Canadian advanced side by side for the first time. Here the young volunteers from across the nation trained and fought as “Canadians”, not just a part of the Empire. Here the commanders invented the “rolling barrage”. Here a full-scale replica of the battlefield was built and the soldiers trained day and night. At Vimy Ridge, the Canadians captured more ground and prisoners than any previous British attack. However, the battle at Vimy came at a high cost: the 16,000 casualties brought devastation to home while victory was celebrated and the conscription debate shook the fragile unity in the country. Anyway, Vimy Ridge showed that although Canada has never had a huge army or talked about patriotism all the time, her people can fight, and fight well when they need to.…

    • 706 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics