(following the outline plan given in 3.10)
Introduction Paragraph:
- World War 1, defining moment for Canadian nationalism. Did not escape unscathed, but the participation in the war gave a stronger sense of nationhood.
- Canada's contributions into WWI led to international recognition; other countries must recognize you as sovereign.
- The effort also brought acknowledgement to Canada's contributions and heroism on the battlefields of Europe, giving Canada the shot to be a more-mature, experienced nation because of the sacrifices made by their armed forces.
- The Battle at Vimy Ridge was the greatest assertion in Canadian sovereignty in WWI.
Body Paragraph 1:
- Canada stepped up to the plate because of their ties to Britain; originally, wanted nothing to do with the World War, but a sense of duty and owing Britain their help through the war persuaded them otherwise.
- Alliances and history tied many countries together. If one got pulled into the war, others did too. Something like a chain-reaction.
- Canada did not have much reason to fight, other than Britain called for the aid they had promised earlier; Canada thought they might escape untouched by the war, but they lost many citizens, materials, family, loved ones and experienced the financial loss that war brings. Canada also had to bear knowing many of their people were overseas, far from home, fighting for someone else's war.
- Fought and participated in many battles, with one of the most prominent being their victory at Vimy Ridge.
Body Paragraph 2:
- From July to mid-November 1916, the Battle of the Somme claimed 24,029 Canadian casualties. Greater loss than expected. It also gave Canadian units the reputation of a formidable assault force.
- Canadians' first taste of the Battle of the Somme occurred when they were asked to secure the town of Courcelette, France. November 11, the Canadian Division finally secured most of the German trenches in Courcelette and