The Impact Of World War I On Canada

As Abraham Lincoln once said “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him”, Canada’s war effort likewise rippled a similar nationalistic sentiment. Although more than half a million Canadian enlisted and fought. With severe casualties, Britain nonetheless pressured Borden to raise more soldiers for the war effort. But not only casualties discouraged men to take part, the nationalistic loyalty of French-Canadians was heavily conflicted. French-Canadians. comprised 30% of the population were willing and loyal to fight for Canada itself, but knowing the war cause was not directly related to Canada , and due to Britain’s participation, they were discouraged to join
as a dominion - or slaves of the Britain. As such happened, controversy stirred when the military conscription was enacted. This stirred controversy as Borden broke his promise of making conscription ‘mandatory’. However, as much as the Canadians were reluctant to take part in The Great War. Ironically, the war eventually opened a defining, if not, critical chapter of Canada’s nationalism and standing in the world arena. It is clear as Canada joined, the gains outweigh the losses. By participating in World War 1, it is inevitable that nationalism within Canada strengthens by the catalyst of Imperialist and Nationalist conflict which stirs the country in the right direction, international recognition through the war effort, and the big step towards independence and autonomy for Canada.

The First World War was a catalyst to the debate between Imperialism and Nationalism in Canada. Although both parties wanted to achieve independence and complete political freedom, or equal status so to speak, from the Britain, these parties essentially had two different theories on how the country should be governed. Imperialists, or British Canadians, believed social Darwinism—theory of biological evolution applied in politics and government— that with commitment to the Britain, Canada would grow naturally over time to gain self-autonomy from Britain, and so participating in war was though inevitable, it was beneficial to Canada. While Nationalist argued Canada’s participation was a parasitic relationship would only lead to further enslavement by serving the British Empire, and so a declaration of independence is needed, and by the opinion of a nationalist, would not cut Canada way from a mother, but from an owner. These different methods were what stemmed conflict in how Canada’s nationalism should be achieved from colonization to during World War 1. At the same time, the fight between Nationalism and Imperialism reached its boiling point. They provided a clear direction in which will have proved vital in developing Canadian nationalism and independence at the end of the war. The fact both parties shared a common goal proved an important factor. Without their common goal of achieving autonomy; thus the creation of a nationhood, Canada’s war achievements would have been a waste. Canada would not have had a strong will to demand for self-autonomy, but most of all the foundation of nationalism and independence would not have been fostered from the beginning. All of these events were hard fought battles which had grand impacts on Canada’s contribution to the British and Allied war effort overseas in Europe and eventually allowed for Canada to gain its own political and social identity which stood distinct from its British past.

Canada’s war effort was vital in distinguishing the Canadian identity.
surprised not only its mother Britain but the axis power Germany as well. Though the sacrifice was costly, Canada gained its standing in the world arena in many ways. Fighting through many battles as World War 1 progressed, Canada likewise increased its recognition. The significant battles that affirmed Canadian Corps as an entity distinguished from the British forces were the Battle of Ypres, Somme, and most importantly Vimy Ridge. The achievements from these battles promoted Canada’s patriotism, and ultimately nationalism. The Battle of Ypres marked Canada’s first major battle. While the French retreated from Germany's extensive release of Chlorine gas, Canada—with numbers of malfunctioning weapons— valiantly stayed and held on to the line of defense until reinforcement came, Canadian earned itself a formidable reputation. Losses in each battle were costly, but the army continued to earn itself a name. Though the Battle of Somme was inconclusive, even Germany was shocked by how audaciously Canada fought as British Politician Lloyd George quoted “Whenever the Germans found the Canadian Corps coming into the line, they prepared for the worst." From being inexperienced and ‘under the shadow’ of Britain, they were recognized as “storm troops” that fought for Canada. However, to put the nail to the coffin, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was Canada’s turning point; it was a nation-making moment when Canadian
commander Arthur Currie, who gained experience from battles, tactfully orchestrated the attack. Not only Canadian army was decisive on the battle’s victory, it was symbolic as four Canadian divisions fought as a formation. Britain did not win this battle for Canada; Vimy Ridge was a Canadian and not a colonial victory. ‘Canadian Corps’ is given its name and distinguished from British and French troops. The image of national unity, recognition, and an event that greatly symbolizes Canada is developing into a hen that will hatch from its shell. The nationalism—excluding Québécois people— for war effort geared toward helping Britain had, after the war, changed focus to Canada and its achievements itself. The battle sparked feelings of loyalty and pride from its citizens as this victory will have influenced the course of Canada’s nationalism. The war had served as the strongest warrant as Sir Robert Borden demanded Canada be given a larger role in world affairs, and only proven when Canada, during the peace conference in Paris, was granted representation and sat at the table representing itself.
As a result of the war effort, Canada was walking on the stairway of increasing self-determination and independence from Britain. Continuing from where Canada was granted a seat at the peace conference, Robert Borden insisted to sign the Treaty of Versailles independently. As Britain granted Canada’s will, Canada also gained a seat in the League of Nations, and even obtained the recognition to have its representative elected. The sense of nationhood was more apparent in the 1922 Chanak Crisis— the war between Britain and Turkey— as it served the Canada’s first assertion of political independence from Britain, when Canada refused to help British forces without approval of the Parliament in Ottawa. This indicated Canada was on the track of wanting more autonomy. In parallel, as the new sense of nationhood or nationalism in Canada was growing, the new constitutional relationship between Britain and the Dominions also spawned. This is shown in the outcome of The Imperial Conference of 1926 where—enacting the previous Balfour Report declaration— the Dominions were autonomous nations given equal status to Britain, or in other words, for Canada to be given an equal status as Britain or some extent of autonomy so that it can govern internal affairs on its own, yet have a voice/stand in foreign policy as well. Borden further argued his rationale that “Canada and the other Dominions would have regarded the situation as intolerable if they, who numbered their dead by the hundred thousands in the fiercest struggle the world had ever know, should stand outside the council chamber of the Conference while nations that had taken no direct or active part in the struggle stood within an determined the conditions of peace.” With the sense of nationhood in Canada and other dominions emerging after war, the mentioned chain of events leads to the Statute of Westminster, where finally, it gave Canada independence from British regulations and the freedom to pass, amend, and nullify laws in the legal system. The lives of heroes were sacrificed for the betterment and birth of Canada as a nation.

Canada’s entry into World War 1 and its nation-shaping achievements created a chain of events that achieved and allowed for Canada’s independence and nationalism to rise.
After the war, Canada and the other Dominions played a large role and were recognized when they signed the Treaty of Versailles independently. Just as the other dominions did, Canada was allowed separate membership, and separate representation and signatures on the treaty and other conventions. Recognized as storm troops in the battlefield, Canada proved itself to defend itself, as such war achievements in Battle of Ypres, Somme, and Vimy Ridge led to the Statute of Westminster; the confirmation that Canada is a self-determined and independent nation. Although sacrifice was many, the war was though an ordeal by fire, it was a stepping stone to Canada’s nationalism and its representation in the
world.