Preview

The Three Defining Moments Of Canada (events that have shaped Canada to its current identity).

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
674 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
The Three Defining Moments Of Canada (events that have shaped Canada to its current identity).
ISP: The Three Defining Moments of Canada

Each individual, family, business, country and so on all had defining moments that have shaped them into their current appearances or outcome. For Canada, the following three defining moments have characterized Canada from a dependent British colony to an autonomous country. In addition, these three defining moments have further pushed Canada towards nationhood, which included the formation of its own identity and a sense of unity. The following events, with those being Confederation, World War II and the declaration of the Canadian national anthem were the three defining moments of Canadian history.

On July 1st of 1867, the passing of the British North America Act indicated that Canada had become a nation. Before Confederation, what we know as Canada today was merely a bunch of scattered British colonies. When the colonies united to form the Dominion of Canada, they were able to depend upon themselves for economic and security reasons. Because they traded goods amongst themselves without tariffs and depended on each other for protection, an initial sense of unity was formed within the new Dominion. This also led Canada to reduce its reliance on Britain and thus became more independent. Canada's main affairs may have been controlled by Britain at that time, but this event served as a prelude to Canada's growing nationhood and has spurred this young nation to take its first steps in building its own identity.

The second defining moment was World War II (1939-1945), in where Canada manifested that it was more or less an independent nation away from Britain. Firstly Canada had declared war on the Axis Powers on its own behalf, unlike World War I where Canada was automatically at war due to its colonial ties to Britain. During the war, Canadians of different backgrounds gained a sense of unity when they all took part in the total war effort. Their nationalistic feelings for their own country soared. When the war ended Canada

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    The Second World War began on September 1st 1939 and ended on September 2nd 1945 involving more than 30 countries creating “ the most widespread and deadliest war in history” (http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii) resulting “ in more than “ 50 million military and civilian deaths”. Canada had entered the World War 2 on September 10th 1939 “ Within two months the first contingents of Canadian troops arrived in the United Kingdom to supplement the British Expeditionary Forces (BEF)” (Kingsley Ward,1996). There were many events that occurred in Canada during the period of WW2 creating a time of decline. Overall, the efforts had made a big impact on soldiers and families during the Battle Of Dieppe; many Canadian soldiers who were brave…

    • 163 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    On September 10 1939, Canada declared war on Germany. This was Canada's first independent declaration of war. Over 1 million citizens served in the military and by the end of the war Canada had the fourth-largest air force and third-largest navy fleet in the world. Around 41% of Canadian males 18–45 served in the military. WW2 would not have been won if it weren't for the huge contributions Canada made to help the allies. Canada made one of the largest commitments to the effort, and was very important for its role in liberating Europe. We supplied the British people when they stood alone in Europe. We had a huge role in the invasion of Italy. When it was time to open up a second front in Europe again we were there to help.…

    • 800 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Canada was granted the right to self-government in 1867 but did not have full legal autonomy until the Statute of Westminister was passed on December 11, 1931. Lord Balfour, was the one that proposed all Dominions be conceded full autonomy in their legislations. It allowed these former colonies full legal freedom except in those areas where they chose to remain subordinate to Britain. This means Canada, the colony of Newfoundland, the commonwealth of Australia, the dominion of New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, and the Irish Free State all had established equality amongst Britain. I feel that the statue of Westminster Is one of the best events to happen to Canada because this granted us the freedom to pass our own laws without the consent…

    • 163 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    A way Canada has earned respect from the international community is by having a role in the solution of the Suez Crisis. In the 1950's,President Nasser of Egypt claimed ownership of the Suez Canal,thus causing an International crisis by denying access to shipping from other nations.It brought Egypt to the verge of war with the U.K and that is when Canada’s to-be Prime Minister Lester B Pearson stepped in proposed a peacekeeping plan, which would be the first for the UN. Canada gained respect by this since they not only found a solution for a crisis but also started something new. A way Canada gained Independence as a nation was through the British North America Act on July 1, 1867. This divided Canada so it was no longer subject to British rule and Canada became self-governing.…

    • 2354 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Before Confederation, they did not form a collective identity as Canada. This meant that each group had a slightly different collective identity, made up of their different memories and experiences that they gave meaning to. Specifically, for Newfoundland, they were proud of their ties to Britain because it was part of their identity. As a result, they were not willing to give up on joining the confederation. Similarly, Canada East took pride in their French culture.…

    • 1529 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Marked up essay 3

    • 643 Words
    • 1 Page

    of 1914­1918. Since Canada was still under British colonial rule, the country automatically joined in…

    • 643 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    On July 1st, 1867 the British North America Act or the Constitution Act of 1867 had gone into effect creating the " One Dominion under the name of Canada". However, there were many wars, debates, conferences, and so on till confederation had finally taken place, and though there may have been many internal and external factors contributing to the creation of Canada. War and expansionism was the absolute main reason for why confederation took place. If it wasn't for the American Civil War, Or the Fraser River Gold Rush in British Columbia and the American's belief in Manifest Destiney. BNA would've never been alarmed by America's presence.…

    • 801 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Line of Approach: Certain events led Canada to what it is today. Those events are; women receiving the right to vote, the market crash in 1929, immigration and the time of discrimination. These events will show how Canada became the way it is today.…

    • 884 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The most significant event in Canada’s history would be the building of the railway. It opened…

    • 371 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The significant twentieth century has made Canada, Canada. Several events in the 1900s have had a huge impact on the creation of Canada and Canadian autonomy. These events have put Canada through many stages and have created this great nation that exists today. A strong sense of Canadian nationalism has also become present in Canadians overtime (Marked, 2004), and the desire to become independent from Britain has only grown. For the most part of the century, Canadians felt proud to be British subjects rather than proud to be Canadian (Free, 2007). Throughout the twentieth century, this mindset had slowly changed. Through political laws and battles, through social events of the time, and through the economical hardships and profits, Canada has…

    • 1880 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Canada In The 20th Century

    • 1395 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Allies in 1917. It was a turning point in the war for the Allies and for Canada as…

    • 1395 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Canada was not founded by two nations. Canada was founded by many different cultures. When Canada started, I feel as if there were four different lifestyles and cultures that started Canada’s traditions and lifestyles.…

    • 758 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    1. What do some people believe is the difference between a country and a nation?…

    • 540 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    U.S.A[2] The term ‘Just Society was used in 1968 during ‘Trudeaumania’ . The ‘Just Society’…

    • 1535 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Diversity In Canada Essay

    • 454 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Diversity in Canada has increased during 1867. Immigration rates are growing; creating, Canada’s identity to change over time. This topic highlights a group or individuals sense of belonging, but not only to the group/ individual but on a global scale. Defining Canada is more complex then it seems, many people have their own idea to what being Canadian is. Canada’s national identity cannot be defined in a singular statement due to the complexity and diversity in which Canada is known for. Many may also argue that Canada’s identity has become intangible due to increase in immigration, because a multitude of cultures conflicting creates a blurry sense of what it means to be Canadian.…

    • 454 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays