Vimy Ridge Significance Essay Example
The Significance of Vimy Ridge
Vimy Ridge marks the day that Canada became an independent nation. The significance of the battle was not in the actual battle itself, but rather the effects that Canada would feel nationally afterwards. The objective was a ridge that ran from the northwest to the southwest between Lens and Arras, France. The main height of land was four miles long, with it’s highest point only 475 feet above sea level. The Germans had held it since 1914, and three French attacks in 1914 and 1915 had failed to dislodge them. Canadians thought up of new skill tactics which helped Canada win the battle. Many of the soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge astonishingly had no previous war experience. Winning this battle granted Canada with world recognition, as well as pride. For the Canadians the battle would prove to be significant during World War 1.
The Canadians tried different tactics than the Regular British Army and ended up winning. "All soldiers knew the tactics and the plan to take Vimy" (Adrine 201) Arthur Currie tried different tactics, he made a replica of the battle grounds for the soldiers to train in, all the soldiers knew the plan, and were instructed to use the Vimy Glide, which was a tactic that Arthur Currie thought up of. The Vimy Glide was a tactic where all of the soldiers would move 100 yards every 3 minutes. "We have shown that even in trench warfare it is possible to mystify and mislead the enemy."(Adrine 311) With good tactics, Canada ended up winning, they took Vimy within 4 days. France and Britain had previously attempted to take the ridge, but failed to do so. "This was the first time Canadians had an influence on WW1."(Barton 56) On April 2nd, the bombardment was stepped up, this period was called "the week of suffering". There were very few German survivors, proving how successful Canada was. This was also the first time Canadians planned an entire attack.
Most of the men that fought at Vimy Ridge were
Vimy Ridge marks the day that Canada became an independent nation. The significance of the battle was not in the actual battle itself, but rather the effects that Canada would feel nationally afterwards. The objective was a ridge that ran from the northwest to the southwest between Lens and Arras, France. The main height of land was four miles long, with it’s highest point only 475 feet above sea level. The Germans had held it since 1914, and three French attacks in 1914 and 1915 had failed to dislodge them. Canadians thought up of new skill tactics which helped Canada win the battle. Many of the soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge astonishingly had no previous war experience. Winning this battle granted Canada with world recognition, as well as pride. For the Canadians the battle would prove to be significant during World War 1.
The Canadians tried different tactics than the Regular British Army and ended up winning. "All soldiers knew the tactics and the plan to take Vimy" (Adrine 201) Arthur Currie tried different tactics, he made a replica of the battle grounds for the soldiers to train in, all the soldiers knew the plan, and were instructed to use the Vimy Glide, which was a tactic that Arthur Currie thought up of. The Vimy Glide was a tactic where all of the soldiers would move 100 yards every 3 minutes. "We have shown that even in trench warfare it is possible to mystify and mislead the enemy."(Adrine 311) With good tactics, Canada ended up winning, they took Vimy within 4 days. France and Britain had previously attempted to take the ridge, but failed to do so. "This was the first time Canadians had an influence on WW1."(Barton 56) On April 2nd, the bombardment was stepped up, this period was called "the week of suffering". There were very few German survivors, proving how successful Canada was. This was also the first time Canadians planned an entire attack.
Most of the men that fought at Vimy Ridge were