Essays / Growth of Canadian Independence [3]

Canada was never completely independant from Britain in the 1900s. Today, Canada is an independant nation with its own legislature and government. In the 1900s, Canada was still under the control of the Britain Empire. For example, Canada was automatically at war in 1914 when Britain declared war on Germany. However, despite Canada being a colony of Britain, there were many historic feats in the 20th century that changed how Canada was perceived by the world. A very significant feat was when Canada received its own flag in 1965. Canada's participation and successes in WW1, WW2, and the 1928 Olympics as well as the discovery of insulin by renowned Canadian physician Frederick Banting put Canada on the world stage as well as being recognized as a more sovereign nation.

The 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Holland was a time for fun, competition, and the pure love of sports. When Canada declared itself as a participant, it was seen as an underdog by the top competitors such as Germany and the United States. Canada was never great at sports, nor is Canada today. Fans at home did not expect Canada to win any medals at all. However, the men and women's track and field teams did surprisingly well. Prior to the Olympic Games, the Canadian athletes worked vigorously for extensive weeks. They trained every day and set their minds to achieve anything they wanted. Canada won fifteen medals altogether, showing the talented Canadians were truly underrated athletes. Notable athlete Percy Williams won the 100-metre dash and the 200-metre dash, winning the gold medals for both events. A large portion of the 40 000 spectators were Canadian fans who screamed their hearts out for Williams. Fans watching at home were proud of Williams and the Canadian Olympic team. Also, Canada won more gold medals than Britain, signifying their independence as a country and their will to beat the country that owned them. Canada's track and field teams were successful in capturing the gold for many events and inspired fans at home that the sky is the limit for whatever one wants to achieve; one just has to work for it.

Aside from Canada's participation in WW2 in terms of fighting and mental toughness, Canada played a big role by contributing to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. During 1940-1945, more than 130 000 people were trained across Canada. Canada was chosen as the ideal base because of the clear weather and the open spaces. Canada accounted for more than 80 percent of the people enrolled in the training bases, showing their loyalty to Canada. They were taught how to fly planes for the assistance in attacking enemies in Europe. By the end of the war, the BCATP had graduated more than 50 000 pilots, 25 000 navigators, and 60 000 air crew members. There were hundreds of training bases set up across Canada, displaying Canada's commitment to helping the Allies in WW2. Many Canadian men were enlisted in flight schools. They wanted to show their passion and loyalty to Canada during the war. During WW2, many graduates of the BCATP were killed in assisting the Allies in the Dieppe Raid. Although Canada sacrificed thousands of lives, their sacrifices were not in vain since it has contributed to the success of the Normandy Landings known as D-Day. Without Canada's contributions to training pilots, the victory at D-Day might not have been possible, showing the importance of the BCATP.

D-Day was the invasion of Europe by the Allied navies. Canada was given a major role: capture one of the five beaches where the Allied Forces were to land. The Canadian troops were given a heavily fortified beach, Juno Beach. No other nation besides the United States and Great Britain were given the full responsibility of securing a specific beach. Canada was the only country to reach its objectives with an army of 14 000 troops. Ironically Canada had one of the weakest armies, but they were still the only country strong enough to push through the pouring waves of German soldiers. In addition, the Canadian forces at D-Day reached the farthest in France by pushing their way through the German soldiers. The Canadians used heavy artillery fire to destroy the enemies and did whatever they could to secure Juno. Securing Juno was not an easy task; it required focus, bravery, courage, and the heart to win. The town of Caen was a major task that needed to be completed by the Allies. By nightfall the town of Caen was not captured. However, the Canadian troops reached the closest in capturing the town of Caen by reaching Bayeux road, a distance near the town of Caen. The Canadians had to push every muscle of their body into action and play their hearts out. This showed the attitude and heart the men sacrificed to complete their goals and objectives that weren't even theirs to begin with. Canada at the time had a population of only 11 million people. More than one million people joined WW2; knowing Hitler posed a threat to the people of Canada. Canadian forces showed their loyalty and pride for Canada with the success of the D-Day landings and their potential to become a force to be reckoned with.

The discovery of insulin by Dr. Frederick Banting and Charles Best was vital in extending the lives of diabetics around the world. In 1920, more than one million people in North America were diagnosed with diabetes. The amount of diabetics itself was a tragedy. People died because there was no known cure of any kind to control the high blood sugar level. Children eventually resembled walking corpses, had insane thirst, and severe hunger. It was a matter of time before a majority of the population of North America was diagnosed with diabetes. Frederick Banting and Charles Best devoted their lives to working for a cure before the death toll hit thousands. Both men were Canadian scientists who did not have any clue about solving the crisis. However, during the 1920s Banting worked with dogs and eventually found an extract called insulin that would extend the life of a diabetic. After the discovery, patients were injected with insulin and managed to maintain their blood sugar levels. Banting later won the Nobel Prize for his medical work and dedication to finding a treatment of diabetes. Without the discovery of insulin, millions of people would be dead and the population of the world would decrease significantly. The lives of thousands of children would be gone without insulin. The discovery of insulin changed the way Canada was perceived as a leader in medicine. People around the world were blessed and grateful for the discovery, otherwise they would be dead today. This also includes diabetics today. Banting and Best were looked upon as heroes, changing the perspectives of people outside Canada.

The Canadian men made extraordinary efforts in holding off the Germans in the Second Battle of Ypres. On April 22nd 1915, German forces used a terrifying weapon against the Canadian and French men. A greenish cloud made its way across the trenches in Ypres, Belgium. The Canadians and French were in excruciating pain as the gas made a burning sensation in their eyes and throats; respiration became very difficult as well. Although it became difficult for the soldiers to fight back, the Canadian contingent was ready for action. The French troops however panicked and ran away from the battle, leaving a gap in the lines of defense. The Canadian troops didn't show cowardice during the gas attack. The soldiers showed bravery, courage, and determination as they fought all the way until the end until reinforcements arrived. This battle was very significant because it proved Canadians had backbones to do their duty and hold off the destructive German forces. After this battle Canada gained a reputation as a fighting force for successfully holding off the more superior and experienced Germans. Canadians at home gained a sense of nationalism and pride for their country because of the strength and courage they showed at the Second Battle of Ypres. After this battle, Canadian troops carried their reputation for being a tough combative force into the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge gave Canadians back home a sense of patriotism and honor. Canada emerged from the shadows of Britain and distinguished itself as an independant nation. The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place April 9th- 12th of 1917. The Canadian Corps was divided into four divisions that distinguished themselves as true fighters. Currie used a tactic called "creeping barrage"; which was the use of artillery to constantly shell and penetrate through the enemy forces. The divisions attacked together for the first time, showing the team chemistry. More than 15 000 infantry destroyed the German forces and continued to move forward, even when their officers were killed. The soldiers knew they had to win by brute strength and the will. By nightfall, the Canadian troops successfully captured Vimy Ridge, giving them glory and prestige. Despite the large number of casualties, this battle gave Canadians at home a sense of pride because this was the first time the four divisions fought together with valor and success. The men trained for extensive tiring weeks before the battle, showing their dedication and strive for greatness. Previously, France and Britain, the more powerful and experienced nations, failed to capture Vimy Ridge from the Germans. Even though the countries were supposedly "stronger", they were not successful. Canada being the more inexperienced and weaker nation, successfully and proudly seized Vimy Ridge, which was a ridge in northeastern France. Canadians were now seen as accomplished fighters that could take on any challenge. To be successful in moments like this shows teamwork, pride, sacrifice, and leadership; all character traits that genuinely describe the Canadian troops' efforts and hard-work when they captured Vimy Ridge.

Canada's historical achievements during WW1, WW2, the 1928 Summer Olympics, and the discovery of insulin by Dr. Frederick Banting made Canada grow as an independant country. What proved Canada as a sovereign nation were the Canadians' victories at D-Day and Vimy Ridge, the magnificent discovery of insulin by Canadian physicist Frederick Banting, the success of the Canadian track and field teams in the 1928 Olympics, and the strength of the troops when they held off the Germans in Ypres. These accomplishments and moments defined Canada's greatness and capabilities of achieving goals, desires, and hopes for the better of the future.