Select 3 defining moments in Canadian history. In your essay you will argue why they are defining moments in Canadian history
These events are the "defining moments" which developed a country to what it is today. For Canada, those defining moments relate to the military and war.
These events are what made Canada today ; a strong, independent country with a lot of heart.
Canada's many achievements and successes have come from the Day of Deliverance, Canada's largest military operation. June 6th, 1944, was the day when Canada gave everything they had, including 30,000 Canadian troops to be joined with the Allies in the invasion of Normandy on the beaches of France. "The Royal Canadian Navy had 100 ships with 10,000 sailors in the operation, while, flying overheard were 36 bomber squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force" (Hannon 73). Under heavy fire, Canadian soldiers landed at Juno Beach. They faced underwater obstacles, land mines, barbed wire, and heavy machine-gun fire from the Germans (Hannon 91). While many quickly died, the survivors rapidly made their way across the beach. By the end of the day, the surviving Canadian troops had made their way farther inland than any other allied force, and were the only Allied force to meet their objectives. "While having many quick successes, they had many quick casualties as well, with 335 Canadians dead and 739 injured" (Hannon 101). Canadian troops fought their way into the towns of Berničres, Courseulles and St. Aubin in which they secured a critical bridgehead for the Allied invasion (Hannon 34). The Allied victory was a turning point in World War II and led to the liberation of Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany. The securing of Normandy hurt Germany badly, and they wouldn't be able to keep up the fight for long. Canada, once again, showed the entire world what they were made of, and what they possessed. If it was not for Canada, it would have been impossible for the Allies to turn out victorious on that day. D-Day is a significant and defining moment in Canadian history, and our contributions will never be forgotten.
Vimy Ridge is a notable moment because it brought world recognition, a strong sense of patriotism, and became a nationalist symbol of achievement and sacrifice. It marks the first time a battle was planned and executed strategically rather than strictly by manpower. "They showed the Allies that they had the strength and ability to carry out a flawless attack of this size, in which they succeeded in April 1917" (Christie 7). The German position on the ridge seemed invincible. Because of Vimy Ridge, Currie became a respected strategist while the Canadians became recognized among the finest troops on the Western Front. In addition to, Vimy Ridge was the first battle in which all Canadian Divisions would fight together. (Christie 12). With all the intensive training and planning, the Canadians had won the only significant victory for the Allies in 1917. It was a turning point in the war for the Allies and for Canada as a nation. However with great victory came great sacrifice, in which 3,598 Canadian soldiers lost their lives. Largely as a result of this victory, Canada won a seat as a separate nation at the peace talks after the war, which slowly yet surely led to the independence of Canada (Christie 151). The victory at Vimy helped unite many Canadians in pride at the courage of their citizen-soldiers, and established a feeling of real nationhood. "In those few minutes the world witnessed the birth of a nation" (Christie 59). This is a defining moment in Canadian history; it made Canada stand out as a nation rather than a colony, which was what we desperately needed in those times.
Since Canada spearheaded these other important battles, it came as no surprise that they spearheaded the attack on Sicily. This assault was the start of the Italian Campaign, which began on July 10, 1943. "On the first day, Canada suffered 60 casualties while capturing 650 enemy soldiers" (Connolly 12). No matter what Italy threw at them, like the blistering sun or malaria, they always managed to capture their objectives successfully. In December, the Canadian troops had advanced as far as Ortana. As if things weren't difficult enough, German troops fortified buildings, booby-trapped houses, and blew up dwellings to block the narrow streets of the town (Connolly 65). The Canadians were forced to take the town street by street and house by house. While this approach was slow, it was successful and smart. TheCanadians soon gained a reputation as elite street fighters. After many weeks, Canadian causalities added up to a staggering 2,339 yet more troops continued the campaign. The Canadian troops had fought through 240 kilometers of mountainous country which was farther than any other Allied force (Connolly 129). Once again, they proved the potential of all Canadians. The Italian campaign was a key ingredient in the eventual Allied victory, thanks to Canada. "That was an accomplishment in which the whole nation could take considerable pride" (Connolly 94). The enemy pushed us back a step, but we just came running forward two steps. The Italian Campaign is a defining moment in Canadian history because it marks our potential, strength, courage and lust for victory.
Before and even after the independence of Canada were we involved in military and war actions. Canada's contributions were far greater militarily than any other category. We have spent millions, sacrificed thousands, and risked everything; all for D-Day, Vimy Ridge, and the Italian Campaign. It was here that we put everything on the line, and it was here that we got everything. From these three battles we acquired honor, strength, pride, courage, and...ourselves. It was because of these three battles that we got ourselves, Canada, back from Great Britain and became a nation rather than a colony. From the mouth of John Diefenbaker, "We shall be Canadians first, foremost, and always, and our policies will be decided in Canada and not dictated by any other country."
