Canada was not always an independent country but through many important historical events, Canada was able to become the independent country that it is now. Canada had started off as one of the many colonies of Great Britain, and slowly proved to the world that they weren't just a colony, but much more. Overtime, canadians were gaining more and more power and were being recognized as formidable by others due to the key events that had happened throughout history. Some of the key events that I am going to talk about are The Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Statute of Westminster, NATO, The Nuclear Debate, as well as NAFTA.
The battle of Vimy Ridge and the Statute of Westminster were the first steps to Canada’s road to independence and a major turning
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After signing the NORAD the North American Aerospace Defense Command, Canada was urged to build nuclear weapons by the United States. Due to the many protests going on, the weapons were never successfully built which had angered the American government. Though America are still pressuring Canada to build the nuclear weapons, the Canadian government had declined and rejected the offer due to the many protests from citizens. If something were to happen to the nuclear weapons, it would cause harm to not only the citizens of Canada, but also the country as a whole. “Its me against the Americans, we are not a puppet.” -John Diefenbaker 1963 (Leskun, 29). This quote states that Canada was capable to make its own decisions and that it would not stand to be controlled by others. In this situation, it meant that even if America had pressured Canada to build nuclear weapons, if the citizens of Canada did not want it then they would not be built. This was another example of Canada being independent from the United States of America and it also showed that Canada was not just a shadow of America nor was Canada always a step behind the United States. Although Canada had refused to install the nuclear missiles, it did not change the close relationship between Canada and the United States of …show more content…
Canada, Mexico and the United States were all involved in NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement. This agreement had really helped improve Canada’s economy and raised the standards of living in Canada. NAFTA had also proved itself to be a solid foundation to building Canada’s prosperity which is good for Canada’s independence as well (North, 1). After the free trade agreement, there were many positive effects in the Canadian economy. John F. Kerry, an American politician had once said, “NAFTA recognizes the reality of today's economy - globalization and technology.”(John, 1) This agreement states that Canada is helping in globalizing the economy of not only America but Canada and Mexico as well. In this case, the agreement is improving and benefiting the Canadian economy very well which is great for Canada's independence. It shows that Canada can make its own decisions with other countries to benefit their own country in many ways economic wise as well as independence wise. This also shows that although Canada and America are important trading partners, it doesn't necessarily mean that one country is a step behind the other. It means that if they work together, they can benefit each other and help improve one another's growth as
Independence, the state of being free from outside control, and not subject to another’s authority. The 1920s and 1930s were a time for Canada to leave its British roots behind and forge its own identity, as well as take control of all matters relating to the preservation of the country and its people. However, this was not the case. Canada, although receiving some leeway from the British, remained a dependent country under the thumb of outside forces due to the fact that they were still under the British North American Act, thereby not having their own constitution, as well as the English monarch remaining as the head of state, and because it moved its economic dependence off the shoulders of one nation and unto another’s. Although the Chanak Affair showed that Canada’s military was no longer obligated to fight
Between 1900 and 1929, Canada became significantly more autonomous socially, politically, and economically from Britain and the United States; however, there were still times where Canada’s autonomy had decreased due to Canada’s dependence on Britain and the United States. Canada had gained political autonomy from Britain when it was officially and internationally recognized as an independent nation. Economically, Canada was very reliant on British and American investment. However, Canada’s social autonomy had increased because of the first world war and entertainment, like art and literature. Politically, Canada’s autonomy had increased greatly from 1900 to 1929.
The first major event that impacted Canada’s legacy, as a whole, was the sacrificial battle of Vimy Ridge. Vimy Ridge was proven to be essential to the foundation of Canada as it signified the birth of a new nation and it was considered to be the greatest battle fought, in World War One. Firstly, the Battle of Vimy Ridge established Canada’s emergence as a newly born nation from under the shadow of Britain and gave a verification of Canada’s prominence on the international level. For instance, after successfully regaining the ridge, it displayed to the British superpower, that Canada are worthy of independence, that must be granted upon as a reward for a significant victory (Fonseca). As a result, the Battle of Vimy Ridge, marked the end of British soldiers commanding Canadian troops, as Canada showed tremendous resilience internationally, and also proved that we are independently, capable of leading a well-organized attack against other countries (Fonseca). This milestone was a huge accomplishment for Canadians, as eventually this was the catalyst for total autonomy of Britain (“History Now”). Secondly, the Battle of Vimy Ridge gave Canada justified independence on the international stage. As a result of winning the complicated battle, Canada was deservedly permitted to their own independent seat and signature at the peace talks after the war. This then allowed Canada, to participate in voicing their thoughts, and plans as a newly independent country. This was seen to be,
Its often said that because of the events of the Second World War that Canada grew as a country. Even noted in the London Daily Telegraph when they said “no country has grown in international stature so swiftly and markedly as Canada has done... hers has often been a lonely voice of reason,”12. This statement defines Canada's actions in its development as a middle power – the voice of reason in many international affairs. This is true especially of these two crises that Canada dealt
country, the identity became separate from the UK. Although there were still British colonies, people
gained Canada international praise and Canada was able to prove what we could do as a nation and this led to a more independent Canada. As the countries signed the Treaty of Versailles, Britain allowed Canada to sign the Treaty of Versailles as well, planting the first seeds of Canadian autonomy. To conclude, World War I had a major impact on Canadian identity and led to a change in Canadian independence from Britain.
The outcomes of Canadian autonomy have not been to great with damaging changes to the French-English relationship. However, it wasn’t that bad and a lot of good came from it as well. Canada’s transition from a self governing British colony into a completely independent country, was an evolutionary process. When Canada was under Britain parliament, it stated that Canada would have no choice and had to join the war if Britain did. The Canadian government began
More than 100 years ago Canada was a small child, progressing through life trying to find her place in this vast world. During the time periods of 1914-1945, 1950-1970, and 1971- 1990, there have been many factors that have helped induce her independence, including recognition due to military achievements, her international relationship with the United States, and uniting as one country. Through these times of hardship and glory Canada has succeeded in finding her autonomous identity in the world, as a middle power.
No one imagined that they were defending what would grow to become the second-biggest country in the world, spanning an entire continent. Surely, none could foresee that the roots they planted and protected would one day blossom into the diverse, free and prosperous Canada that exists
The battle started on April 9th 1917 an ended on April 12th. The battle of Vimy Ridge was in France. It was four Canadian divisions against three German divisions. In this battle Canadians used a new strategy. Canada was led by Arthur Currie who was a great strategist as well as the first Canadian to have the rank of general. The battle of Vimy Ridge made a significant impact to Canada because they had captured the most land, weapons, war prisoners, than, any other British attacks during World War One. This helped Canadians gain a sense of identity, having part of the
The strength of the Canadian identity that we, as a society, enjoy today is a direct result of a number of significant historical events. The Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Vimy Ridge and The Last Hundred Days are all events that are recognized worldwide and demonstrate the strength and integrity of our Canadian legacy. Although not all of these battles were won by the Canadians, their valiant efforts and patriotism paved the way to the most historical win at Vimy Ridge During World War 1. Canada helped lead the allies to victory through their exceptional efforts in the battles of Ypres,Vimy Ridge and The Last Hundred Days, which most definitely helped strengthen Canadian identity as a nation
C. (2012). (1/2) Canada Between Two World Wars - Part 1. Retrieved April 14, 2016, from
The French pioneers arrived on the land of today’s Canada before the 17th century, in which they called New France. The English started to colonize North America in the 17th century, and it dominated the land by defeating the French after the French and Indian War, (McDougal Littell World Geography, page 156). Francophone’s population remained a minority in Northern America. The tension between the two ethnicities worsened, so the French asked for an independent nation. Canada and the Quebec province have been trying to reach a general conclusion by looking at the following three main aspects. Firstly, the diverse culture, history, and language between Quebec and the English speaking provinces. Secondly, the economical power preserved by
Canada was founded on 1st July, 1867. Before that it was just a colony for France and Britain. It became a country after being undercontrolled for years. The independence of Canada relates to the novel, The Wars, written by a Canadian novelist, Timothy Findley. In the novel, innocence was a major theme. As a colony, Canada was a symbol of innocence. It was forced to join many wars and went through trade between other countries. In the novel, innocents were also being affected by the outside world. Timothy Findley tried to teach us that being innocent will only create chaos around us. We should acknowledge the dangers of the world and grow up.
As the 20th century comes to an end, Canada is a transcontinental nation whose interests and representatives span the face of the globe and extend into every sphere of human behaviour. However this was not always the case. When the four colonies of British North America united to create Canada on July 1, 1867, the new country's future was by no means secure. Canada was a small country, with unsettled borders, vast empty spaces, and a large powerful neighbour, the United States. Confronting these challenges was difficult for the young country. Though Canada was independent in domestic matters, Britain retained control over its foreign policy. Over the next fifty or so years, Canada's leaders and its