Left: War Tax was added to postage during the war. Center: The current Canadian Flag. Right: Veterans that fought in WWI
How WWI impacted Canada: Introduction
This is the total Casualties in World War One. Canada and British Empire is Light Brown.
The First World War impacted Canada in a variety of ways. After the blood-filled, four years of war, 61,000 Canadians lost their lives fighting for Canada. Along with that heartbreaking number, 172,000 soldiers were wounded during combat. With over 424,000 going overseas this was very costly to Canada as a whole. Canada came out of the war with a higher reputation as a nation. This can be considered as a changing point for Canada in society. Although, sorrow followed to all the families without a returning veteran that was lost in battle, the war united people as one nation together as they all had one cause in common: to fight and win the war. This battle was long and hard for Canadians to participate in but served them well in the end. As stated before, this four year war almost ripped Canada apart but, in the end, made Canada one undivided strong nation. World War One also altered the way Canada operated as a country. An example is that almost 2 billion dollars was owed to Canadian citizens because their money was used for the war effort. In total, World War One changed Canada in numerous ways.
The Ways that Canada Was Largely Impacted
Above: An Actual Photo of a World War One Dogfight. Left: Canada became equal to Britain after the War occurred. Right: Canada joined the League of Nations after the War.
Canada was extremely impacted by this warfare that
we know as World War One. Canada became known as a more mature country and also
became known as more separate from the British Empire and strayed away from
being a complete follower of the British. This war also sped up the
transformation from the British Empire to the British Commonwealth which lets
countries not affiliate with the British on every decision. Canada was also
perceived as a greater country that was almost equal in power. Canada over
achieved the standard for combat and raised its own expectations of itself.
Even at the beginning of the First World War, Sir Robert Borden insisted that
Canadians did not fight alongside the British wearing the same uniforms as
their allies. Instead, they wanted to have their own uniforms and be known as
Canadian soldiers. When the need of weapons came, the government issued a war
tax on each stamp to raise money for the war. This changed Canada because a tax
implication such as this had never been carried out in this growing nation.
Since most men were out fighting the war, women in Canada decided to pitch in
and help. They worked their husband’s work hours which was unheard of at the
time. The government acknowledged their effort to help in the war, and gave
women and wives the right to vote because of the impact of women in relation to
World War One. Also, Canadians were highly recognized as fighters in the air
for Dogfights and other forms of combat. At the time of war, about 40% of the
British Air Force was Canadian pilots. Canadian pilots were recognized for their
endeavors at a great level. After the War, or Post- War as it is called, Canada
was given a seat in the League of Nations, a very prestigious committee. Canada
was now seen as independent from the British and were slowly moving further
away in connections. Finally, in 1934, the Statue of Westminster was signed
which made Canada equal to Great Britain and allowed Canada to create their own
separate laws for their own country. This is possibly the biggest impact that
came out of World War One. To conclude, Canada was impacted in numerous ways
that were all related to their service in war.
Conclusion and The Biggest Impact of all time to Canada
A Remembrance Day Overview
Canada was impacted to a great extent by World War One and we remember it today in numerous ways. To begin, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a moment of remembrance is taken to remember our heroes who gave their lives. The public also wears poppies in remembrance of the blood shed for our country. The poem “In Flanders Fields”, written by a Canadian, influenced poppies being worn as a symbol of remembrance. Numerous memorials have been place to recognize Canada’s efforts in the First World War. There are graves in all locations to remember those lost in battle to keep the public from harm. Although, this happened nearly one hundred years ago, it is one of the most important ways to show how it impacted Canada. It gives the public a moment to remember on Remembrance Day unlike anything before. In conclusion, Canada was impacted and changed by World War One but the greatest impact of all is Remembrance Day.