Why Do Many Historians State That Canada Is A Country Forged Through Blood?

The notion that Canada is a country forged through blood refers to the international recognition that Canada received and a sense of Canadian patriotism that appeared for the first time, following the Battle of Vimy Ridge, on April 9, 1917. Nearly 3,600 Canadian soldiers died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, as they fought under the Union Flag, together with Great Britain.

More than 27,000 Canadian Corps soldiers participated in the offensive at Vimy. At great human cost, the Canadian-led offensive beat back the Germans and took control of the region on April 12, 1917. Historians also maintain that Canadian commanders planned the assault and as such, the Battle of Vimy Ridge is seen as a Canadian victory and a defining moment in Canada's history.

Vimy Ridge was the first instance of Canadian national unity, as soldiers from all nine provinces, as well as Newfoundland, were represented on the battle-field. In many ways, those who fought as part of the Canadian Corps were, in fact, immigrants from Great Britain and until the battle their primary loyalty was to their country of origin. After Vimy Ridge, however, there was a growing sense of a Canadian identity, forged through the death of 3,600 soldiers from Canada and the experience of the war.

Over 64,000 Canadian soldiers died during World War I.

Add Comment

Report