Through World War I, Canada had been able to grow from a British Colony to its own independent nation by creating our own identity. In the First World War Canada had to fight for its own right to become a country. As a nation we had to communicate across the globe that we are our own country. Through coming of age, we had grown from a small part of the British Empire to an independent nation. We have done this by first fighting in the war, secondly changing the roles of women and lastly separating from the British Empire.

Canada had sent out 600,000 soldiers to go out and fight for the war and there were over 66,000 casualties. Canada was a dedicated country and constantly helped allies during World War I. The Battle of Ypres in April, 1915 was the most gruelling fight that killed 6,000 Canadians. In this battle there were few strategies and the German army went against the international agreement of war by using chlorine gases. Following this battle similarly was The Battle of The Somme. The Battle of the Somme took place in France in June, 1916. Under the ruling of General Haig, he used old strategies in the war that had been successful before but ended up being useless because of the new trench warfare. Many soldiers were shot by German soldiers by the end of the battle. Even though it was a victory it was a solemn one. The Canadians had grown from these last two battles and had started to develop strategies that were used in the next two battles. The Battle of Vimy ridge during 1917 had proved to be one the most successful battle the Canadians led during the World War. Currie had developed a new tactics that proved to be successful. Currie had made all the soldiers rehearse their battle tactics, forcing them to know the area inside and out. This had proved that Canada fought well as a united force. Passchendaele was another victory for Canadians. Passchendaele, in 1917, although it had little strategic value compared to Vimy Ridge. It was still a victory. These battles had helped Canada prove to the world that it was a force to be reckoned with. It wasn’t just the fighting combat that showed Canada that it was a strong nation. It was also the way that Canada had changed its views of women.

Females in Canada had many roles during the World War. Many females had become nurses (also known as “Bluebirds”) that helped in battle during the world war. They too had also been injured or even killed during the war. Many of the men in Canada were forced to be in war, this forced women to take heavier jobs that men used to do. Women had to change from low-paying jobs in food and clothing industries, to working in the labour force. This proved to Canada that women were capable of higher things. The biggest accomplishment in Canada during the World War was that for the first time in history, women were allowed to vote. This marked a huge change in the way Canada ran, even though only women who were related to service men could vote. It showed Canada was willing to change its way of life to establish its own identity. Finally the greatest change in Canada was when we had separated from the British Empire.

Canada had to fight for its right as a nation. Borden had wanted stop Canadians from participating in future battles that originated from Britain. As Canadians, Borden wanted to establish that Canada is its own nation and not just a part of the British Empire. Borden had fought for a seat in the Paris Peace Conference during 1919. By doing so Canada had gained international status. Similarly Prime Minister Borden had fought to be in the League of Nations adding to Canada’s independent status of a nation.

World War I has exceedingly helped Canada into becoming the country it is today. Canada is a proud country that stands alone and unites with others. Canada’s coming of age has been accomplished by helping other nations in their time of need, supporting the views of women and establishing itself as an Independent nation. “…the destiny of Canada is to unite, not divide; sharing in cooperation, not in separation or in conflict; respecting our past and welcoming our future” - (Prime Minister) Lester B. Pearson.