How Did The Battle Of Passchendaele Influence Canada's Identity

Canada played a large role in WW1 and the victory for the Allies by fighting in numerous battles, which in turn reflected how Canada was viewed and their identity. Although the Second Battle of Ypres was the first major battle fought by Canadians, they were successful, proving Canada a capable country regardless of their inexperienced military. Despite Canada not wanting to fight in this battle, the Battle of Passchendaele contributed greatly to Canada’s identity as a strong, determined nation. The Battle of Vimy Ridge had the largest impact; it sparked the fight for Canada’s independence as well as represented the strength of Canadians. The participation in the Second Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Passchendaele, and the Battle of Vimy Ridge were important to the development of Canada’s national identity.

From April 22 - May 25, 1915, German armies and France and Britain were at war in Belgium, outside of the city of Ypres, facing off in a vast system of trenches that stretched from the North Sea to Switzerland, known as The Battle of Ypres. Due to Ypres connections to roads and rails that led to ports filled with valuable resources on the coast, as well as the fact that “abandoning Ypres—the last major Belgian center unoccupied by German forces—would have signaled an important German victory,” the

They hoped that this would draw German resources from the main battle at Passchendaele and give the Allies more of an advantage. Sir Arthur Curries, the Canadian General who provided the strategic plan of dominating Hill 70 instead of attacking the heavily fortified city directly and led the attack, “proved an able and innovative commander” and became a representative for Canadian military leaders and generals. “The Canadians lost more than 9,000 soldiers at Hill 70, but killed or wounded an estimated 25,000