Canada has had several things that have made it a good country to live in. In the first half of the twentieth century, Canada fought in many battles during the World Wars that had a positive impact on the world. On top of that, there are many Canadians that made notable changes in Canada and the rest of the world. Lastly, Canadians have created technologies that are very important to the way we live today. After looking at these factors, it can be said that Canada is a country that its citizens should be proud of.
“Just watch me”. One of the most popular quotes in all of Canadian history and was said by Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau. His legacy, attitude, and work transformed Canada and still continues to do so. Trudeau was the Prime Minister of Canada, from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984. Pierre Trudeau changed Canada’s social-political ideology. Canada is now known to be a diverse, multicultural, bilingual and inclusive nation largely as a result of his work. Pierre Elliott Trudeau also believed in an equal Canada for all, he is primarily the one to introduce rights and freedoms to the citizens of Canada. While some view Pierre Trudeau as impulsive, for enforcing the War Measures Act, Trudeau enacted this for the protection of Canadian citizens against radical extremist and his actions were more rational than impulsive for the situation that had suddenly occurred. Pierre Trudeau was one of Canada’s greatest Prime Minister’s, who’s impact fundamentally changed the course of the nation by introducing multiculturalism, for introducing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and for paradoxically upholding democracy by strong action during the October Crisis.
Overall Canada's Autonomy was improved socially, economically and politically as Canada become more and more independent and equal to the British Empire. Canada grew Politically as they made decisions for itself and did not rely on Britain to approve of the decisions. Canada grew socially as they created their own broadcasting channel where Canadian artists, singers, and entertainers could be heard. Finally economically where Canada became heavily involved in trade with the United States and broke trade with Britain meaning more resources manufactured and send without tax. The late 20s’ and 30s’ were not only a building place for Canada as a whole but a start for independence freedom and equality for Canada and its citizens.
To endorse peace, the Canadian Peace Congress was created in 1949. It advocated for the ban of nuclear weapons and arms race particularly during 1970-1980s. Furthermore, Canada was involved in United Nations since 1945. An important figure in peacekeeping of Canada was Lester B. Pearson, a Canadian prime minister who reigned from 1963 to 1968. Although the concept of peacekeeping was evident before Lester B. Pearson, it was him who promoted for United Nations to establish an official peacekeeping force during the Suez crisis. He stated, “We need action not only to end the fighting but to make the peace... My own government would be glad to recommend Canadian participation in such
Today, Canada is seen as a multicultural and peaceful nation that has evolved over the course of history. This great nation would never have been possible without the impact that former Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson left on this country. His achievements and insights profoundly affected and shaped Canada’s nation. First, peacekeeping is an important part of Canada’s heritage and a reflection of its fundamental beliefs that Pearson implemented after dealing with world changing situations and winning a Nobel Prize. Also, his contributions as a liberal leader as well as the flaws and controversy with Diefenbaker did in fact define this country. Lastly, Pearson created the Canadian identity by unveiling the new flag, bringing equality with
The impact of WW2 played a major role in helping Canada become a more strong, united nation, with equality, respect, and human rights. To begin with, before WWII there was lots of discrimination shown towards minority groups and many other cultures in Canada and because of this Canada created some inhumane mistakes. Canada allowed internment, allowed residential schools, and violation of human rights. When the Holocaust started it was like an eye opener for Canadians because they started to experience what the Holocaust underwent. This made Canadians realize that what they had done was wrong. As stated by Margaret Hoogeveen and Sarah Murdoch in the book Creating Canada “During WW2 Canadians experienced the worst violence that war can
The 1960’s and 70’s were a time of political turmoil and unrest in Canadian history. The October of 1970 in particular, is a period remembered for its violence and hate. The kidnapping of two Canadian politicians by the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ), a terrorist group, changed Canadian society forever. The FLQ and the October Crisis ignited separatist feelings in French Canadians, changed the way the government handled national emergencies and altered Canadians’ opinions on key issues. The October Crisis is a truly significant moment in Canadian history for many reasons.
In 1939, no one thought that women, who weren 't even considered people decades before, would have such a massive impact in the Second World War. Canadian women 's contribution to the war effort, and their role at the home front and overseas had greatly increased since the previous, devastating First World War. The Second World War brought change to Canadian women on an unpredictable scale, though their volunteer work, paid labour force, and their contributions in the armed forces. Surely without the contributions made by the Canadian women, Canada and her allies would not have been as successful as they were.
One of the most serious controversies experienced by many at the home front during WW1 was conscription. In 1914 Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden declared that conscription would never be necessary in Canada. Only 2810 men signed up to fight during the war but the Canadian government needed more men. In 1917 conscription was introduced and men were forced to enlist for the war as a result of the Military Service Act that was passed by Prime Minister Borden. Men aged 20-45 were forced to leave their families, join the war and fight for Britain. The English wanted French-Canadians to join, because they felt that Quebec had not pulled their own weight. Quebec refused to join which lead to riots in Montreal, the government needed help from the
From 1914-1918, Canada was in a state of Total War. Women and minorities contributed to the war effort on the homefront by making clubs for themselves, custom making quilts, bandages, and clothes for overseas, worked traditional male jobs, donated land, working in the red cross, and organizing festivals. Every citizen of Canada was committed to giving back to the war effort. Even at home and overseas, the military added to the country being in Total War in the air and the sea; they gave it their all no matter where they were fighting. The government’s power in Canada created even a larger condition of Total War by the restrictions introduced and the amount of money spent/donated in WWI. All Canadians created a state of Total War through their
During World War II, Woman’s were assembled for duty in the Canadian Armed Forces, for the first time. The armed force was shy of men in war services and administration, which lead the Canadian government to choose and declare on August 13, 1941 to give woman’s the privilege to take an interest in war utility. 50,000 women were enlisted and more than half provided service in the Canadian Army. Most were doled out occupations including customary female work, for example, cooking, clothing and administrative obligations, also woman had pioneer roles in the mechanized and specialized fields. The Canadian Women 's Army Corps (CWAC) performed fundamental administrations, both at home and abroad, that achieved Allied victory. I strongly believe that
World War 1 was a historic event which began in 1914 and ended in 1918. This bloody conflict took the lives of more than 17 million people who were fighting for their countries. Being a British colony at the time, Canada was dragged into the war that did not impact the country in any way, yet thousands of Canadians volunteered to devote their lives for their nation. The first World War had the greatest impact on Canadian history during the 20th century, as this event helped Canada gain more independence from Britain, it helped introduce women in the workforce, and also introduced non-white Canadians in the army.
World War One was a huge event in World History, and it is widely considered as a terrible thing although it may not be as bad as you may think. As time continues, society evolves. This centuries evolution could be inspired by and correlated alongside World War One. Seeing what Canada is today, it may not have been possible without the First World War. The First World War had the most significant impact on the Canadian nation, changing it for decades to come. This is evident because of how Canada could be less respected if it wasn’t for their war contributions, how women’s rights could have been different or non-existent, and how Canada could not have gained it’s independence from Britain. In conclusion, World War One impacted Canada greatly
When Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier stated, “As the 19th century was that of the United States, so I think the 20th century shall be filled by Canada”, the decades that followed provided his statement to be true as Canada became an independent and strong nation. The battlefields in World War One were a defining moment for Canada as their forces fought as one nation for the first time, instead of under British Command. Also, at the end of the war, Canada was recognized at the Peace Conference and signed the Treaty of Versailles as an independent country. In addition, Canada joined the League of Nations, playing a major role in world politics. These events in the early 20th century allowed the beginning of a strong nation with a growing national
Canadian individual identity is questioned often because it is so diverse and means something different to each person in Canada. Although there is not a set identity there are many values and beliefs that are owned by all Canadians. To find out what Canadians identity is, one has to take into account what has affected it. The United States is the biggest influence on Canadian identity. The U.S. culture is very similar to Canadians as we are exposed to it all the time in media sources. The events in American history have also affected Canada from a political perspective, which lead to the Democracy that is present today. Another way the U.S. has affected Canada is from a military perspective because Americans are quick to jump to war and Canada has had to help control them which lead to them being peacekeepers. The United States helped mold the Canadian identity by being both a threat and support to the nation; this will continue into the 21st century but Canada will keep it’s unique identity.