Importance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Canada

‘The Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 was the first major step from Canada being just another British colony to becoming an equal member of the British Commonwealth. Although all Canadian troops were under the British Expeditionary Force, they did have their own section; the Canadian Corps. At the Battle of Vimy Ridge a military force composed of mostly the Canadian Corps, succeeded in taking the last German stronghold; “The Pimple.” This amazing victory proved that Canadians were able to work together and showed their readiness to be autonomous from the force of Britain. Brigadier General Alexander Ross said: “It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then…that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation.” This showed that Canada had established themselves as a self-sufficient country and not only a part of the British Empire. Also, from this triumph came a first for the Canadian Corps. The original Commander, Julian Byng, who was British, was promoted for the victory and was succeeded by the new Canadian Commander, Arthur Currie, who was also promoted for his efforts. For the first time in history a Canadian was the Commander of Canadian troops. Throughout the war Canadians were becoming more in charge of their own troops. By 1917 seven out of twelve infantry brigades previously commanded by British officers, were being commanded by Canadians that had moved up in the ranks. This proved that Britain was loosening the reigns and allowing Canada to show how their growing autonomy would work. The huge accomplishment of taking such a strategically important site was part of the reason why Canada got their own seat at the Treaty of Versailles, and did not just sit in the shadow of Britain and their decisions. Ultimately, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was the first stride in Canada’s road to total autonomy.’