The Battle of Vimy Ridge: "True" Origin of Canada

‘In 1918 an armistice was signed between the Allies and the defeated Central Powers. On January 18, 1919 the Paris Peace Conference began the process of determining the financial consequences of war against Germany as well as officially ending World War I. This conference was a defining moment in Canadian history as Canada earned another step towards autonomy from Britain. The main leaders at the conference were the President of the United States, and the Prime Ministers of Italy, France, and Britain. Canada ordinarily would have been obligated to be represented by Britain as the nation was still considered politically to be part of the British Commonwealth; however, Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden argued that Canada had earned the right to have their own independent seat and signature because of their major contributions to the success of the war. His request was granted. Had it not been for the Canadian Corps’ success at Vimy and then the strengthening of that reputation in other crucial battles, it is unlikely that Canada would have been given the opportunity to sit independently at the conference. The legacy of Vimy remains a significant event in Canadian history which was further solidified when a memorial monument was built to honor the men who fought for Canada.’