Canada’s Independence from Britain

Keywords: canadian autonomy essay

Canada: An Independent Nation

“A British subject I was born, a British subject I will die,” As said by the founding father of our nation, Sir John A. MacDonald, 1891. Like Sir John A. MacDonald, many Canadians have expressed full support and loyalty to Britain, as “Mother Empire.” Canada is one of the oldest established colonies of Britain and a senior member of the imperial family. Over the course of history – beginning with Confederation – Canada has developed a bond with Britain. This connection is rooted in common history, family ties, shared values and traditions. Though expressed support to Britain, Sir John A. MacDonald believed that Canada could be a “powerful auxiliary to the Empire,” in other words; he believed that Canada can be a powerful support to Britain – as an independent country. Subsequently, it is without a doubt, that earlier on in history, Canada was meant to be a sovereign country. Certain battles and laws prove that Canada is, after all, a self-governing nation. For this reason, the three most significant defining moments in Canadian history would be the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Statute of Westminster and D-Day when Canada emerged under the shadow of Britain, becoming a strong and independent nation.

The 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge proves that Canada is a united and independent country through its ability to pull through a tough battle, as one unit. Even under British leadership, Canada was able to achieve control and gain victory at Vimy Ridge. Yet many had low expectations from Canadian troops from the start. This proves that Canadian troops are tough, well trained and can pull through any battle they are faced with. Vimy Ridge is a difficult location to capture – due to its strategic ridge – the territory was an advantage if captured. Even with restrictions, this was the first total Canadian victory under Canadian leadership with no British involvement. With the help of Canadian General Arthur Currie, Canadians created and mastered the “Vimy Glide,” a military technique used to help successfully capture the ridge. After all circumstances, the capture of Vimy Ridge became more significant due to the fact that other countries such as France and Britain failed to capture the ridge – and above all, Canada was successful. This helped increase Canada’s reputation as a strong, independent and professional nation, gaining the respect from many people. The Battle of Vimy Ridge is a battle contributing to Canada’s international reputation and as a united country, the first step to the growth of Canada’s independence.

The Statute of Westminster, passed on December 11, 1931, officially proves that Canada is a self-governing, independent country from Britain. This law gave Canada its freedom to control it own foreign affairs and was no longer a colony of Britain. This British law outlined Canada’s full independence and freedom from “the Empire”. It is an important, defining moment in Canadian history, because it gave Canada the freedom to make decisions on their behalf, with no British involvement. Hence, this freedom was generally established during World War Two, when Canada was not automatically at war when Britain was, and was able to decide as an independent country. The Statue of Westminster contributed to Canada’s full independence from “the Empire,” revealing a supreme nation ready for anything that comes its way.

The 1944 battle of D-Day is an important event for Canadians, proving the strength Canada has as a newly formed independent nation. It is one of the toughest, important battles Canadian troops had faced. Not only was battle of D-Day the largest, planned invasion against Germany, but also the turning point and end to World War Two. Being a part of this event, as an independent country, was significant for Canada. This battle made up for the Canadian efforts of the failed 1942 Dieppe raid. June 6, 1944 Canadian troops were assigned to capture “Juno Beach,” one of the five beaches of Normandy. Since Juno Beach was one of the central beaches, the most deadliest fighting took place here. Many Canadian soldiers drowned even before reaching the beach, just to show the harsh conditions experienced by the courageous troops. Although the beach was typically flat, Canadian troops had to go through a series of obstacles to advance this territory, for instance, barbed wire, mines and beach obstacles that prevented Canadian advance. As a result, Canadians successfully accomplished the mission given to them, particularly driving the Germans off the territory and capturing Juno Beach. The battle of D-Day proves to one important battle, demonstrating Canada’s independence and ability to carry out a mission. Although this was a tough battle, Canada was able to prevail during an important battle of World War Two. The Battle of D-Day proves Canada’s strength as an independent nation.

In the long run, Canada gradually and peacefully emerged under the shadow of Britain, becoming a self-governing nation. As a part of the imperial family, Canada has demonstrated loyalty to Britain and has always been very close to the Empire. Events in history prove that Canada is, after all, an independent country. It was only a while ago when Canada fought alongside Britain during World War One and when Canada fought as an independent country during World War Two, proving that Canada has surely become a sovereign nation. Early on, fears of Canadian involvement in Britain’s foreign affairs were present even back to the late 1800s to the early 1900s. These fears were soon destroyed as the nation grew, revealing the true, independent side of Canada. That is to say, there was a time when Canada was dependent on Britain for most of their battles. Through the battle of Vimy Ridge, the Statute of Westminster and the invasion of Normandy when Canada grew, and developed into an independent nation, becoming one of the strongest, successful countries in the world.