The Battle of Vimy Ridge and How It Forged Canada

A cold Easter Monday morning April 9, 1917, that Canada went into battle a colony and emerged a few hours later a nation. Because of the battle of Vimy Ridge, the whole world now recognizes Canada as a country. Since Vimy was a tall hill on a small field, the colony at the top of that hill had an advantage. Until this battle, Germany was that unbeatable colony. Nobody believed Canada would be able to do what …

…Brian Mulroney said in 1992.5 The battle of Vimy Ridge let Canadians be seen in the eyes of the world as winners. They were much more prepared than everyone gave them credit for. Berton was right when he said that, "Vimy Ridge forged our nation on the anvil of battle."6 The victory won Canada the right to two signatures on the Treaty of Versailles when the war ended. And, more important, the self-confidence that guaranteed nationhood.