World War I and Canada

World War I, a terrifying ordeal that robbed 25 million humans of their lives,

began on August 3, 1914. On this date Germany invaded Belgium, and when Britain

moved to defend Belgium World War I had begun. Canada, a member of the British

Empire, was now legally at war with Britain. The Canadian government was not

consulted about going to war. Many Canadians were strong supporters of the British at

this time and proudly went to war by choice. However Francophone Canadians were not

interested in fighting for a British affair that had nothing to do with Canadian interests. In

1918 the horror that many countries had been facing for years finally ceased. The

League of Nations was formed to prevent the atrocities of war from occurring again. This

organization failed miserably when in 1939 Germany invaded Poland, causing England

and France to declare war on Germany. World War II had been instigated. One week

later Canada also declared war, for support for Britain was still strong in the country.

This six year war resulted in the deaths of 14 million people.

Many believe that Canada involvement in both World Wars I and II, was

unnecessary. During these 10 years of fighting (both World Wars) 101700 Canadians

were killed or missing. The loss of these lives is one that could never been replaced.

Both wars cost the Canadian government 23 billion dollars, putting Canada into great

debt. Also, the unity crisis created by conscription1 has been yet another damage to a

country that has been through war. Individuals who are opposed to Canadian

involvement in both World Wars place the value of life above freedom, rights, and

inhumanity to man.

Others feel Canada past involvement in World Wars I and II acted as

substantial steps to Canada independence from Britain. The world wars were events in

history...