The Great War erupted in August 1914 as a result of tensions in Europe, which were described as on the verge of collapse into war. Hence, it would last more than fours, and would claim the lives of around nine million soldiers between all belligerents. Let us not forget to mention the civilian casualties as well, which reach numbers of around twenty million. Basically, the belligerents that participated in the war as major powers were the Central Powers and the Allies.
The Central Powers consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. The Allies consisted of France, Britain and Russia. Canada, in this instance, remains a colony of the British Empire and is therefore the reason for its name not being mentioned.
After the assassination of an Austrian named Archduke Franz Ferdinand, war broke out between the belligerents mentioned above.
Let's skip forward in time and concentrate on the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which is one major battle among many to have occurred under Canada's watch.
From the 9th to the 12th of April 1917, the Canadians were able
to successfully attack a fortified German position of Vimy Ridge. This incredibly well planned achievement by the Canadians transformed the event into a symbol for Canada, promoting Canadian identity and independence. It was a victory symbol. It was the first time since the war broke out that the entirety of the Canadian Corps, which consisted of four divisions, fought together as a whole unit. An unprecedented victory by the thousands of soldiers coming from all the corners of Canada brought together to complete their mission.
The Canadian War Museum states that "the victory at Vimy was a defining even for Canada, considered by many contemporaries and later scholars to be a significant even in Canada's progress to full independence from Britain."
Through the latter description from the Canadian War Museum, one can observe that, indeed, this event has been one of great importance during the Great War, as well as for Canada in her progress for independence from Great Britain.
Thus, an adequate situational report of the paper's content has been given, and the paper can now move on to the literature and published works that are going to be used in the text.
2.2 Overview of literature concerning the research
Most of the research material gathered comes from reliable organizations with government-backed information and archives or governmental sources themselves.
The Canadian War Museum provides detailed records and archives from the Great War, and elaborates from start the beginning how the story played out. It also gives great insight of individual soldiers and other great people which participated actively in the operations or at home. Furthermore, it is the source which was quoted the most often in this paper, due to its high reliability.
My second source is one of a news article, where the topic pertains to a Vimy ridge Memorial. The written article below that connects the memorial with how the battle has remained part of Canadian heritage, further enforcing the significance of its symbol of Vimy Ridge victory.
My third source is another news article in which the 95th anniversary of the Vimy Ridge battle is celebrated. The article provides a illustration of how the symbol of Vimy Ridge was born and how it still remains an important part of history. Then, it briefly explains how the Canadian victory there helped turn the war in the allies' favour.
My fourth source comes from a website hosted by the Sherbrooke University and specializes in history. Basically, this source's usefulness derives from an interesting analysis of the significance of Vimy Ridge victory as a symbol for Canada as well as background information of the battle.
My fifth source is a brief paper, or memoir of sorts, which talks about Sir Arthur Currie during the Vimy Ridge Battle. The Captain who wrote this paper is a veteran of the First World War, and decided to write an article about the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It details both Sir Arthur Currie and the battle to great length, and is reliable because the accounts are supported with quotes from other reliable sources.
My last source is a reliable website that resembles an encyclopaedia, a part of the New York Times Company, which is a reliable organization. This source provides, in point form, the appointments and honours that Sir Arthur Currie has received during his career.
3. Analysis
3.1 Description of findings
It was specified in the methodology section of this paper that the this part will be split into two sections. One consisting of an elaboration of Sir Arthur Currie's highlights, and then relating this to the Vimy Ridge battle which directly affected him. This approach to the research serves the purpose of emphasizing the important close links between the General and the Battle.
Sir Arthur Currie: His Role and Legacy in Vimy Ridge
Sir Arthur Currie was the commander of the Canadian Corps at the time of the Vimy Ridge battle. He was born on December 5th, 1875 in a town called Napperton. In school, Currie displayed an innate intelligence in his works. The essays that he wrote were published in the local newspaper because they were brilliant pieces of literature.
His brilliance also overlapped in other areas. Besides his academic genius, there was also an area in which he excelled: the military. Currie's abilities in demonstrating tactical and strategic innovation shaped the future of his career, and subsequently made him into one of the greatest men Canada has produced.
The Vimy Ridge operation that was lead by Currie was a defining moment in his career, where he earned himself many decorations for being one of the greatest generals of all time in Canada. Indeed, he earned five major decorations which can almost be seen as a perfect career.
Among these decorations, Currie was knighted by King George V, Knight Commander of the Order of Saint-Michael and Saint-George. This is a subsequent consequence of his victory at Vimy Ridge and the winning outcome of the war. He also received the "Legion of Honour" and the "Commander of the Bath", which are prestigious distinctions in the Commonwealth. From other nations he received the "Croix de Guerre" and a "US Distinguished Service Medal". He was recognized internationally as a great leader and strategist on the international scene.
Let us not forget that he became the commander of the Canadian Corps in 1917, where he was able to exercise his genius at Vimy Ridge with the four Canadian divisions combined into one efficient unit. After that, Currie was promoted to lieutenant-general, making him the first Canadian to ever earn this rank. What is more remarkable is that the aristocracy of Great Britain was thinking of making him the commander of all the Commonwealth forces.
Hence, he played a key role in planning out and executing one of the greatest military endeavours of that war. Currie was responsible for taking over Vimy Ridge and he did so despite the constraints imposed on him by his superiors and the nature of the Ridge.
The Assault on Vimy Ridge
Sir Arthur Currie spent long hours and days in preparation for the assault on Vimy. In fact, he replicated the Ridge behind the lines and trained the soldiers under his command to overcome it. This training helped soldiers be better prepared for the upcoming assault.
Currie first prepared for the assault by questioning the officers about other battles and how they erupted successful or how they could have been successful. Through his research, he discovered ways to polish old tactics and make them work to his advantage. This research was particularly useful for eliminating the German guns before they were able to fire back in an efficient manner. Indeed, Currie ensured that each soldier was specially trained in the "creeping barrage" tactic, which proved unsuccessful to France and Great Britain. It consisted of soldiers advancing on the enemy while artillery barrage was falling on the enemy trenches, providing opportunity to take them over. The Canadians had mastered the "creeping barrage" and did not suffer casualties like the other armies experienced, because the timing was impeccable and soldiers did not advance too fast into their own barrage.
Despite the defeat of the British forces, which were on the southern assault line during this attack, the Canadian Corps was the only unit able to effectively take over the enemy position. Let us not forget that this was a heavily fortified position that overlooked the whole battlefield, making success a much harder task.
However, "Vimy Ridge marked the only significant success of the Allied spring offensive of 1917." To further emphasize the success of this battle, it is important to note that the ridge was in complete control by the Allied forces for the remainder of the war. This made the entire Canadian contingent recipient of a commendation of bravery for successfully accomplishing what seemed like an impossible task.
3.2 Analysis of specific findings
The interesting part of the research is what can be extracted by analyzing it. Indeed, there is a clear link between Sir Arthur Currie's involvement in Vimy Ridge, the successful assault, and its subsequent impact on Canadian society. This is because the victory of Vimy Ridge was not won by Currie alone, but also because of the bravery of the Canadian contingent. The entirety of the Canadian Corps had come together to take a stand against the enemy, and had emerged a more cohesive and united country than ever.
The victory became of symbol of how Canadians share an identity that is more than colonial. It served to affirm Canada as united and in some ways gave birth to a new nation. Governor General Johnston sums this thought eloquently: "In many ways it was the birth o a nation. It was the first time Canadians fought together shoulder to shoulder. Not as a subordinate unit in the British army, but on our own."
Furthermore, Canada signed the Treaty of Versailles as an independent nation in 1919 and later became part of the League of Nations. Canada entered the was as a simple colony but emerged with a new sovereign identity that made them recognized on the international scene. The build up towards this identity started with Currie, who also became the first Canadian to assume the command of the four divisions of the Canadian, subsequently giving him the opportunity to execute a well-planned offensive, which became one the most important symbols for Canada but also was a turning point in the war that played out in the Allies' favour.
3.3 Findings in context of previous knowledge of the Great War
It was briefly explained in section 2.1 that Vimy Ridge and Currie were important for Canada and its Allies, and through the analysis given in the latter section, readers are able to understand why this particular battle was one of such great importance and significance.
It is interesting to note that no other Canadian soldier has never come close to achieving what Sir Arthur Currie was able to accomplish. This is the reason why he is considered by many sources as being the single greatest general in Canada's history. He succeeded Sir Julian Byng as General Officer Commanding the Canadian Corps after the Vimy Ridge victory.
To further emphasize his importance in Canada's military heritage, it is estimated that around one quarter of Montreal's population as present to honour Sir Arthur Currie following his death in 1933. This received worldwide attention and clearly demonstrates that he is one of the few Canadians to have received such attention from the population.
4. Conclusion
4.1 Conclusion
As has been shown throughout the paper, the most significant part of Currie and the event of Vimy Ridge was shown to illustrate a point. However, it is not to say that he was a superhero. Indeed, post-war politics and a scandal emerged upon his return to Canada, although he came out of these problems vindicated.
However, it is interesting to research this post-war experience that Currie had to go through, and observe with disgust the jealousy of some generals and politicians as to the popularity and influence Currie exercised as opposed to them.
4.2 Implications for future research
While working within the limits of the paper, providing more analyses of his wartime experience and achievements would have further emphasized the point passed on in this paper. Also, specifications on tactical and strategic plans would have helped the readers further understand Currie's military genius.
4.3 Bibliography & References
1. "Canada and the First World War," Vimy Ridge (nd); Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, Internet Archive¸ April 16, 2012, http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerre/vimy-ridge-e.aspx.
2. "Canada and the First World War," Sir Arthur Currie (nd); Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, Internet Archive¸ April 16, 2012, http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerre/athur-currie-e.aspx.
3. "The Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Sherbrooke University - Department of History, Internet Archive, April 16, 2012, http://www.histori.ca/peace/page.do?pageID=337.
4. Stechyson, Natalie, "Vimy Ridge marked Canada's birth as a nation, G-G says on 95th an[n]iversary of battle," (April 9, 2012); National Post, Internet News Article, April 16, 2012, http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/09/vimy-ridge-marked-canadas-birth-as-a-nation-g-g-says-on-95th-aniversary-of-battle/?__lsa=938c242e.
5. "Vimy Ridge," A part of our heritage..., (nd); The Historica-Dominion Institute, Internet News Article, April 16, 2012, https://www.historica-dominion.ca/content/heritage-minutes/vimy-ridge.
6. Capt S. L. A. A. Omari, "Sir Arthur Currie and the Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Internet Article, April 16, 2012, http://www.artillery.net/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10-Battle-of-Virny-Ridge.pdf.
7. Munroe, Susan, "Sir Arthur Currie," (About.com Guide, nd); New York Times Company, Internet Archive, April 16, 2012, http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/canadaww1/p/arthurcurrie.htm.
"Canada and the First World War," Vimy Ridge (nd); Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, Internet Archive¸ April 16, 2012, http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerre/vimy-ridge-e.aspx.
1. "Canada and the First World War," Vimy Ridge (nd); Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, Internet Archive¸ April 16, 2012, http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerre/vimy-ridge-e.aspx.
"Vimy Ridge," A part of our heritage..., (nd); The Historica-Dominion Institute, Internet News Article, April 16, 2012, https://www.historica-dominion.ca/content/heritage-minutes/vimy-ridge.
Stechyson, Natalie, "Vimy Ridge marked Canada's birth as a nation, G-G says on 95th an[n]iversary of battle," (April 9, 2012); National Post, Internet News Article, April 16, 2012, http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/09/vimy-ridge-marked-canadas-birth-as-a-nation-g-g-says-on-95th-aniversary-of-battle/?__lsa=938c242e.
"The Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Sherbrooke University - Department of History, Internet Archive, April 16, 2012, http://www.histori.ca/peace/page.do?pageID=337.
Capt S. L. A. A. Omari, "Sir Arthur Currie and the Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Internet Article, April 16, 2012, http://www.artillery.net/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10-Battle-of-Virny-Ridge.pdf.
Munroe, Susan, "Sir Arthur Currie," (About.com Guide, nd); New York Times Company, Internet Archive, April 16, 2012, http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/canadaww1/p/arthurcurrie.htm.
Capt S. L. A. A. Omari, "Sir Arthur Currie and the Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Internet Article, April 16, 2012, http://www.artillery.net/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10-Battle-of-Virny-Ridge.pdf.
Capt S. L. A. A. Omari, "Sir Arthur Currie and the Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Internet Article, April 16, 2012, http://www.artillery.net/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10-Battle-of-Virny-Ridge.pdf.
Munroe, Susan, "Sir Arthur Currie," (About.com Guide, nd); New York Times Company, Internet Archive, April 16, 2012, http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/canadaww1/p/arthurcurrie.htm.
Munroe, Susan, "Sir Arthur Currie," (About.com Guide, nd); New York Times Company, Internet Archive, April 16, 2012, http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/canadaww1/p/arthurcurrie.htm.
"Canada and the First World War," Vimy Ridge (nd); Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, Internet Archive¸ April 16, 2012, http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerre/vimy-ridge-e.aspx.
Capt S. L. A. A. Omari, "Sir Arthur Currie and the Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Internet Article, April 16, 2012, http://www.artillery.net/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10-Battle-of-Virny-Ridge.pdf.
"Vimy Ridge," A part of our heritage..., (nd); The Historica-Dominion Institute, Internet News Article, April 16, 2012, https://www.historica-dominion.ca/content/heritage-minutes/vimy-ridge.
"The Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Sherbrooke University - Department of History, Internet Archive, April 16, 2012, http://www.histori.ca/peace/page.do?pageID=337.
Stechyson, Natalie, "Vimy Ridge marked Canada's birth as a nation, G-G says on 95th an[n]iversary of battle," (April 9, 2012); National Post, Internet News Article, April 16, 2012, http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/09/vimy-ridge-marked-canadas-birth-as-a-nation-g-g-says-on-95th-aniversary-of-battle/?__lsa=938c242e.
"Canada and the First World War," Sir Arthur Currie (nd); Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, Internet Archive¸ April 16, 2012, http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerre/athur-currie-e.aspx.
Capt S. L. A. A. Omari, "Sir Arthur Currie and the Battle of Vimy Ridge," (nd); Internet Article, April 16, 2012, http://www.artillery.net/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10-Battle-of-Virny-Ridge.pdf.