Why is The Battle of Vimy Ridge a defining event, n what are the long term effects it had on canada? *exam=[?

Many historians and writers consider the Canadian victory at Vimy a defining moment for Canada, when the country emerged from under the shadow of Britain and felt capable of greatness. Canadian troops also earned a reputation as formidable, effective troops because of the stunning success. But it was a victory at a terrible cost, with more than 10,000 killed and wounded.





The Battle of Vimy Ridge remains historically significant for Canada. It was the first time in the nation's history a corps-sized formation fought as a unit. The success of the attack which had resulted from detailed planning and a variety of innovative tactics, stood in stark contrast to what had happened at the Somme only months earlier, and sealed the reputation of the Canadians as among the finest troops on the Western Front.';In those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation'; said Brigadier-General A.E. Ross afterwards.








Some have suggested that Canadian unity was fostered鈥攁ll nine provinces were represented in the order of battle of the Canadian Corps. As Pierre Berton points out in Vimy, the taking of the ridge achieved iconic status in Canada very quickly, and with it attendant myths grew.





Four Victoria Crosses (VC) were awarded to members of the Canadian Corps for this battle: Private William Johnstone Milne (16 Bn CEF); Lance-Sergeant Ellis Welwood Sifton (18 Bn CEF); Private John George Pattison (50 Bn CEF); and Captain Thain Wendell MacDowell (38 Bn CEF).