Dec. 5 th . 10 Ricky Lee

Canada and World War 1

World War I took the lives of 60,602 Canadian soldiers and worsened many countries’

economies throughout the world. Despite the fact that World War 1 is considered to have been

one of the most tragic warfares in human history, World War 1 has resulted in a variety of

benefits to Canada. As one of Britain’s allies, Canada has won the war, benefiting from World

War 1 politically, socially, and economically.

Canada had benefited politically after its involvement in World War 1. After the First

World War, Canada came to be recognized as more of an independent country, freeing itself

from Britain whereas before the war, Canada has been treated as a country under Britain’s

control. Canada became able to make political decisions independently without Britain’s

supervision. The Halibut Treaty is an evident example of Canada’s political independence. In

1923, the Canadian-American agreement concerning fishing rights in the northern Pacific Ocean

was signed by the Canadian government without Britain’s involvement. Also, Canada signed the

treaty of Versailles in 1919 as one of the countries which had helped win the war over Germany.

Moreover, the Canadian government attended international conferences as an independent

country after the war. For example, Canada entered the League of Nations as an original

member. Therefore, World War I benefited Canada in politics.

In addition to the political benefit that Canada obtained after the war, Canada also gained

social benefits. Women’s roles in Canadian society were enhanced, through gaining the right to

vote. This came in first in Manitoba in 1916, but nationally in 1918. Without many males present

at work sites during the war, women were given many job opportunities which were only offered

to men in the past. Also, the technology developed through the war assisted Canadians with a lot

of things. Thus, the lives of Canadians were improved. Lastly, Canada formed better

relationships with other countries.

As well as the social advantage, Canada also benefited economically. Canada was in a

recession when the World War 1 broke out. Many low class citizens enlisted in the army, and

many of them lost their lives. When the war ended, there were fewer poor Canadians left.

Furthermore, many countries relied on Canada for agricultural products such as wheat and corn

after and during the war. Prices of such agricultural products increased. As a result, Canadian

industries heavily profited after the war.

Though the World War might be remembered as a mournful and tragic event in Canadian

history, Canada has benefited a lot by the sacrifice of so many. For Canada to be one of the most

influential countries in the world as now, the World War may be seen as a necessary evil deed,

because the war brought various beneficial changes to Canada politically, socially, and

economically.