During the First World War, Canada received its baptism by fire as a nation during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April, 1917. Under the command of Douglas Haig, Canadian troops managed to capture a hill that neither the British nor the French were able to take. The victory often takes a humble role in terms of its impact on our nation, but it is seldom overstated.
Canada before the First World War had been seen more as of a colonial possession of the British than as a distinct nation with its own cultural identity. Canada had deep ties to the crown, and economic turmoil before the war had threatened Canada's prosperity; it may have relegated Canada to the role of backwater colony for many, many years. However, Canada's valiant actions, many of which were deemed worthy of a Victoria Cross, the highest military honour in the Commonwealth, cemented our reputation as fierce fighters and as competent leaders. The battle of Vimy Ridge made other countries respect Canada as our own nation. This led to a domino effect that led to the Statute of Westminster, the Balfour Declaration, and finally the Patriation of our Constitution. Canada became a nation during that fateful day in 1917, a day that still echoes to this day, as we had shown that Canada was our nation. The actions that day increased Canadian autonomy and sovereignty.