Why is the vimy ridge battle important?

Answer 1

Canada was automatically at war because she was still under Britain's control. However Canadas contributions into WWI led to some international recognition, which is a huge part of becoming sovereign; other countries must recognize you as sovereign. The Battle at Vimy ridge was the greates assertation in Canadian sovereignty in WWI. Even tho she was under british rule, ultimately, Canadian troups planned, rehearsed, followed through, and defeated the Germans at Vimy ridge under the command of Canadian officers and officials. Hope this helps. Send me a note if it does.

AnswerCanada's role in the Battle of Vimy Ridge earned Canada a reputation as formidable and effective.

The Canadian victory over Vimy Ridge became a defining moment for Canada and the country now had a possability to escape from the shadows of Britain. Although the victory came with a great cost, with more than 10,000 killed and wounded, it helped prove Canada in front of other world countries.

The ridge, running almost 12 kilometers north-east of Arras, was occupied by the Germans in the year of 1914. Five major battles took place in Arras in World War One, the reason being that Arras had an important railroad junction and if the Germans controlled it, it could easily use the railroad to support her troops. If the allies controlled the railroad, they could support their own men. Germans had constructed a group of artillery-proof trenches which were protected from infantry attack by concrete Machine Gun Posts.

The reason for Vimy Ridge's importance was that it rose 61 metres above the Douai Plain, therefore giving its army the advantage of seeing clearly across the horizon. This would allow the army to spot any attackers and attack them easily without being slaughtered. These advantages sparked the attention of both the French and the British.

The French saw it as an important part of their country because it protected occupied France where mines and factories were in full production of Germany. At the end of September of the year of 1914, the French and the Germans met in a fierce head-on attack North of Arras.

Later in the year of 1915, after about a month of fighting, which cost them more than 100,000 lives, the French reclaimed some land some of which was Notre-Dame de Lorette Ridge and the villages of Souchez. During the remainder of 1916 and into 1917, the fighting went underground and mining warfare became a threat for both sides.

In 1917, the British attacked on a front from Croisilles, south of Arras, to Givenchy. Here, the Canadians were given the responsability of protecting the Northern flank of the British attack from where the trenches crossed. The British attacked Arras while the British attacked Vimy Ridge.

On the morning of Easter Monday on the 9th of April of the year of 1917, the Canadians, who had composed a four division attack, they began following a British artillery barrage which was supported by a well hidden creeping barrage. Within thirty minutes of the first division, commander Arthur Currie helped his army succeed in capturing the German front line. Within a half hour, the second line passed into Canadian hands. On April 12, when Hill 145 fell, Vimy Ridge was won over by Canadian troops. The whole plan was entirely devised by Canada and was independent of British thoughts.

The success in the capture of the ridge earned Canada a reputation of great strength and accomplishment. It was also the first time that Canada had ever planned its own attack without British help. It was the first step towards its independence and sovereignty.

Answer 2

The Battle for Vimy Ridge is a hugely important battle in not only the quest to defeat Germany in WWI but also in the history of warfare. It was strategically important at that time. The objective of the Canadian Corps was to take control of the German-held high ground along an escarpment at the northernmost end of the Arras Offensive to ensure that the southern flank could advance without suffering German artillery barrage. Not only this but it was a high point in the area and the ridge would provide a natural unobstructed view for tens of kilometres in all directions. The ridges defenses were arguably the best on the whole western front and it was proved to be so by the casualties both the British and French took while trying and failing to take the ridge. Just the French alone took 155000 casualties in their attempt. The Canadian's success on Vimy Ridge is not only important for all the previous reasons but also the tactical innovations resulting from the battle. The Canadians, who had earlier introduced the concept of covering fire, introduced what was the radical concept of rolling barrage. Until this point the artillery would bash away at the enemy until there ground troops charged and then they would cease to fire. In the rolling barrage the artillery would continue to fire but aim in front of the soldiers, making it difficult for the Germans to fight back. Not only did they use this technique but it was the first time in history common foot soldiers were given maps and models of the area to study and learn before the battle took place. Massive models were made and the soldiers studied that battles field for nearly a month in advance of the actual battle. As a result of the Canadians radical tactical improvements Vimy Ridge was taken by a contingent of entirely Canadian forces in three days. A radical change from the five month Battle of the Somme. And in comparison to the French forces they suffered considerably fewer losses. The corps suffered 10,602 casualties; 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded The last and maybe most significant result of the battle was the pride the Canadians got out of that battle. At that time 1 million Canadians were fighting in WWI and with a population of 8 million at the time it was seen as a triumph not only for the 'good guys' but in particular a Canadian triumph over evil. Many experts point to this battle as the turning point in which Canada began to cut its ties with the Commonwealth which, until this point, was highly dependant upon its "Motherland". For Canada, the attack on Vimy Ridge marked a turning-point in the country's march towards distinct nationhood. In the words of Brigadier-General Alexander Ross, DSO, who commanded the 28th (North West) Canadian Battalion at Vimy, "It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation."

Answer 3

The battle of Vimy Ridge was fought during WWI in France. It was fought between Canadian Expeditionary Forces and German forces. It was an important battle in the overall diversionary attack for the main French Nivelle Offensive.

Answer 4

The battle of Vimy Ridge was very important for Canada and the rest of the Allies. For Canada, it was a day that symbolized Canada's capability as an independent nation.The objective of the Canadian Corps was to take control of the German high ground along an escarpment at the northernmost end of the Arras Offensive. This would ensure that the southern flank could advance without suffering German enfilad fire.

Answer 5

Vimy ridge was the first battle that Canada participated in, and came out victoriously.

Answer 6

The Vimy ridge battle is important to Canadians because t was the first battle that Canada participated in and It has come to symbolise Canada's becoming as a nation