Canadian History

HISTORY ESSAY

Canada is the way it is today because of many important events in our history. I feel that the four events I have chosen have brought about the most amount of change. The first woman in the House of Commons, the battle of Vimy Ridge, the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope and the free trade agreement all play a major role in shaping Canada and Canadian culture. How we live today would not be possible if it wasn't for these incidents. They impacted Canada with political, cultural, economical and emotional change.

The battle of Vimy Ridge was one of the greatest battles in Canada's history. For the first time in World War 1, all four Canadian divisions fought together on the same battlefield. Canadians were an important part of this epic battle. They fought exceptionally and were awarded four Victoria Crosses for that single battle. The Victoria Cross is Canada's highest award for bravery. The battle fought at Vimy Ridge was the beginning of many great things to come, most importantly, Canada's independence from Britain.

Free trade came into effect in 1989; it profoundly altered the economic relationship between Canada and the U.S. In December 1984, a royal commission investigating free trade relations between the United States and Canada decided they go into a free trade agreement. It was also suggested that taxes on products crossing the border be eliminated on the number of products, this would open the American market on Canadian industry. Free trade also had a negative side, large American companies would now be able to undersell Canadian companies and therefore many Canadian jobs would be lost. Although most people were against free trade than for it, the Prime Minister refused to go back on the agreement.

A woman in the House of Commons would give a lot of young women in Canada someone to look up to and prove that women can do anything men can do. There was a lot of hesitation to nominate a female candidate in 1921's federal general election. In 1921, Agnes Macphail, a teacher, became the first woman elected to the House of Commons. Throughout her career, Macphail struggled to apply changes in many areas including disarmament, international cooperation, and social reforms. She was one of the first females to truly be recognized and to help shape Canada.

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he was only 18 years old when