The Great War brings together all Canadian citizens to fight for their country through co-operation and patriotism. Yet, although all citizens participate in the war effort both in battle and at the home front, it is indisputable that some groups are acknowledged less or not at all. History reasons that during a time of great discrimination, racism, and obvious disrespect, British, white men receive greater commemoration for their contributions. Thus for previous disregard, minorities such as Aboriginals, African Canadians and French Canadians finally receive gratitude. When historians look back today, one minority undoubtedly deserves the greatest recognition for their sacrifices to the country, in which recognition refers to the minority
…show more content…
Their ability to be a part of the war impacted them as well as non-Aboriginals, in the sense that “receiving military decorations and commendations provided many with the confidence to speak for themselves and advocate for expanded rights and fair treatment in society for all members of their communities”. Their confidence enabled them to politically organize with veterans and create change in Canada. For example, in 1919, the League of Indians of Canada was founded by Fred Loft, a Mohawk World War 1 veteran. Their involvement also impacted the views of non-aboriginals because “by serving alongside Aboriginal soldiers, Canadian soldiers came to better understand Aboriginal people, and to overcome many negative stereotypes”. This in turn, led to greater equality and less discrimination against the Aboriginals. To compare, African Canadians impact was not as great because their main contribution was menial jobs, and without them their tasks would just be forced upon other soldiers. Furthermore, the French Canadians had a major impact on Canada, but it was entirely negative. Bourassa’s opposition to conscription led to the conscription crisis which “bitterly divided French and English-speaking Canadians”. This crisis “marked the point when leading Quebec intellectuals stopped believing in the dream of Canada as the union of two founding cultures,... [and] sowed the seeds of resentment that 50 years later would sprout into the Quebec independence movement”. French Canadians were entirely against being in the war, and this division continues to impact Canada today. Ultimately, the Aboriginal impact was the most positive on Canada during and after the war, and this reasons why they deserve the most
Their ability to be a part of the war impacted them as well as non-Aboriginals, in the sense that “receiving military decorations and commendations provided many with the confidence to speak for themselves and advocate for expanded rights and fair treatment in society for all members of their communities”. Their confidence enabled them to politically organize with veterans and create change in Canada. For example, in 1919, the League of Indians of Canada was founded by Fred Loft, a Mohawk World War 1 veteran. Their involvement also impacted the views of non-aboriginals because “by serving alongside Aboriginal soldiers, Canadian soldiers came to better understand Aboriginal people, and to overcome many negative stereotypes”. This in turn, led to greater equality and less discrimination against the Aboriginals. To compare, African Canadians impact was not as great because their main contribution was menial jobs, and without them their tasks would just be forced upon other soldiers. Furthermore, the French Canadians had a major impact on Canada, but it was entirely negative. Bourassa’s opposition to conscription led to the conscription crisis which “bitterly divided French and English-speaking Canadians”. This crisis “marked the point when leading Quebec intellectuals stopped believing in the dream of Canada as the union of two founding cultures,... [and] sowed the seeds of resentment that 50 years later would sprout into the Quebec independence movement”. French Canadians were entirely against being in the war, and this division continues to impact Canada today. Ultimately, the Aboriginal impact was the most positive on Canada during and after the war, and this reasons why they deserve the most