The first world war was a critical period in the world that had drastic impacts on many nations, one among them deeply affected was Canada. This exhibit is to show the immense contribution and sacrifice of Canadians to the war effort and how its military would be used to prove itself as a modern nation. In the years leading up to the first world war, Canada had been industrializing and was seeing an era of growth that had pulled the nation from a struggling collection of British colonies to a nation with a promising future. This future would up becoming rather violent as the first world war began and Canada alongside the rest of the British Commonwealth would be obligated to support Britain in the war. As Canada did not possess a large population in comparison to other European nations, it wasn’t expected they would make any notable contributions, this being due to the around 8 million people living there whereas many of the European nations had populations ranging from 40~ million to 65~ million. This would be proven wrong as over 600,000 soldiers would fight in the war, equating to more than 10% of the population being mobilized, a very noticeable impact was felt in the war as a result. Canada saw a means to distinguish itself as a modern nation by contributing immensely to the war effort and earning several victories along the way. Notable successful battles such as the battle of Passchendaele, the battle of the Somme, and the iconic victory at Vimy Ridge would see other nations of the world recognizing the fierceness and fighting prowess the Canadian soldiers possessed, and their skills began to be coveted in the grueling trench warfare. Despite the glory and renown that Canada had earned, it most definitely came at a great cost where 66,000 perished and another 170,000~ sustained injuries, not to mention the mental toll it took on many involved in such a horrific war would leave many permanently affected.