World War I (1914–1918)
Over 600,000 Canadians served in the First World War:
- Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 1917): The Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge in France, a formidable German stronghold. It was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together, revered as the 'birth of a nation'.
- In Flanders Fields: Canadian military physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae penned the immortal poem in 1915, inspiring the red remembrance poppy.
Social Progress and Women's Rights
- Women's Suffrage: Led by pioneering physician Dr. Emily Stowe; Manitoba was the first province to grant women the vote in 1916. Federal women's voting rights were established in 1918.
- The Persons Case (1929): The 'Famous Five' Alberta women (Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby) petitioned the Privy Council, which ruled that women are legal 'persons' and can sit in the Senate.
World War II and the Post-War Era
- Juno Beach (June 6, 1944): On D-Day, 15,000 Canadian soldiers stormed Juno Beach in Normandy, penetrating deeper into German defenses than any other Allied force that day.
- Tommy Douglas & Medicare: Premier of Saskatchewan who introduced North America's first universal, hospital insurance plan, earning him the title 'Father of Medicare'.
- The Canadian Flag (1965): The iconic red-and-white maple leaf flag was officially raised on Parliament Hill on February 15, 1965.