Biography of General Sir Arthur William Currie

Arthur Currie, the first Canadian commander of Canada’s overseas forces in World War I, was known for his planning and leadership during the Hundred Days Offensive which led to the defeat of Germany and the end of the war. His efforts during the war created a significant turning point in favour of the Allied Powers and put Canada in the spotlight as one of the most prominent allied nations. Currie’s statement, "I am a good enough Canadian to believe, if my experience justifies me in believing, that Canadians are best served by Canadians," describes how he wanted Canada to form its own identity and for Canadians to unify under one nation. Currie's accomplishments had an immense impact on Canada’s global image and created the foundation for Canadian’s national pride. Currie created a remarkable change in Canadian history which helped Canada become the nation it is today.

Currie was born December 5, 1875 in Napperton, Ontario, Canada. He attended school at the University of Toronto where he studied business. Currie taught school in British Columbia before heading into business in Victoria, B.C. He enlisted in the Canadian militia and ascended the ranks to become lieutenant colonel of artillery. Even though Currie only received minimum professional training, he was assigned as the commander of a battalion in the first Canadian contingent sent to assist Britain. Currie wanted Canadian troops to fight together so they could take pride in battling together as Canadians. Through hardship and loss of troops, he slowly advanced, winning the battles of Ypres and Saint-Julien in Belgium, the Battle of Mount Sorrel, the Battle of the Somme, and the battle of Vimy Ridge in France. Currie succeeded British general Sir Julian Byng as lieutenant general and commander of the Canadian Corps for his outstanding victory at Vimy Ridge. During the war's final months, he proved to be one of the most successful and effective corps commanders in any army. For his astonishing valiance and leadership in the war, Currie was knighted and promoted to general in the Canadian Army. He was the first Canadian to ever hold this rank. Currie succeeded in his plans of Canadian national unity and served as principal and vice chancellor of McGill University in Montreal until he passed away. 

Currie’s quote expressed his views regarding the unification of Canadian troops fighting in the war and the importance of national pride. In the quote, Currie explained that his soldiers should fight together as Canadians because he thought that they would become stronger as a unified national force in the war. He wanted to prove to the world that Canada was a force to be reckoned with. National unity was very important to him. He knew the only way to become stronger was through unification of all Canadians. Currie’s changes in war strategies as the successor of British general Sir Julian Byng proved to be beneficial to Canada’s growth. The increased autonomy and independence from the British and the sprouting roots of a unique identity allowed Canada to become stronger during the war through Currie’s guidance. With his triumphs in battles, Currie managed to solidify Canada’s reputation as a very strong unified nation. 

This quote and Currie’s historic actions have a lasting impact on Canada as a whole. Currie revitalized Canada with newfound national pride and allowed it to gain greater autonomy and freedom from Britain. This allowed Canada to get ahead on the world stage which led to the Canada we know today. Currie united Canadians together during a time of disparity and violence in order to unite against a common enemy, the Central Powers. He encouraged Canadians to put their differences aside in order to unite the nation on common grounds. His Canadian freedom and unity movement created a rift which changed Canada for the better. Currie’s actions created a significant turn of events in the war which helped the Allied Powers defeat the Central Powers. Without Currie’s strategic plans, the war may have ended differently and Canada would be viewed in a different light.

In conclusion, the quote by Currie explains why he thought that the unification, support, and national pride of Canadians was very important for the growth of Canada. Currie had a significant influence on Canada's freedom and the unification of Canadians of different backgrounds. He allowed Canada to grow stronger as a unified nation instead of one that is torn apart by war and a lack of consensus. Currie altered the trajectory of the world’s history, and the impacts of his achievements are still seen today.