Example research essay topic: Prime Minister British Empire - 1,041 words

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Throughout Canada in the 20 th Century, numerous events and decisions have formed defining moments for the people of this country. Events like View Ridge, the formation of NATO, and the development of the new flag have made a huge impact on the country. In addition, the leadership of people like Lester B. Pearson and, much earlier, Sir Wilfred Laurier, has created very significant changes in the course of Canadas history. Of these, the new flag, sometimes referred to as the maple leaf is not only a true symbol of Canada but shows how Canadians have learned a new way to be loyal to our land.

The flag, now flown around the world, is the result of a political process that began in 1925, when Canada was symbolized by the Canadian Red Ensign and the Union Jack. Because of citizens concerns, the two World Wars, and the changing relationship of Canadians to Britain, the new flag was just the right idea at the time of its introduction. Because British-Canadian relations were changing, and people wanted to show more patriotic loyalty for Canadas success during the two World Wars, the Prime Minister, Lester B. Person, took action on changing the flag. Even though there was a six-month debate, because so many people opposed the new flag, Canadians came to realize that Canada is better off without anyone elses symbols representing them. The maple leaf began to serve Canada as a symbol as early as the 1700 s.

Some people made the effort to use maple leaves to represent themselves, for example soldiers, athletes, workers, or businesspersons. During the Celebration of the Centennial of Confederation, in 1967, everyone bought flags from small to extra large. This indicated that people of Canada were very happy to show their happiness in living on this land. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson once said, I want to add, ladies and gentlemen, that while I am concerned about this whole question of national symbols, national anthem, national flag, and all they mean to our country. I am ever more concerned with making Canada the kind of country- with freedom, economic security, social justice, and opportunity for all, over which we will all be proud to have our flag fly (I stand for Canada 4).

The famous Prime Minister understood from the beginning that this flag would finally show that Canadians would be proud of who they are. On Canada day, which was known as Dominion Day, citizens carried the flag, painted it on their faces, and demonstrated patriotic pride. Everyday, in Canada, people use the flag to show pleasure about the country they live in. The flag also marked a change in Canadas relationship with Britain and the British Empire.

Over the history of Canada, the contact with England had been very strong. Whatever the British promoted, Canada was always there to be a supporter. During World War I, as soon as Britain declared war, Canada automatically joined forces. Canada did not have a say in going on war, but what could control how many people would be serving. World War I caused problems for the Canadians during the Election of 1917. Robert Borden was the Prime Minister who introduced conscription, which Wilfred Laurier objected to.

Known as the draft, this created many problems for the French Canadians who did not want to go on war to support Britain. The lack of British support shows that Canada was not truly independent and that the relationship was not as healthy as it needed to be to give full support to England's war. During World War II, when Canada was no longer a territory of the British Empire, the country was still pressured to go to war. The conscription issue did not cause as much trouble as it had in World War I, although some outbursts occurred. In this period, the breakdown of relations between French and English Canada was becoming weaker, while the Canadian links with Britain were growing less important. Both these situations demonstrated that the relationship with the British was not as strong for Canada as it had been in the earlier war.

In yet another sense, Canada was ready to loosen its traditional patriotic relationship with Britain along with its realization that the British had for too long used Canada for its own good. During the Suez Crisis, Canada sent troops to Egypt as part of the United Nation (UN). At the time, the Egyptians objected to Canadas help because of the British element in the flag. Because of its Union Jack, the Canadian flag implied that Canada could not be trusted nor would it be able to exhibit independence. Earlier, in 1903, Britain was not as supportive of Canada, for example during the Alaska Boundary Dispute.

In that issue, Lord Alverstone, the judge, took the American side rather than Canadas, even after Canada had given so much support to Britain. This indicated that Britain was unable to show trust or to give respect to Canada as a nation. Because of this lack of mutual interest, Canada began to weaken in its identity with the Union Jack. By which, Canadas new flag symbolized its separate identity, no longer an automatic British partner.

The Canadian flag has not always been the Canadian symbol flying on the flagpole and known around the world. Since the day Canada was created, the standard of life and the makeup of the population has been changing and developing. Canadians were finally able to escape the feeling that the British were using Canada automatically, in most events. In 2002, during the winter Olympics, as Canada won its first game in 50 years, people everywhere waved the Canadian flag. Canadas cities, large or small, began to fill vehicles of any kind on the street honking, cheering, chanting, and waving the flag. People wore maple leaf caps and bandanas and even painted their faces with maple leaves.

The new flag displays how the people of Canada are proud to be where they are and who they are. The maple leaf is a true symbol of Canada that is not connected with the earlier power of the British or with the historical links with the French. The new flag is definitely a significant part of history.

Research essay sample on Prime Minister British Empire