Introduction
The importance of the First World War is discussed by people all over the world because it affected numerous countries. Nevertheless, they tend to have various views on its peculiarities. If the authors of the required readings gathered for a discussion of the First World War and Vimy Ridge, they would be likely to agree and disagree with one another on some points. I believe that the conversation would start in a calm manner.
They would be eager to share their minds because they would be interested in one and the same topic. They would be likely to sound friendly and polite. The conversation would begin with the discussion of the First World War. The author from the Veterans Affairs Canada would state that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand lead to its development and made different countries unite. He would emphasize the fact that Canada had to involve in the war because its external affairs were ruled by the UK and it had no opportunity to refuse. Clarke and Harris would be likely to agree with him because they also pay much attention to the domination of Britain.
Then, the author from the Veterans Affairs Canada would state that the Battle of Vimy Ridge was critical for Canada because it made the country mature. Others would agree with him until he points out the fact that Canadians achieved success due to the hard work they accomplished in the preceding winter. While this author would emphasize Canadians’ contribution, others would say that the British army affected the situation greatly. Moreover, Clarke would add that previous French attempts to capture Vimy Ridge were significant for the final outcome while Harrison would state that Britain was the main force. Still, I would claim that Clarke’s idea is the best one because he considers the influences of all involved parties.
Main body
The author from the Veterans Affairs Canada would claim that Canadians were very enthusiastic to join the military in the first months. Clarke would add that they wanted to enhance nationhood, but Harrison would argue that such actions were a result of propaganda. To my mind, all these options could have affected the population, but the greatest influence was made by the propaganda targeted at the poor and working class.
These people looked for better lives and believed that their dream could come true if they fight for their rights. The author from the Veterans Affairs Canada would claim that the capture of Vimy Ridge can be associated with Canadian triumph. It improved national identity greatly and united the whole country. However, other authors would emphasize the fact that this is only a nation-building myth. Even though they all agree that Canadians became closer as they were fighting together, Clarke and Harrison would never support the opinion that Canada achieved outstanding success in this war.
Moreover, Harrison would claim that positive and nation-building beliefs were spread among the population initially. He would add that people were encouraged to go to the army and fight for democracy and freedom in the framework of official propaganda. In addition to that, Vimy Ridge turned into a symbol of Canadian independence under the influence of the book written by Pierre Berton, and I cannot disagree with this fact.
Conclusion
Finally, the author from the Veterans Affairs Canada would encourage Canadians to learn about sacrifices associated with Vimy Ridge as the most important war for Canada in the First World War. Clarke would support him but with no enthusiasm, and I would stick to his point. Harrison, in his turn, would argue that it is only a myth created to discuss Canada’s birth as a nation. Moreover, I believe that all arguments would be restrained, as all authors would take hold on themselves.
Nevertheless, Harrison would be the most quick-tempered, because he insists on this position and is not likely to accept other ideas, repeating that this war has the status of a founding myth.