Since before the First World War, Canadians have had a long history of weakness, cowardice and tastelessness. Considered weak and insignificant, Canada was often neglected by European superpowers; until April 9, 1917. On that day, the Canadian Corps completed the task of capturing Vimy Ridge, formerly held by the Germans. Canadian success is attributed to their communication and precise planning which allowed them to stay one step ahead of the enemy. The Canadians created new and innovative tactics that created a more effective offensive line. Moreover, the battle resulted in Canadian self-reliance, nationalism and patriotism that forever changed the course of Canadian history. The Battle of Vimy Ridge is considered a defining moment for Canada, which emerged from Britain's shadow and felt capable of greatness for the first time. One of the main reasons for the Canadian victory at Vimy was due to the preparations made in advance. To understand the demand for such intense preparations from the Canadians, it is necessary to understand why this battle was so important. “The capture of Vimy Ridge was very important offensively as it was a key position of the German line in northern France, but it was even more important for the Germans not to lose Vimy Ridge” (Stephens ). If the Allies manage to capture the ridge, the German position on the battlefield will weaken considerably. If the Allies took the ridge from the Germans, they would have a clear view of German positions throughout the Douai plain. For the Germans, winning this battle was extremely important since the ridge defended the Hindenburg Line as well as the Western Front. It was important to win the battle because Vimy Ridge was an important strategic point that provided an opp...... middle of paper ......int. "Canada and Vimy Ridge." Veterans Affairs Canada. Canadian Government, Web. April 1, 2014. Cook, Tim. “The Battle of Vimy Ridge.” Canadian War Museum. Internet. April 1, 2014. Dancocks, Daniel G. Sir Arthur Currie: A Biography, Toronto: Methuen, 1985. PrintDuffy, Michael. “Crawling dam.” First World War. August 2009. Web. April 19, 2014. Hayes, Geoffrey. Vimy Ridge: A Canadian Reassessment, Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2007. PrintInglis, Dave. Vimy Ridge: 1917-1992, a Canadian myth spanning seventy-five years. Thesis. Simon Fraser University. 1995. Internet. March 16, 2011. Stephens, John. “Canadians at Vimy Ridge.” Canada and the Great War. Np, April 2014. Web. May 1, 2014. “The Capture of Vimy Ridge.” Veterans Affairs Canada, 1998. Web. March 16, 2011. Ward, John. “Vimy Ridge, a turning point in Canadian history.” CNews. November 4, 1999. The web. April 19. 2014.