The Gas Mask.
When discussing an artifact that ties together a piece of Canadian history with my idea of nation, war is not often a topic or discussion. However despite our often deep seeded ideas of Canadian pacifism it is not often discussed that for Canadians, it in the black days of war that we have found the opportunity to assert our sovereignty. It is in the battle of St Julien, fought during some of the bloodiest days of World War One, that the gas mask has become an artifact that for me best describes a darker side of Canada. Canadians have come to believe ourselves pacifists and peacekeepers, but it is our soldier’s ability to hold the line under duress that has paved the way for Canadian legitimacy in the eyes of the world.
The gas mask is an artifact that for Canadians speaks of the violent conflict of World War One. This would be the time that the Second Battle of Ypres would involve Canadian troops fighting on behalf of Britain. It was this pivotal battle that saw the rise of modern chemical warfare, with poison gas being used against the defending First Canadian Division, along with British and French allies. At the time Canada was nothing more than a colonial power, one of the many tools of the British Empire that was forced into the conflict without sovereignty or nationhood. The Canadian First Division was the only battalion to hold the line that day; facing the noxious fumes of the German Empire the Canadians held strong as both Britain and France fled from their positions. By soaking their handkerchiefs in urine and holding it up to their noses and mouths, the Canadians fought on in a hellish whirlwind of noxious gas until reinforcements had arrived. This momentous occasion would not only serve as the testing ground for the world’s first gas mask, but would be the first time that a colony would defeat a major European power in battle.
The artifact has shaped our nation as it has become symbolic for a side of Canadian history that would be the stepping the stone to true independence as a nation. Canadians do not pride themselves on having the largest military or the best soldiers, but are known for our military prowess when the situation calls for it. It is clear that the gas mask as an artifact brings to mind a nation that prides itself on its resilience, and when given the opportunity the country has asserted its force as a nation through its actions. We pride ourselves on being a people of bitter winter snows, a hardy people that make our home in one of the coldest places on earth. My sense of the country is formed around a country that is slow to anger; but much like the grizzly bear is an enemy that is ferocious when backed into a corner and left with no choice of escape. This Canadian view of life continues to this day, being one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations on the world stage yet avoiding needless aggression and conflict.
In order to be recognized as a sovereign nation certain requirements have to be met. It is in our high politics we as a nation have committed ourselves to great conflict, and fought for our autonomy continually. The great war was one of the ways that we have demonstrated our identity both in inwardly and outwardly. One of the most important facets of nationhood is the recognition of a nation by other sovereign bodies; and the gas mask symbolizes the turning point in becoming our own land{2} We may always be tied to Britain as part of the commonwealth, but its recognition of our own sovereignty as the highest authority within our borders is momentous occasion for defining our nation. Canada is forever remembered as having fought one of the great military machines of its day and tasted victory instead of defeat
Our colonial past is a clear story of this sense of nation that even today makes me feel uniquely Canadian. We have constantly walked the line between peace and war, and at the end have never lost our prudence as a nation in balancing between the two. This is defined as our ontological narrative, it is the framework that we as a nation have prided ourselves on and continue to fight for to this day{2}. The story of Canada as a nation continues to this day in our fight against ISIL, committing ourselves to war only when as a country we feel that ends justify the means. Whether through our choice to remain a colony of Britain, our loyalty in fighting the good fight in the Great War, or through choosing to finally fight of our own volition World War 2, our history as a nation has demonstrated this truth. The American Springfield rifle, the English longbow, and finally the Swiss Halberd are all artifacts created in the crucibles of war as turning point in the various national histories of other countries. However the gas mask is a different tool of war, it is contrasted with other nations in that its creation was through the need for self defense and survive against the odds; a fitting beginning for a nation that aspires to these principles even today.
{1}Painter, Joe Alex Jeffery. Chapter 2 State Formation, in Political geography(2009)19-43
{2}Dittmer, Jason Chapter 4’’Narration of Nation in Post WW2 US, in Popular Culture, Geopolitics and Identity(2010)69-90
{3}Wikipedia. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2014.
I thought that the symbolism of the gas mask was very interesting. I never knew the importance of the Battle of Ypres in regards to forging a independent Canadian identity. I also though it was interesting that you linked the notion and symbolism of the gas mask to Canada's role in the world during both times of war and peace.
I found this to be a very interesting artifact. Just by reading this post I have actually learned quite about the symbolism of the gas mask. Great blog post, very insightful!
Great blog post! Your take on war as a problem, was very interesting! I liked how you used the gas mask to portray that war is a problem. We are constrained by the idea that "Canada is a free and peaceful nation". This is not true. Like the U.S., Canada as a nation has also been threatened, by terrorists groups, and other nations. What we need to do as a nation, is to fight against these atrocities. We must be united as a nation, and through unity and just actions, we will achieve peace!
Really like this one. Obviously the symbolism of the gas mask like everyone already mention. The concept of a resilient nation that only fights when forced to says a lot when you consider out neighbors. Very well written.
I never really considered war or anything along those lines to be a symbol of Canada. But now that I think about it, Canada did play a significant role in the second world war and the gas mask is a unique way to symbolize Canada's role in these events.
As a history major, I really enjoyed reading about Canada’s history. Your blog illustrates how Canada was a significant participant in World War One, something that a lot of people do not know. Great job.