During the post WWII period until about 1950, Canada was a middle power with moderate influence over international events. However, after 1950, Canada has grown into a respected world power. Canada was greatly involved in the Korean War both during the conflict and post-war period. Canada contributed to the air force and the Navy along with many Canadians serving in the war and after the war as peacekeepers. Canada served at the Gulf War as a member of an international military coalition both to challenge Iraq shortly after its invasion of Kuwait and after the war to hold service to the refugees. Canada also contributed to the war effort in Afghanistan by providing numerous naval crews and vessels, troops to the military effort and helped with the reconstruction campaign. Since the 1950s Canada has grown into a respected world power through their contributions to the Korean War, the Gulf War and the Mission in Afghanistan.
The participation of the Canadian military in the Korean war effort, their role in the Battle of Kapyong and their contribution after the war as peacekeepers helped Canada gain tremendous recognition as a world power. At the time of the war, Canada contributed several warships and aircraft to run big operations onshore and in Korean waters, for example, “Eight Canadian warships took turns in Korean waters protecting UN aircraft carriers, busting enemy trains along the coasts and helping other onshore operations” (Herd, 2017). The Canadian military played an important role in the Battle of Kapyong as about 700 Canadian troops helped protect Hill 677 against a large brigade of Chinese forces of roughly 5,000 soldiers (Stairs, 2018). Canada’s military efforts managed to stop the Chinese advance and showcased Canada’s emerging role as a world leader. Even after the war, Canadian armed forces continued their contributions as troops remained in Korea for three years as military observers (Introduction to the Korean War, 2009). Canadian troops worked to maintain peace along the demilitarized zone by guarding and patrolling the area. Canada’s military participation, their contribution at the Battle of Kapyong along with their peacekeeping after the Korean War helped Canada establish themselves as a leader in battle and in peacekeeping making Canada a respected world power.
The Gulf War holds great significance to Canada as it was the first time since 1953 that the Canadian government sent their troops into war as part of a coalition; Canada’s military and later peacekeeping contribution solidified their reputation as a respected world power. Canadians were praised as a world power for their military contribution to the Gulf war, especially that of the navy and the air force. Approximately, 4,000 Canadian armed forces served in the Gulf War as part of the international coalition against Iraqi invasion in Kuwait (1990s, 2014). The members of the armed forces served in the Persian Gulf region in 1990-1991 as part of many countries...
