At the end of World War One, Canada had sacrificed as well as gained. The War had come with a dreadful cost. With millions around the globe dead and much destruction, it is foolish to say it was worth the benefits. Because of WWI Canada stood up as a nation and gained international respect and recognition. But at a terrible price. Not only were huge amounts of money being spent but life, resources and harmony were being sacrificed. I believe the sacrifices outweigh all the benefits.
Funding a war was very difficult. Much of Canada's capital resources went to paying for the costs. Unlike previous hard times Canada could not simply cut costs and limit spending, they had to continue sending men and munitions. By 1918 the was costing one million dollars a day. To raise the tremendous amounts of money needed more taxes were implemented and savings bonds were sold. Children were encouraged to save their money a for thrift stamps and war savings stamps. After four years the federal government was spending a staggering $439 million on defense alone. By March of 1919 the war had cost Canada about $1,300,000,000. If World War one had not occurred much of Canada's capital resources could have been used for more ethical causes. To much of Canada's capital resources were wasted on WWI.
Many Canadians were killed and wounded at WWI. It is highly likely that by 1918 every household had lost a relative or friend. The amount of pain and suffering associated with losing a loved one is unimaginable. How can you put a price on a human life? A human life is much more important than respect or recognition. 59 514 Canadians alone died in World War One out of 619 636 enlisted. The majority of the fallen men were under 30 and ordinary workingmen. And yet, even more men were injured, many to the point they were no longer able to work. For some injured little good could be done, like victims of shell shock.