Military history of Canada
The military history of Canada comprises centuries of conflict within the territory, and interventions by the Canadian military in conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide. For millenia, the area comprising modern Canada saw sporadic conflicts among Indigenous peoples. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Canada was the site of several colonial conflicts, including four major colonial wars between New France and British America. The conflicts spanned nearly 70 years, and also involved various First Nations.
Ceremonial Guard stand watch over Canada's national memorial, The Response, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the foreground.
Indigenous weaponry on display at the Canadian Museum of History
Iroquois warriors attack an Algonquin fort defended by a Franco-Indigenous force at the Battle of Long Sault, 1660
New France's governor general, Louis de Buade de Frontenac, with First Nations allies, 1690
Canada has served in over 50 peacekeeping missions, including every United Nations (UN) peacekeeping effort from its inception until 1989. More than 125,000 Canadians have served in international peacekeeping operations, with approximately 130 Canadians having died during these operations. Canada's strong support for multilateralism and internationalism has been closely related to its peacekeeping efforts.
Canadian peacekeeper in 1976 wearing the distinctive flag of Canada and UN blue helmet
The Canadian delegation to the United Nations Conference on International Organization, San Francisco, May 1945
Royal Canadian Mounted Police peacekeeper in 2011 wearing the distinctive UN blue beret
The Peacekeeping Monument in Ottawa, Canada