Canada's participation in World War I enabled transformation of the nation from a satellite state into an independent nation and ally. It also saw the transformation of the largely amateur and inexperienced Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) into one of the most effective fighting formations in the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). Seen through the lens of operational art, these transformations are the result of arrangements of actions, linked in purpose, to achieve strategic objectives. The first of the strategic objectives was Canadian autonomy from Britain. The actions along the line of effort to achieve independence include the military and governance efforts to support the war, an information campaign to build a sense of nationalism, and Canadianization of the CEF (essentially establishing a de facto national army). The second strategic objective was the creation of an effective fighting force within the CEF. The actions along this line of effort were based upon transformation of the organizational culture of the Canadian Corps: the development of a command philosophy that engendered professionalism and pragmatism, and the value placed upon learning and innovation.

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