Canada's sacrifices and contributions to the South African and First World Wars led to an increased sense of nationhood and to international recognition, but at great cost. The South African War was a relatively small military expedition, but it marked an important decision to send Canadian forces to support allies overseas. In the First World War, Canadians fought on the ground, in the air and at sea in some of the most costly and well-known battles: Second Ypres, the Somme, Vimy, Passchendaele and the Hundred Days campaign. More than 620,000 Canadians served. On the home front, women entered the workforce, patriotic organizations supported soldiers overseas and the introduction of conscription severely damaged Canadian unity. By showcasing artifacts, images, posters and art, this souvenir catalogue explores the many ways in which these two overseas wars forever changed Canada.