The Italian Campaign consisted of many battles in Italy, beginning with the invasion of Sicily in July, 1943. The Italian Campaign was Canada’s first major war participation in the Second World War as more than 93,000 Canadians entered the battle with Allied forces. The Allies' goal was to advance into Italy and drive German troops out of the country. This task soon proved to be difficult and time consuming. German resistance was strong as the line of defense was spread through beneficial landforms, making each and every battle difficult for the Allies. As a result, the Allies successfully overran Hitler's fortresses in Italy but paid a terrible price of nearly 6000 lives of Canadian Soldiers. The success of this battle contributed in Canada's independence as this major battle displayed Canada's individual strength as a country and the ability to cooperate with the Allies. Canada was also awarded three Victorian crosses as well as The War Medal and Italy Star.