WW1

Nationalism

Extreme pride and loyalty to one’s country, often at the expense of others.

The Black Hand

A Serbian terrorist group that sought to unite Bosnia with Serbia, known for assassinating Archduke Ferdinand of Austria.

Alliances

Agreements where countries promise to support each other in war, divided into Triple Entente (Allies) and Triple Alliance (Central Powers) by 1914.

Imperialism

The expansion of empires by taking colonies for resources, power, and markets.

Militarism

The belief in building strong armies and navies to solve conflicts and maintain power.

Ypres (April 1915)

The first battle where Canadian soldiers fought, marked by the use of poison gas by Germans.

Battle of the Somme (July 1, 1916)

Known as the most disastrous battle in British history with 57,470 Allied troops died in one day.

Vimy Ridge (April 9, 1917)

A crucial battle where all four Canadian divisions fought together, marking Canada's emergence as a nation.

Passchendaele (Fall 1917)

Famous for its muddy battlefield conditions that caused many soldiers and horses to drown.

Conscription

Mandatory enlistment of men aged 20-45, introduced to address soldier shortages during World War I.

The Halifax Explosion (December 6, 1917)

A catastrophic event where two ships collided in Halifax Harbour, resulting in the largest non-atomic explosion in history.

Shell Shock

A term used to describe PTSD suffered by soldiers due to the stresses of war, often misunderstood by officers.

Ross Rifle

A rifle used by Canadian soldiers in WWI, known for its tendency to jam in muddy conditions.

Trench Foot

A medical condition caused by standing in wet, unsanitary conditions, often resulting in rotting feet.

Women’s Suffrage Movement

A movement led by women like Nellie McClung that resulted in women gaining the right to vote.

Military Service Bill (1917)

Legislation introduced to ensure Canada could continue fighting due to a shortage of soldiers.

Human Cost of WWI

Over 60,000 Canadians died and 173,000 were wounded during World War I.

Economic Growth Post-WWI

Canada’s industries expanded due to war demands, creating jobs and fostering independence from Britain.

Boy Soldiers

Underage boys who lied about their age to join the army during WWI, seeking adventure during manpower shortages.