World War One quiz

Battle of Ypres

The first major battle in which poison gas (chlorine gas) was used by the Germans, occurring in April 1915 in Belgium.

Canadian response at Ypres

The 1st Canadian Division used urine-soaked rags to cover their faces against the gas and managed to stop the German advance despite heavy casualties.

Battle of the Somme

A massive Allied offensive led by the British from July to November 1916 aimed to break through German lines, resulting in over 1.2 million casualties.

Significance of the Somme

Highlighted the horrors of trench warfare and the need for new tactics and technology, leading to over 24,000 Canadians being killed or wounded.

Battle of Vimy Ridge

A pivotal battle from April 9-12, 1917, where all Canadian Corps fought together under General Arthur Currie, successfully capturing a heavily fortified German position.

New strategies at Vimy Ridge

Included the creeping barrage and Vimy Glide, allowing Canadians to advance effectively against the Germans.

Battle of Passchendaele

An October-November 1917 battle characterized by terrible muddy conditions, where Canadians ultimately captured the ridge after significant losses.

Impact of Passchendaele

Illustrated the courage and determination of Canadian soldiers, though it resulted in about 16,000 Canadians killed or wounded.

Trench Warfare

Combat style characterized by long trenches on the Western Front, where soldiers endured harsh conditions, resulting in a stalemate due to deadly weapons.

Essential war technology

Included machine guns, poison gas, tanks, and artillery, significantly affecting the war's dynamics and the high casualty rates.

Francis Pegahmagabow

The best overall sniper of WW1, a member of the Anishnaabe First Nation, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing over 300.

Billy Bishop

The best Canadian ace pilot of World War One, credited with 72 kills.

Conscription Crisis of 1917

A mandate by Prime Minister Robert Borden for mandatory military service due to declining enlistments, leading to significant social controversy.

Wartime Elections Act (1917)

Legislation that granted voting rights to women related to soldiers while restricting voting from certain immigrants.

Halifax Explosion

A catastrophic event in December 1917 caused by the collision of ships in Halifax harbor, resulting in the largest human-made explosion before nuclear weapons.

Victories Bonds

Financial instruments sold to fund the war, raising 2 billion dollars by promising repayment with interest after the war.

Victories Bonds

Financial instruments sold to fund the war, raising 2 billion dollars by promising repayment with interest after the war.

Women's roles during WWI

Women filled jobs traditionally held by men in factories, farms, and offices; served as nurses overseas; and gained voting rights (Wartime Elections Act).

War Measures Act (1914)

Canadian legislation granting the government emergency powers during wartime, including censorship and arrest without charge, used to suspend civil liberties of "enemy aliens."

Military Voters Act (1917)

Granted voting rights to all Canadian soldiers, including women military nurses, regardless of previous residency qualifications.

William A. White

An African-Canadian chaplain who served with the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the only all-black unit in Canadian military history during WWI, advocating for their rights.

General Arthur Currie

Commander of the Canadian Corps during WWI, known for meticulous planning and innovative tactics, leading to significant victories like Vimy Ridge and the Hundred Days Offensive.

Sir Sam Hughes

Canada's Minister of Militia and Defence at the outbreak of WWI, criticized for mismanagement and patronage but instrumental in organizing the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Prime Minister Robert Borden

Canada's Prime Minister during WWI, known for his leadership during the war effort, implementing conscription, and advocating for Canada's independent voice at the Paris Peace Conference.

Henri Bourassa

Prominent Quebec nationalist and politician who strongly opposed conscription during WWI, arguing it was an imperialistic war for Britain.