The Last Hundred Days (Aug - Nov, 1918)

From August 4th – November 11th

Canadian troops, under Arthur Currie, successfully defeated a quarter of the entire German army in several battles, causing a retreat and resulting in 46,000 casualties.

By 1918

The Allies' anti-submarine campaign was successful, with the British blockade of Germany and Canadian forces leading the attack for six weeks.

Canada’s Hundred Days

31,527 POWs, 623 artillery pieces, and 2842 machine guns.

serving 619,636 Canadians and 66,655 soldiers, and their exploits are commemorated at; 13 memorials in Belgium and France.

Autonomous Nation

Canada's involvement in the war, involving 600,000 soldiers, led Prime Minister Borden to argue for the country's right to independence.

Germany’s “Black Day” - 1918

On August 8th, a British-Canadian-Australian attack, involving 600 tanks, on German lines in Amiens resulted in a morale collapse and thousands surrendering.

“Der Schwarze Tag”

General Ludendorff declared August 8th as the Black Day of the German Army, losing hope for victory, and agreed with Kaiser Wilhelm to end war and negotiate favorable peace.

Riots in Germany

The Allies, with U.S. assistance, successfully forced the German army into total retreat, leading to a revolt against the government due to food shortages.

Armistice

In 1918, Germany's Prince Max requested an armistice signed by Britain, France, and the USA, which halted fighting and killed Canadian Private George Price.

Wounded Soldiers Return

Over 170,000 Canadian soldiers returned with injuries and disabilities, receiving government pensions, free land, and education support. The Royal Canadian Legion fought for Aboriginal veterans' recognition and equal benefits.

Paris Peace Conference 1919

The Allied nations convened to address WWI settlement issues, including punishment for losing nations, guilt for war causing, and maintaining peace.

Canada’s Recognition

became a member of the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

result of the Paris Peace Conference, officially ended the war.

Germany had to

accpet blame for war, reduce army and navy, pay 30b for damges and allow allies to be stationed on it’s terriorty

How the treaty was viewed

The Treaty of Versailles, signed under protest, aimed to end all wars and burdened Germany until Hitler took power in the 1930s, causing widespread protest.