Pre ww1 + ww1 Canadian history

1. The Alaskan Boundary Dispute

What it was: A fight between Canada/Britain and the US over where the border of the Alaskan panhandle should be (especially after gold was found in the Yukon

Why Canada was mad at Britain: Britain held the deciding vote on the boundary tribunal but voted with the US. Britain did this to keep the US happy and avoid a conflict, leaving Canada feeling betrayed and realizing Britain wouldn't always look out for Canadian interests.

2. The Boer War

a) Where: South Africa.

b) Who: The British Empire (including Canadian volunteers) vs. the Boers (Dutch-African farmers).

c) What it was over: Control over gold and diamond-rich lands in South Africa.

3. Canada's Relationship with Britain

The Vibe: It was complicated and deeply split.

English Canadians were very loyal to the British Empire and wanted to support them.

French Canadians (led by Henri Bourassa) felt no loyalty to Britain and believed Canada should focus only on its own interests.

World War I

1. The M-A-I-N Causes of WWI

M - Militarism: The massive build-up of armies and navies (an arms race, especially between Britain and Germany).

A - Alliances: Countries making secret deals to defend each other. If one got attacked, everyone got dragged in.

I - Imperialism: Powerful countries scrambling to take over colonies around the world for resources and status.

N - Nationalism: Extreme pride in one's country, leading to tension and smaller ethnic groups wanting independence.

2. The Schlieffen Plan

Germany’s war strategy to avoid a two-front war (fighting France and Russia at the same time). The plan was to quickly crush France by sneaking through Belgium first, then turn around and fight Russia.

3. Why the Schlieffen Plan Failed

Belgium fought back harder than expected, slowing Germany down.

Britain entered the war immediately to defend Belgium.

Russia mobilized its army much faster than Germany anticipated, forcing Germany to split its troops anyway.

4. Purpose of the Alliance System

It was supposed to act as a deterrent (prevent war) by creating a balance of power. The idea was that no country would attack another if it meant fighting a whole group of nations. (Instead, it did the opposite and dragged everyone into a global war).

5. How Militarism Led to War

When countries build massive militaries, it creates severe paranoia and distrust among neighbors. It also makes leaders much more likely to use force rather than diplomacy to solve problems.

6. The "Spark" of WWI

The Event: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo.

The Chain Reaction: Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia and declared war. Because of the alliance system, Russia backed Serbia, Germany backed Austria-Hungary, and the dominoes fell.

7. Why Canada Entered WWI

No Choice: When Britain declared war on Germany, Canada was automatically at war because Britain still controlled Canada's foreign policy.

8. Sam Hughes

Who he was: Canada’s Minister of Militia and Defence at the start of the war.

Why he matters: He was a chaotic leader. He successfully organized and rushed Canadian troops to Europe, but he was heavily criticized for profiteering and equipping soldiers with poor gear (like the infamous Ross Rifle, which jammed constantly in the mud).

9. Members of the Triple Alliance

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. (Note: Italy later switched sides, and the Ottoman Empire joined them as the Central Powers).

10. Members of the Triple Entente

Britain, France, and Russia.

11. Dates of WWI

World War I started on July 28, 1914, and ended on November 11, 1918. This day is commonly called Remembrance Day (or Armistice Day).

12. Why Young Canadian Men Wanted to Enlist

Patriotism/Loyalty: Strong emotional ties to Britain.

Adventure: Many thought the war would be over by Christmas and saw it as a free trip to Europe.

Peer Pressure & Duty: Social pressure to look brave and do their part.

Economic Reasons: A steady job and paycheque during tough economic times.

3. & 23. Why and When the USA Entered WWI

When: April 1917.

Why: 1. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany kept sinking American merchant ships with their U-boats (including the famous sinking of the passenger liner Lusitania earlier on).

2. The Zimmermann Telegram: A secret German message intercepted by Britain, where Germany tried to convince Mexico to attack the US in exchange for American territory.

14. The Treaty of Versailles & Germany

Most Upsetting Terms:

The War Guilt Clause (Article 231): Germany had to accept 100% of the blame for starting the war.

Reparations: Germany was forced to pay massive financial penalties to the Allies, crushing their economy.

Military Restrictions: Their army and navy were stripped down to a bare minimum, hurting their national pride.

15. The Importance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Reason 1 (Military Success): Canadian troops successfully captured a strategic high point that both the French and British armies had previously failed to take.

Reason 2 (Birth of a Nation): For the first time, all four Canadian divisions fought together as a unified force under a Canadian commander (Arthur Currie). It gave Canada a distinct identity separate from Britain.

16. Poison Gas

First Used: By the Germans at the Battle of Ypres in April 1915.

Side Effects: Blindness, severe lung damage (suffocation/asphyxiation), painful skin blistering, and long-term respiratory diseases.

17. What Recruitment Posters Did Say

They promised adventure, travel, and glory.

They appealed to patriotism (doing your duty for King and Country) and manhood (proving your bravery).

18. What Recruitment Posters Did Not Tell Men

The brutal reality of trench warfare, constant mud, disease, the high risk of death or horrific injury, and the psychological trauma (shell shock).

19. Propaganda in Canada

Definition: Information/media used to influence people's beliefs and behaviors.

What it tried to convince Canadians to do:

Enlist in the military.

Buy Victory Bonds to fund the government's war effort.

Ration food and resources (e.g., "Meatless Fridays").

View enemy Germans as ruthless villains.

20. Two Diseases/Illnesses in the Trenches

Trench Foot: A painful condition caused by feet being submerged in cold, wet mud for days, leading to rot and sometimes amputation.

Shell Shock: The early term for PTSD, caused by the psychological trauma of constant bombardment and horror. (Other valid options: Trench Fever or Influenza).

21. Purpose of the Trench System

To provide protection and defensive cover from heavy artillery fire and machine guns. Because weapons had become so deadly, soldiers had to dig into the earth to survive, which unfortunately created a permanent stalemate.

22. Conscription

a) What it is: Forced military service (a government draft forcing eligible citizens to fight).

b) Why French Canadians were upset: They felt no loyalty to Britain or the European war. They believed Canada's focus should strictly be at home, and they strongly resented being forced to fight for a British empire that they felt oppressed their own language and culture back in Canada.