Exam part 2 (Kill me)

Define it, any facts you remember, with who, why it happened

1. "Which cause is the most significant in bringing about WWI?" (remember: significance means most important, affecting the most people, causing the greatest turning point or the most change, having the longest lasting effects)

• What was the alliance system?

• How did alliances turn a small conflict into a world war?

• Why was the alliance system a problem?

• Franz Ferdinand’s Assassination: Spark, Not Cause

• Global Impact of the Alliance System

• Modern Connection: NATO vs. WWI Alliances

• Why the Alliance System Was the Biggest Cause of WWI

• Alliances: Refers to the agreements or pacts between countries to provide mutual support in case of an attack. The two main alliance systems before WWI were:

  • The Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain)

  • The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy)

• These alliances were intended to provide security but ultimately drew multiple countries into the conflict once war broke out.

2. Compare and contrast the reactions of Canadians to the declaration of WWI.

• No Single Reaction to War in Canada (1914)

• Eastern Canada (Maritimes & Cities) → Pro-War & Patriotic

  • Strong British loyalty → Excited about war.

  • Example: Private Frank Walker (PEI) → Felt proud, like the Empire depended on them.

  • Example: Burt Woods (English orphan) → Saw war as a way to escape farm life and make money.

  • Example: Toronto photo (Source #3) → Young men in suits celebrating → Social pressure played a role.

• Western Canada (Farming Regions) → Anti-War & Cautious

  • Farmers worried about war’s destruction (homes lost, families suffering).

  • Example: Source #4 → Talks about war leaving people orphaned, widowed, and suffering.

  • Example: Ben Wagner (Source #6) → Not everyone is affected equally; rich city people support war, but poor farmers pay the price.

  • Example: Reverend C.W. Gordon (Source #6) → Called war horrific and un-Christian; thought excitement about war was shameful.

• Key Takeaway: War Reactions Were Divided

  • East (Maritimes & cities) → Focused on patriotism & benefits.

  • West (farmers & rural areas) → Focused on loss & destruction.

  • Social class & personal situation affected opinions (poor workers saw war as a job, while farmers saw it as suffering).

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3. What changes did the war bring about for Canadians at home? Which changes produced the most significant changes? (Worksheet: Conflict and Change on the Homefront)

• Increased government control and centralization of power.

• Introduction of the War Measures Act, limiting civil liberties.

• Women entering the workforce in greater numbers.

• Economic shifts with increased demand for war-related production.

- Economic Changes

• War boosted industry (factories shifted to weapons, ammo, uniforms).

• Job opportunities increased (especially in cities).

• War bonds & higher taxes → Government needed money for war.

- Role of Women Changed

• Women entered the workforce (factories, farms, nursing, administrative roles).

• First step toward women’s rights → Helped push for the vote (got it in 1917 for some women, 1918 for most).

- Conscription Crisis (1917)

• Forced military service → Many resisted, especially in Quebec.

• Divided Canada (French vs. English tensions increased).

- Rationing & Daily Life

• Food shortages → Canadians had to ration (wheatless days, meatless days).

• Government controlled prices & supplies.

- Discrimination Increased

• Enemy aliens (German, Ukrainian, and other immigrants) were put in internment camps.

• Non-British immigrants faced racism and job discrimination.
  

4. Did WWI bring about significant advancements/progress for women? Did this continue or change into the 1920s and 30s? Consider political, economic, and social change/continuity.

Notes:

• Women gained employment in factories and as nurses.

• Social progress in terms of independence and public roles.

• Political gains, including the right to vote (in some provinces by 1918).

• Post-war: Progress continued in the 1920s with women's rights movements, but gender inequality remained.

Response: World War I brought substantial progress for women, with many stepping into traditionally male roles in the workforce and nursing. This period also saw the beginnings of political change, including the granting of voting rights to women in some provinces by 1918. While the war accelerated women's social and economic contributions, full gender equality did not follow immediately, though the 1920s and 1930s saw continued activism, especially in the push for equal rights and social reform.

Women’s Job Gains Were Temporary

• Women filled jobs during the war (factories, offices, farms), but lost them when men returned.

• Government actively pushed them out (Ontario posters telling women they "didn’t need the job").

• Women’s power was seen as a threat, so efforts were made to suppress their independence.

Racial Inequality in Workforce Opportunities

• Black women were excluded from many war job opportunities due to racism.

• Women of color faced even greater barriers (ignored in discussions, limited job options).

• Indigenous women’s contributions were erased due to systemic oppression & lack of records.

Women Were Still Pushed into Service Roles

• Most jobs available to them were still teaching, nursing, or domestic work.

• "If they weren’t good at serving, they weren’t suited to be mothers." → Women were expected to be caregivers first.

Change & Continuity: Progress for Some, Decline for Others

• White women got temporary progress but still had limits.

• Women of color were largely left out, meaning "progress" wasn't universal.

• The war didn’t truly advance women's rights—it just gave them a taste of independence before taking it away.

Final Argument: The War Was NOT Worth It for Women

• Gains were temporary & controlled by men.

• Women were quickly pushed back into traditional roles.

• Women of color were completely excluded from most of this progress.

• Systemic oppression meant true equality was still far away.

5. For whom did the war represent progress (Black Canadian soldiers, Aboriginal soldiers, women, pilots, French Canadians)? For whom did it represent decline?

• Black Canadian Soldiers: Served with distinction but faced discrimination.

• Aboriginal Soldiers: Similarly faced discrimination but contributed to the war effort.

• Women: Gained rights, work opportunities, but gender discrimination persisted.

• French Canadians: Reluctant to join, resented conscription.

• Pilots: Increased recognition for those serving in the Royal Flying Corps.

Response: For some groups, WWI represented progress, such as Black and Aboriginal Canadian soldiers, who proved their valor despite facing systemic racism and discrimination. Women gained new opportunities and social advancements, particularly in the workforce and political rights, though inequality persisted. French Canadians, however, felt a sense of decline, particularly due to conscription and the perceived British imperialistic nature of the war. Pilots received increased recognition, but much of this progress was overshadowed by the broader societal struggles these groups faced.

6. How did Canada establish itself militarily overseas in WWI? (battles)

• Major battles: Vimy Ridge, Somme, Passchendaele, Ypres

• Vimy Ridge marked Canada’s emergence as a distinct national entity, a turning point in military identity.

• Canadian troops earned a reputation for their skill and courage, contributing significantly to the war effort.

Response: Canada established itself militarily during WWI through major engagements such as Vimy Ridge, where Canadian forces played a crucial role in securing the position. The victory at Vimy Ridge, in particular, is seen as a defining moment in Canada’s military identity, marking its transition from being a colonial force to an independent contributor on the world stage. Despite the heavy casualties, the bravery shown by Canadian troops elevated Canada’s reputation internationally.

7. Was the war worth it for Canada? What were the major economic, social and political changes the war brought about? Were they overwhelmingly positive or negative?

• Economic impact: Initially boosted wartime production but led to post-war debt.

• Social changes: Increased women's rights, but at a cost of social divisions.

• Political shifts: National unity and recognition, but tension over conscription.

Response: While WWI brought about significant changes for Canada, including economic boosts from wartime production and greater social and political recognition, it also had its costs. The war led to enormous loss of life and deep political divisions, especially over conscription. Economically, Canada emerged with massive debt, and socially, the war highlighted and exacerbated existing divisions, particularly with French Canadians. Whether the war was “worth it” depends on perspective, but its long-term effects were both positive and negative.

8. What were the intended and unintended consequences of prohibition? Should the government have tried this social experiment?

Intended Goals:

• Reduce alcohol consumption, crime, and poverty.

• Improve public health, family values, and workplace productivity.

Unintended Outcomes:

• Rise of organized crime (bootlegging, speakeasies).

• Unsafe homemade alcohol led to poisonings.

• Loss of government tax revenue, economic harm.

• Increased law enforcement costs and public disobedience.

Should the Government Have Tried It?

✅ Yes: Alcohol abuse was a real issue, and some areas saw short-term benefits.
❌ No: Crime skyrocketed, people drank anyway, and the government lost control.

Final Verdict:

• It failed—banning alcohol ignored human nature.

• Regulation would’ve worked better than outright prohibition.

9. What are the causes and consequences of the lack of development of Canada’s film industry?

• The early Canadian film industry faced competition from Hollywood.

• Lack of investment, support, and governmental support.

• Cultural and political tensions, as Canadian identity was not well represented.

Response: Canada struggled to develop its film industry due to a combination of lack of investment, cultural identity struggles, and fierce competition from Hollywood. Efforts to create a distinctive Canadian cinema were hindered by financial constraints and the dominance of American films, which led to the underdevelopment of the industry. This lack of growth stunted Canada's cultural expression through film, with long-term consequences for Canadian cultural identity.

10. How did Canada struggle to achieve independence during the first half of the twentieth century?

• Balfour Declaration (1926) granted more autonomy to Canada.

• Statute of Westminster (1931) further solidified Canada’s independence.

• National identity debates, particularly with French Canadians and British ties.

Response: Canada’s struggle for independence during the early 20th century was marked by increasing autonomy from Britain, culminating in the Statute of Westminster (1931), which granted full legislative independence. While Canada gained more control over its affairs, the debate over national identity, particularly between French and English Canadians, continued. The drive for full independence was a gradual process, influenced by global shifts and internal political pressures.

11. Analyse the historical significance of residential schools and the steps taken to assimilate and discriminate against First Nations, Metis and Inuit. What are the short term and long term consequences of these steps?

• Designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.

• Led to long-term trauma, loss of cultural heritage, and intergenerational impacts.

• Recognition and apologies came much later, with efforts toward reconciliation.

Response: Residential schools represent a dark chapter in Canada’s history, aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into European-Canadian culture by erasing their languages and traditions. The long-term consequences were devastating, with children suffering physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, leading to lasting trauma in Indigenous communities. The impact of these schools is still felt today, but steps toward reconciliation, including official apologies, have been made to address the harm caused.