Untitled Flashcards Set

World War One (WWI) was significant event that forever changed history. Warfare was forever changed with the introduction of Airplanes, Tanks, Chlorine and Mustard Gas. The global conflict accounted for over 8 million total military battle deaths, saw over 58,000 Canadians die as a result of the war, and attributed to the death of over 6 million civilians. 

The assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand is the immediate cause of WWI. However, the conditions in Europe prior to the assassination were extremely tense and many would argue war was inevitable. As such, many view the assassination of the Archduke as the Spark that ignited the tension in Europe. 

The Long Term Causes of WWI can be summarized in the acronym - M.A.I.N. 

• Militarism 

• Alliance System 

• Imperialism

• Nationalism 

Read the following handout titled "M.A.I.N" to gain a better understanding of the long term causes - M.A.I.N.pdf

The political map below provides a visualization of the Alliance System that developed. Knowing that a war was all but certain, the countries of Europe aligned themselves in the hope of increasing military might and defence. However, the alliances created a false sense of security. 

Discussion questions - 

1. Based on the map above, which alliance do you think would have the advantage as war began? Why?

2. What strategic advantage does Great Britain have over the other powerful nations of Europe? 

National Military strengths:

Militarism proved to be a vital cause of the Great War. The powerful countries of Europe believed that military might would be the solution to any future conflict. The chart below illustrates the military strengths and populations of several countries involved in WWI. 

1. Based on these figures, which alliance (Triple Entente or Triple Alliance) do you think would have the advantage as war began? Why?

2. How does Germany's submarine force rank when compared to that of the Triple Entente nations?

3. The submarine advantage over Germany never really became effective until the later stages of the war. Suggest a plausible reason why this advantage over Germany might not have resulted in great success initially.

The fuse is lit - assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand. 

The government of Austria-Hungary was convinced that the Serbian government was involved in the assassination of the Archduke at Sarajevo, Bosnia on June 28, 1914. Austria-Hungary became determined to crush little Serbia. Austria-Hungary first secured a promise from the Emperor of Germany that Germany would stand beside Austria-Hungary in the event of any war. Then, on July 23, 1914, Austria sent an ultimatum (a final demand) to Serbia. Serbia was given 48 hours to reply, meet the listed demands and avoid war. To meet the demands, Serbia would be forced to surrender much of her independence. Serbia did not meet all of the demands associated with the ultimatum. The below timeline highlights the start of WWI:

• July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia

• July 30, Russia, a good friend of Serbia, fearing for the security of her territory, mobilized her troops to go to the aid of Serbia 

• Germany now felt bound by her alliance to help Austria-Hungary against Russia

  • August 1, Germany declared war on Russia

  • August 3, Germany declared war on France 

• In a surprise move on August 4, Germany invaded France by marching first through neutral Belgium

  • Britain and other European nations had signed a treaty guaranteeing Belgian neutrality in case of war, Britain did not hesitate to honour this agreement

  • August 4, Britain declared war on Germany

    • As part of the British Empire, Canada was automatically at war as well 

The Schlieffen Plan:

When war broke out in August 1914, the Germans had already developed a plan of attack. It had been written by General von Schlieffen in 1905, almost 10 years before the outbreak of WWI.

• The plan called for a quick attack on France, Germany hoped to take out France in six weeks and then focus their efforts on the Eastern front

• The plan called for the majority of German forces to concentrate their attack through neutral Belgium

  • This would cut off coastal ports to British ships

  • Take significantly less time than advancing through the heavily fortified border with France

• A small German force would be sent straight across the French-German border to attract French troops

  • The German force would retreat

  • The larger German force, having swept around Paris, would catch the French army in a trap 

In order for the plan to work, the following was necessary: A quick Germany victory with no Belgian resistance, the French attacking along the French-German border, and Russia's slow mobilization. 

The image below provides a visualization of The Schlieffen Plan. 

Years of planning but no success for Germany! 

Belgium was given much praise in the role she played for slowing down the German offensive. Look over the political cartoon below and considering the accompanying questions. 

Discussion questions - 

1. Locate any words used to identify/label objects or people.

2. Which words/phrases in the cartoon appear to be the most significant? 

3. Locate any objects/symbols. What do you think each symbol means?

4. What is the cartoonist's point of view about the topic portrayed in the cartoon? 

How did Canada respond to the war in Europe? 

Valcartier Camp:

Shortly after Britain declared war on Germany August 4, 1914, the Canadian federal government took action to quickly develop a training ground.  The Canadian Minister of Militia and Defence issued a "direct call to arms" and the federal government purchased farm land in Valcartier for training. 

Read the attached handout titled "Valcartier Camp - Information," it provides general information about the camp and statistical data. Look over the map provided - ask yourself, what is the strategic position of Valcartier? Why did the federal government select Valcartier as the training grounds?

Valcartier Camp - Information

Next steps - Read the below two documents 

Document 1 - Valcartier Camp.pdf

Document 2 - Valcartier Camp II.pdf

The two accounts of Valcartier Camp by A. Macphail and M. Aiken illustrate the need for historians to draw from multiple sources when investigating history. 

Answer the questions below -

1. What factual pieces of evidence can be concluded about Valcartier Camp from the two readings? (Remember: facts are unquestioned statements that do NOT contain a personal belief/feeling)

2. Highlight two positive and negative points about Valcartier Camp that come up in the readings.

Recruitment and Enlistment:

As you can anticipate, throughout Canada, there were varying opinions towards recruitment and reasons for enlistment.

Not everyone was wanted

Even though there was a huge demand for soldiers not everyone was want.  The army really only wanted young white men who were between the ages of 18 and 45.  Women were restricted to only being allowed to be nurses and ambulance drives, while racial minority groups like Indigenous and African Canadians were not allowed to enlist at all. 

At the start of the war Military Command did not believe that Indigenous Canadians would want to join and were concerned about how the Germans would treat them if they were captured.  But many did want to join and many did excel on the battlefield

Indigenous People in The Canadian Military

Canadian officials contemplated the role of Aboriginal peoples in the war almost from its onset. The initial response in Ottawa was hesitation. In the popular literature of the day, ‘Red Indians’ were associated with torture and scalping, practices quite unacceptable under the rules of war laid out in the Geneva Convention (1906). ‘While British troops would be proud to be associated with their fellow subjects,’ official logic held, ‘Germans might refuse to extend to them the privileges of civilized warfare.’ The recruitment of ‘status Indians’ in Canada was therefore prohibited. However, the policy was not strictly enforced and was cancelled in late 1915.

For those who served, the experience brought with it a unique brand of culture shock. ‘For Indians who had been raised in the traditional way there were some unique problems of adjusting to army life,’ historian Fred Gaffen observed. The rigid military hierarchy in the Canadian Corps sharply distinguished between officers and other ranks, whereas traditional relationships between war chiefs and warriors were more equal and familiar. Nonetheless, ‘many soldiers of native ancestry shone individually within the various battalions,’ historian Fred Gaffen concluded, ‘in keeping with their traditional way of life and culture where individual heroism in battle were held in high esteem.’

Quote From Francis Pegahmagabow (Canadian Indigenous veteran of WWI)

‘When he was in uniform he was considered an equal...by what he could do. When he came back, he just went back to being an Indian. Indians at that time were not even Canadian citizens'.

Edward Ahenakew (Canadian Indigenous Veteran of WWI)

Not in vain did our young men die in a strange land; not in vain are our Indian bones mingled with the soil of a foreign land for the first time since the world began; not in vain did the Indian fathers and mothers see their son march away to face what to them were understandable [sic] dangers; the unseen tears of Indian mothers in many isolated Indian reserves have watered the seeds from which may spring those desires and efforts and aspirations which will enable us to reach sooner the stage when we will take our place side by side with the white people.

African Canadians in The Canadian Military

At the outset of the war African Canadians, even though many wanted to, were barred from enlisting in the military.  When they were finally aloud to enlist, they could only do so if the could find enough people to form a company.  They were then placed in segregated units and were more often then not put in construction roles and were not allowed to fight on the front lines.

Black soldiers were not always restricted to construction roles There were some who were able to enlist in other battalions where the recruiting officer accepted them. Jeremiah Jones enlisted in the 106th overseas battalion, commanded by LT Col W.H. Allan. At Vimy Ridge, he was among the 16 black soldiers assigned to the Royal Canadian Regiment. During the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April of 1917, Jones rescued his unit from an enemy machine gun nest in what was to become a battle that is now known as Canada's greatest success and source of great national pride. Here, at Vimy Ridge, Jones was part of the 4 Canadian divisions which fought together for the first time under the command of Canadian General Arthur Currie. Jones' action was heroic - he had contributed to one of Canada's greatest victories in World War I. More important, he had also proven a black man's worth in a white man's army. This was recognized when Jones was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Letter from Captain J.F. Tupper (Westville, Nova Scotia) to Sam Hughes

"As I have unsolicited application from over one hundred (Black) men wishing to enlist, and non of the regiments being formed will take them, if I secure the names of a thousand men, white and (black) willing to enlist in a regiment to consist of white and (black) men, will you accept them as a new Nova Scotia regiment?'  It is felt that (black) men should be allowed to go, but the regiments being formed do not want them."

Statement from Major-General W.G. Gwatkin

"In the last extremity we might organize a company or two.  But would Canadian (blacks) make good fighting men?  I do not think so."

Letter from John T. Richards to Sam Hughes

“Honourable Sir: On behalf of St John’s colored residents...some 20 of our colored Men tried to enlist but were turned down. On arrival at the office they were met by the Commanding Officer and told to get right away from there as he would not have them at all, in fact insulted them. ...Nothing has been done for these people by the Military here; it is a downright shame and an insult to the Race, the way our people have been used.... I believe you will right this wrong. I wish you would have this matter cleared up at your earliest moment and issue a general order that [we] shall not be discriminated against....Yours ‘for a square deal for each and all’ John T. Richards, 274 Prince William Street”

For Further detail and enrichment about discrimination among the ranks refer to the attached documents below.

Read the two scanned documents - "Unwanted in the war" and "Prejudice in WW1" and answer the questions below. 

Unwanted in the War

Prejudice Amongst the ranks 

1. Who was NOT wanted in the war? Why were they not wanted?

African Americans, Indigenous people, Italian canadians, asian canadian. Because it was a “white man’s war” couldnt promise that the geneva conventions would be upheld. 

2. How did the "unwanted" finally get into the war? What role did the No. 2 Construction Battalion serve in Europe? 

CEF or non-combat role, They made construction battalion, they dug trenches, and did lumber work. 

3. What is the significance of the following individuals -  Captain William White and Francis Pegahamagabow?

Captain william white-first commissioned officer of african american hertiage in the canadian army

Francis Pegahmagabow-deadliest shot on the western front, Indigenous soldier, most decorated indigenous soldier. 

______________________________________________________________________

Click the link below to answer the questions that follow:

The Canadian Encyclopedia - Jeremiah Jones

1. How old was Jeremiah Jones when he enlisted with the 106th Battalion in 1916? 

58

2. What heroic actions did Jeremiah Jones take during the battle of Vimy Ridge?

Jones volunteered to attack the German gun position. According to his report, after he reached the machine gun nest, he lobbed a grenade and killed about seven German soldiers. The remaining soldiers surrendered to Jones. He made the surrendered German soldiers carry their machine gun back across Canadian lines and drop it at the feet of his commanding officer. Jones was wounded in action at Vimy Ridge and spent a good deal of time in hospital. He was discharged in 1918 in Halifax, after being found medically unfit for military service.

3. When was Jeremiah Jones awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service? Why the delay? 

2010, because of racism. 

After the War Legacy - The Canadian War Museum 

Click the following link - Canadian War Museum - WWI Legacy 

Answer the below questions: (find the sub-headings on the left side) 

The War’s Impact of Canada - 

1. Explain the following quote - “A war fought supposedly for liberal freedoms against Prussian militarism had exposed uneasy contradictions.” 

The Canadians were united but also exposed issues in the country. It brought new freedoms and unity to Canada.

2. After the war, why were French and English relations never lower?

Robert Borden’s election divided the country, conscription tore the French from the conservative party. 

3. Fill in the blanks - “Canada independently signed the  Treaty of Versailles 1919.” 

4. Fill in the blanks - “The primary fighting force at the front, the Canadian Corps, had achieved a  first class reputation as one of the most effective formations on the Western Front.” 

The Cost of Canada’s War -

1. How many Canadians were killed? 

61,0000 

2. How many Canadians were wounded? 

172,00

3. How many Canadians that enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, served overseas? 

Approx. 424,000

4. Fill in the blanks - “No reliable method existed for tracking or treating psychological casualties, but authorities identified over 9,00 Canadians as suffering from “shell shock”.” 

Austrian demand & the outbreak of World War One 

Article - “The Austrian demand that may bring on the war”

1. Who is angry at who and why? 

Austro-Hungary is mad at Serbia because they believe they have something to with the Sarajevo assassinations. They killed Archduke Franz Ferdinand heir to the Austro-Hungary throne. 

2. What are they demanding and what is the deadline?

They are demanding that the government condemns anti-Austro Hungary monarchy propaganda. The deadline is 6 o’clock July 25 1914. Take responsibility for the asassination and give up a part of its land. If not they will attack. 

3. Why is this ultimatum so concerning for all of Europe? 

Russia is ready to protect Serbia from Austro-Hungary and because of the Triple Entente and Triple Alliance this would lead to all nations joining the war.

4. If you were the king of Austria, would you have acted differently, explain why or why not? 

I may have expected that this could lead to war and not have demanded an apology without evidence. 

5. Why do you think Russia has interfered in this affair? 

Russia wants to practice imperialism and may want to take over both of the countries. 

Outbreak of World War One - Chronological order 

• All of the following events occurred just before the outbreak of World War One. The order of the events is scrambled. Number the events from 1 - 14 in the correct chronological order.

Topic 1 - Halifax Explosion (December 6 1917)

• Halifax Explosion Interactive

• Halifax Explosion 

Watch both parts of the interactive to find the answers

1. Why was Halifax so important during WW1?

Protected port city, allowed for transport to the allies. 

2. What caused the explosion (describe the events on the water)?

A steamship cuts across the Imo’s path, they break the rules, the Imo is facing a tugboat, it steers into the path of the Montblanc, the captains cut their engines the momentum keeps going, the hit each other.

3. What was the result of the explosion? (Record 3-4 bullet points of information) 

•  All buildings within 800 meters are destroyed

• 1600 people die immediately

• 9000 people are injured

4. Summarize one of the various stories presented in part 2 starting with the Epicentre tab?

Asphan Annie was a 23 month old girl, who lived by the river, her mother and brother died watching the explosion. She was found inside an ashpan, after surviving for 26 hours. 

Topic 2 - Profiteering

• Profits for Lives

1. Who was in charge of purchasing all the war supplies for the Canadian army for the first half of the war? Who replaced him?

Colonel Sam hughes he was replaced by Joseph Flavelle. 

2. Why was the Ross Rifle chosen for Canadian Soldiers? Why was it a bad choice?

It was chosen because it had great accuracy, it was a bad choice because when it was exposed to dust it would get jammed on the battlefield. 

3. What were some of the scandals that the Munitions board faced?

The creator of the ross rifle was given an 18 million dollar subsidy, Hughes’ close friends made millions from the war, Flavelle had recieved profits from selling his bacon to the british. 

4. As the Chief Executive of the Imperial Munitions Board, which event caused Joseph Flavelle to implement strict profit margins? 

He visited the battle of Somme and saw the terrible conditions of the men.

5. How was Joseph Flavelle implicated in the war profiteering scandals?

From 1916-1917 his company reported profits of 80% selling bacon to the british. 

Topic 3 - Women and Work

• Women and the War

1. Fill in the blanks - “For much of the war it was against the [law] in Canada for a married man to enlist without the [written] permission of their [spouse].

2. When some Canadian women refused to support their husbands joining the war effort, which tactics were employed by the government? 

They wanted to make them feel guilty for not sending their husbands to war, this included asking what their husbands would say when someone asked what they did during the war, as well as telling them that they weren’t protecting their king and country. 

3. List various contributions made by Canada women to support the war effort

Making pillowcases, clothing, sheets, they worked as civil servants, in banks, factories, farms, as nurses, over 1000 women worked in the Canadian air force.  

4. What were some of the factory jobs that women had during the war?

Munitions, and clothing factories. 

5. How did some Toronto women try to go against social norms and do more for the war effort?

They wanted to become homefront soldiers so that other homefront soldiers could go over seas to fight. 

6. What role in the army could women get? How many Canadian women enlisted in such a role? 

Women could be army nurses, or work in the air force as motor transporters, mechanics, or ambulance drivers. 2000 women enlisted in the army nursing and 1000 in the air force.  

Topic 4 - Victory Bonds

• Victory Bonds Posters

1. Who did the Canadian government sell Victory Bonds to? 

Canadian citizens, private corporations, or organizations. 

2. How did Victory Bonds (loans) work?

The bonds were loans that could be payed back  5, 10 or 20 years after their war. 

3. When were they first issued and how much was raised?

They were first issued in 1915 and 100 million dollars was raised. 

4. What was their purpose?

Their purpose was to help fund the war. 

5. What were children encouraged to collect? 

Children were encouraged to collect thrift stamps that once enough were accumulated could be used to buy a victory bond.

6. Why was a Victory Bonds campaign launched in 1919, given the war ended November 1918?

To “Bring our Boys back” these loans covered the cost of rehabilitation and transportation to get canadian soldiers back home.

7. How would a community earn a Victory Loan Flag? 

They would have to purchase a certain amount of victory bonds, in order to be given a flag. 

Topic 5 - Conscription Crisis

• Canadian War Museum - Conscription

• Union Government 

1. Define Conscription. When was it a crisis during WWI and along what lines was Canada divided?

Mandatory enlistment in the army, it was a crisis because enlistment numbers were dropping and many soldiers were dying. It was divided on race, social status, language, and religion.

2. What was the result of the 1917 election?

Robert Borden 

3. What are some of the reasons that people opposed conscription? (at least 2 groups)

Farmer’s needed someone to be at home to keep the harvest and support their livelihood, their lives would fall apart if conscripted. French speaking canadians did not support conscription as they had little loyalty to france or britain. 

4. What government law gave the government the power to conscript its citizens, when was it passed and who did it stipulate could be conscripted?

Military service act, all male citizens aged 20 to 45. 

5. Which two acts did Borden pass to try and increase his chances of winning the national election?

The Wartime elections act allowed women whose husbands, sons or brothers fought in the war the right to vote. And the Military voters act which gave the right to vote to anyone in the Canadian military or nurses.

1. How was each act ground-breaking at increasing and/or decreasing the right to vote?

Women got to vote for the first time, it was also groundbreaking for immigrants to get to vote regardless of time in Canada. 

Topic 6 - Ukrainian Internment

• "Enemy Aliens" - Ukrainian Internment

• Video - WWI - Internment Camps in Canada

1. What do the terms interment and Enemy Alien mean, and what gave the government the power to intern Enemy Aliens?

Internment-Being a prisoner of war based on country of origin or ethnicity.

Enemy Alien-Citizens of the countries that we were at war with. 

The war measures act. 

2. How many Enemy Aliens were interned and how did the government take advantage of Internees labour?

8,579, take wealth or money, made them do physical labour. 

3. Has the government done anything to make amends for the internment and if you were an internee would this have made up for your time at the camps?

In 2005 the government recognized the internment camps,and negotiations went on for a settlement.

Edith Anderson Monture 

• Explore the hyperlink below to about the contributions Canadian women made in the battle front during the Great War, specifically the contributions of Edith Monture 

• Answer the questions that follow

< Edith Monture - The Canadian Encyclopedia >

Questions - 

1. Fill in the blanks - “Edith was the first Indigenous women to become a nurse in Canada and to gain the right to vote in a Canadian federal election.” 

2. Which school did Edith Monture receive her high school diploma from? What is the significance of her obtaining a high school diploma?

Brantford Collegiate institute, she was considered a gifted student which is significant because few women got high school diplomas at the time. 

3. What obstacles did Edith Monture overcome to become a registered nurse? 

Nursing schools excluded indigenous women from applying due to the indian act, she then went to the US for nursing school. 

4. When the United States entered World War One in 1917, in which capacity did Edith Monture volunteer? 

United States army nurse corps she served overseas at a base hospital. 

5. Describe the job requirements and responsibilities that Edith Monture took on as a nurse in France. 

Treated soldiers from the war, as well as walking across battlefields looking for wounded soldiers. She worked 14 hour days. 

6. Fill in the blanks - “We would walk right over where there had been fighting. It was an awful sight - buildings in rubble, trees burnt, spent shells all over the place, whole towns blown up.” 

7. Which legislation gave Edith Monture the recognition as being the first Status Indian and registered band member to vote in a Canadian federal election? 

The military service Act. 

Life in the trenches - World War I

Step 1 - 

• Read “Life in the trenches article” and answer the questions below 

1. Autumn 1914 to Spring 1918 - how is the war described? There was a lack of movement with a stalemate on the western front. 

2. Fill in the blanks - Many men died on their first day in the trenches as a consequence of a precisely aimed snipers bullet. 

3. Explain how the following impacted life in the trenches - rat infestation and lice. 

Rat infestation-brown rats ate human remains making them disfigured and growing them to the size of a cat, they scampered across the soldiers faces as they slept, transmitted diseas, and made food unsafe.

Lice-caused trench fever a painful disease that takes 12 weeks to heal outside of the trenches, and were incredibly itchy. 

4. What chores did the soldiers have? 

Refilling sand bags, repair floorboards, drain the trenches, and preparing latrines. 

Step 2 - 

Definitions - Over The Top 

Use the link below to play the “Over the top game.” As you play the game, complete the matching activity below. You may have to play the game multiple times to come across all of the terms. 

< Game - Over The Top > 

The Final Push – The Armistice and Peace

1. What event occurred in Russia that benefited Germany? Explain.

The Russian empire surrendered in January 1918 because of the Russian revolution (communism). Violent overthrowing of the monarchy. This allowed the Germans to stop fighting a 2 sided war.

2. What was Canada’s 100 days?

They spearheaded key battles to fight off the Germans final attempt.  August 8-November 11. Canadians gained 13 km in one day. On August 8th “The Black Day of the German Army” when they realized they are not going to win the war. September-October the Hindenburg line (trenches and defensive positions that the Germans had) was broken. October Canadians liberate french towns. German forces collapse and retreat along the western front. 

3.      a)  What is an armistice?

An agreement to end the war, a cease fire. 

2. When did it happen?

November 11 at 11am, 1918. 

3. What were the conditions of the armistice? (who signed the War Guilt Clause?) 

Surrender its navy and merchant ships, compensate Allies for war damages. 

Intended to make it impossible for Germany to resume the war. Germany had to     

sign the war guilt clause

4. Where and when did the Paris Peace Conference take place?

January of 1919, in Paris,

• Robert Borden insisted Canada’s war effort entitled it to be represented as its own nation

• US opposed Canada getting its own vote

• Canada sent its own delegate but had no vote

5. What was the result (document) that came out of the Paris Peace Conference?

Treaty of Versailles, Canada felt the treaty was too tough on Germany.  Pay damages to the allies 30 billion. Canada signed the treaty of Versailles as its own separate nation 

6. Go to the following website → Punitive Damages against Germany 

1. In 2-3 bullet points define and explain the purpose behind articles 227 - 230.

• The allies were allowed to do war crime trials 

• It called for a five judge tribunal of Wilhem Kaiser, this never happened as he was never extradited from the Netherlands

• 17 Germans were put on trial for looting a sinking hospital trip, many were not charged or were given light sentences

2. In 2-3 bullet points define and explain the purpose behind  article 231. 

• The war guilt clause, required Germany to accept responsibility for causing damage inflicted on the Allies

  • Demanded that Germany pay reparations: $33 billion, $423 billion in 2019 dollars

• Germany was already in economic trouble, and the reparations served to humiliate them and drive them into further financial strife

7. What international organization was created after the war? What main purpose did it serve?

Made in 1919 the League of Nations, officially enacted and passed in 1922. Sole purpose was to prevent another World War. 

The Great World War - Skit Questions

1. What accusations are made against Germany? (primarily from Britain & France)

Preparing for war, navy, has conscription, historically an aggressor (took French land in 1870), terrible people, imperialism (colonialism).

2. How is Germany depicted and what is the nation seeking?

Germany calls itself-young,strong,peaceful. Germany wants more space and to practice imperialism.

3. How are Serbia, Belgium and Italy depicted? 

Stronger and vulnerable need protection, must make alliances or declare neutrality.

4. What Alliance systems can be identified (who is aligned with who?) **Triple Entente/Triple Alliance 

Triple Entente-britain, france, russia

Triple Alliance-austria-hungary, italy, germany

5. What strategic position does Turkey hold? 

Controls the black sea, old and sick. 

6. What accusations are made against Austria-Hungary? 

Bullying Serbia, other bullying.

7. Why is Britain worried? 

That Germany was going to start a war

8. What alliance exists between Britain and Belgium? 

Belgium can stay neural and if someone invades Belgium Britain will protect them. 

The War in the Air and on Sea – Questions

1)   At the beginning stages of the War – describe the War in the air.

Slow dangerous, unable to handle heavy weight.

2)   What was the average life expectancy of a pilot in 1917?

2 weeks

3)   Define – Biplane.

An airplane with two sets on wings one on top of the body and one underneath. 

4)   By the end of the War – describe the War in the air.

Faster, could carry bombs, could hold weight, safer.

5)   What year was the Royal Canadian Air Force created?

1918

6)   What is the Red Baron’s name?

Manfred von Richthofen

7)   The war at Sea – What was the German strategy?

Stop supplies from entering or leaving the Uk by using U-boats, to destroy them. 

8)   What is the significance of the sinking of the Lusitania?

Not a war vessel, hit by german Uboats, 1119 of the 1924 people on board died, 144 americans. 

9)   The war at Sea – What was the British strategy?

Blockade the Germans to try and block them from getting supplies. 

10) Define merchant marine.

Ferried munitions and food to the UK

11) Explain the convoy system.

Cargo ships were escorted by destroyers and battleship to deter submarines. 

Vimy Ridge Article - Questions 

**Click the hyperlink to open the article

1. What new international role was offered to Canada after WWI as proof that it had earned its “nationhood” at Vimy Ridge? 

League of Nations 1922

2. When signing the Treaty of Versailles, what request by the Germans demonstrated their respect for the military tactics of the Canadians at Vimy Ridge?

To be given the battle plan of the Canadians at Vimy Ridge. 

3. During WWII, what special respect was shown by the Germans for the Canadian Memorial at Vimy?

There is one (pine or maple) tree for each Canadian who was killed or missing during the battle, during the war the Germans ordered that not one tree was to be touched and no bombing was to happen near the memorial. 

4. List 4 conditions that the Canadian officers demanded when the British asked them to take Vimy Ridge.

They had to be able to fight as a corps, with their own officers, with their own battle plan, total preparedness,  and no careless waste of manpower. 

5. In jot dot notes, describe the special preparations made by the Canadians before battle. 

• Day and hour of the attack kept a secret

• Built a model of the ridge

• Practiced until each man knew their part

• Each officer took their platoon individually over the fake ridge

• Subway was built

• 50,000 tons of ammo were shot

• Communication for the big guns in the back

• Took a good slug of rum before battle

• Well rested, each was given a map

Vimy Ridge Article - Questions 

**Click the hyperlink to open the article

1. What new international role was offered to Canada after WWI as proof that it had earned its “nationhood” at Vimy Ridge? 

League of Nations 1922

2. When signing the Treaty of Versailles, what request by the Germans demonstrated their respect for the military tactics of the Canadians at Vimy Ridge?

To be given the battle plan of the Canadians at Vimy Ridge. 

3. During WWII, what special respect was shown by the Germans for the Canadian Memorial at Vimy?

There is one (pine or maple) tree for each Canadian who was killed or missing during the battle, during the war the Germans ordered that not one tree was to be touched and no bombing was to happen near the memorial. 

4. List 4 conditions that the Canadian officers demanded when the British asked them to take Vimy Ridge.

They had to be able to fight as a corps, with their own officers, with their own battle plan, total preparedness,  and no careless waste of manpower. 

5. In jot dot notes, describe the special preparations made by the Canadians before battle. 

• Day and hour of the attack kept a secret

• Built a model of the ridge

• Practiced until each man knew their part

• Each officer took their platoon individually over the fake ridge

• Subway was built

• 50,000 tons of ammo were shot

• Communication for the big guns in the back

• Took a good slug of rum before battle

• Well rested, each was given a map

• 2nd Battle of Ypres - Ypres, Belgium
  Who:	Canadians + French + British vs. Germans
  When:	April 22, 1915
  What:	New weapon released: Chlorine gas Canadians urinated on handkerchiefs to prevent poisoning French soldiers were unprotected and fled the front lines Canadians moved in to replace injured and fled soldiers, hold the line for two days The battle continued for 1 month - battle ends in stalemate Until this point Canadians had a romantic notion of what war was going to be like First battle for Canadians
  Importance to Canada: Where “In Flanders fields” is first wrote, he was not impressed with it so he through it out, from 1921 the poppy has been a symbol of remembrance Earned respect for Canada Canada proved worthy of military offences New weapon technology More than 6000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or captured holding their ground In total 59,000 casualties First time canadians battled
  Casualties	59,000
  Use one of the websites below to add two additional notes about the topic. The additional notes can be a statistic, further detail on a point we already discussed about this battle, a primary source account, etc.  < https://www.warmuseum.ca/blog/the-second-battle-of-ypres-and-the-first-chlorine-gas-attack/ >  < https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-ypres > The Germans released more than 160 tonnes of the gas from thousands of canisters arranged along German lines The second battle of Ypres continued for another month after the Canadians were relieved

  
  
  
  
  

  Battle of Somme - Somme River France
  Who:	British offensive (with Canadians & Newfoundlanders)
  When:	July - November 1916
  What:	British attack with a “barrage” Considered to be the “Big Push” by the British Attack was a failure – 58,000 British casualties on the first day of battle The allies shelled the German lines for days before the attack The Germans survived in deep “bunkers” and the German defenses were not destroyed Outdated tactics were used - troops ordered to march across open fields Battle lasts for 5 months - allies captured 13 kilometer of land More than 1.25 million casualties 24,000 Canadians among them The royal newfoundland regiment suffered immensely during their first day 700 fought first day, 68 remained the second day
  Importance to Canada: Learn to carefully plan and change “over the top” strategy Canadians gained a reputation as “shock troops”-good, important Shows the horror of the Great War
  Casualties	1.25 million casualties total, 24,000 canadians, 58,000 British on the first day, 632 Newfoundlanders first day
  Use one of the websites below to add two additional notes about the topic. The additional notes can be a statistic, further detail on a point we already discussed about this battle, a primary source account, etc.  < https://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/battles-and-fighting/land-battles/the-somme/ >  < https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-the-somme > No Canadian infantry units participated in this attack but, at Beaumont Hamel, the 1st Newfoundland Regiment, attached to a British division, was cut down on 1 July by German machine-gun fire as it attacked over open ground. Within 30 minutes, the regiment suffered a crippling 324 killed and 386 wounded out of a total of 801 soldiers. 420,000 British Empire (including 24,000 Canadians and 700 Newfoundlanders), 194,000 French, 440,000 Germans

  
  
  

  Battle of Vimy Ridge - Vimy France (Ridge, elevation, Germans have the high ground=advantage)
  Who:	Canadians vs. Germans
  When:	April 9-12, 1917 Germans took control of VImy ridge in 1914 The vantage point provided a clear view of the surrounding countryside The British and French were unsuccessful in capturing the Ridge Late in 1916 - Canadians were chosen to lead a new assault
  What:	Birth of a nation Rolling (artillery, creeping) barrage-heavy artillery on the ridge Lieutenant-General Julian Byng, a British officer planned the attack (**future governor general of Canada) Vimy ridge was to be carried out by the Canadian Corps The ridge was heavily defended New strategies- ARTHUR CURRIE insisted on preparing soldiers (sleep, maps, photographs) Sappers (army engineers) built tunnels Canadians attacked after an artillery barrage April 9, 1917, Canadian troops move into position First objective achieved in less than two hours By April 12 the last German position on the ridge is captured.
  Importance to Canada: Stunning victory Canadians gain ground, take prisoners of war, capture artillery and gain a key location First time Canada fought “Solo” Symbol of Canadian pride and nationalism Victory provides hope for the Triple Entente New war strategies Viewed as an important event in Canada gaining nationhood
  Casualties	3500 Canadians are killed, 7000 are wounded
  Use one of the websites below to add two additional notes about the topic. The additional notes can be a statistic, further detail on a point we already discussed about this battle, a primary source account, etc.  < https://www.warmuseum.ca/the-battle-of-vimy-ridge  >  < https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/search?search=The+battle+of+Vimy+ridge+ > It was the largest territorial advance of any Allied force to that point in the war Overhead during the day, Royal Flying Corps pilots scouted the location of German gun batteries, while contending with enemy fighters.

  
  
  

  Passchendaele (3rd Battle of Ypres)  (MUD)
  Who:	British Empire (Canadians included) vs Germans
  When:	July-October 1917
  What:	Take over small Belgian Village;use same tactics as Vimy ridge The battle took place on marshland, swampy even without rain 1917 had an unusually cold and wet summer and heavy artillery bombardment destroyed the surface of the land Too muddy = no creeping barrage 8-10 men were required to carry out one victime Many wounded often drowned in battlefield General Currie, argued that the task was impossible
  Importance to Canada: Cost- 15,600 Canadian lives and more than 200,000 casualties on each side Canada’s reputation as an offensive fighting force grows Allies gained 8km Successs against major challenges
  Casualties	15,600 Canadians, 200,000 on each side
  Use one of the websites below to add two additional notes about the topic. The additional notes can be a statistic, further detail on a point we already discussed about this battle, a primary source account, etc.  < https://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/battles-and-fighting/land-battles/passchendaele/ >  < https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-passchendaele > Sir Douglas Haig, the commander-in-chief of the British Expeditionary Force, ordered the Canadians to deliver victory. The British lost an estimated 275,000 casualties at Passchendaele to the German’s 220,000

  
  

  Zimmermann Telegram:

  
  

  • January 1917 - British intelligence intercepts a telegram from German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German minister in Mexico

  • Asking Mexico to join the German cause

  • In return Mexico would be given land