1. Introduction to History
• Why study history? Helps us understand the past but has challenges like distortion, bias, fragmentation, and perception.
• Primary vs. Secondary Sources:
• Primary Source – Firsthand evidence (e.g., letters, photos).
• Secondary Source – Interpretation of events (e.g., textbooks).
• Four Historical Thinking Concepts:
1. Historical Significance – Why an event or person matters.
2. Cause and Consequence – What led to an event and its impact.
3. Continuity and Change – What has stayed the same or changed over time.
4. Perspective Taking – Understanding different viewpoints.
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2. Life in the 1900s
• Technological Advances: Electricity, automobiles, and telephones changed daily life.
• Immigration to Canada:
• Pull factors – Jobs, land, better opportunities.
• Discrimination – Not all groups were welcomed equally.
• Major Influences on Canadians: Urbanization, women’s suffrage, and industrial growth.
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3. Causes of WWI
• M.A.I.N Causes:
1. Militarism – Building strong armies and weapons, increasing tensions.
2. Alliances – Countries forming agreements to support each other in war.
3. Imperialism – Competition for land and resources.
4. Nationalism – Extreme pride in one’s country, leading to conflicts.
• Trigger Event:
• Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to Austria-Hungary) was assassinated on June 28, 1914 by a Serbian nationalist.
• This led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, triggering alliances and starting WWI.
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4. Trench Warfare
• Schlieffen Plan: Germany’s strategy to quickly defeat France and then fight Russia. It failed, leading to a long war.
• Life in the Trenches:
• Harsh conditions – Mud, rats, disease, and constant shelling.
• Trench foot – Painful infection caused by wet conditions.
• Shrapnel – Deadly metal fragments from explosions.
• No Man’s Land – Dangerous space between enemy trenches.
• Over the Top – When soldiers left their trenches to attack.
• Creeping Barrage: Artillery fire moved forward in stages to protect advancing soldiers.
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5. Major WWI Battles
• Ypres (1915): First use of poison gas.
• Somme (1916): High casualties, tanks first used.
• Vimy Ridge (1917): Canada’s major victory, gained national pride.
• Passchendaele (1917): Muddy, brutal battle with high losses.
• Last 100 Days: Canada’s key role in ending WWI.
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6. War in Air & Sea
• Air Warfare:
• Used for reconnaissance, bombing, and dogfights.
• Billy Bishop – Canada’s top flying ace.
• War at Sea:
• U-Boats: German submarines sinking ships.
• Lusitania Sinking (1915): Angered the USA, pushing them toward war.
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7. Weapons of WWI
• Machine Guns: Powerful but heavy.
• Tanks: Broke trenches but were slow.
• Poison Gas: Deadly but unpredictable.
• Submarines (U-Boats): Effective but vulnerable.
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8. Minorities in WWI
• Discrimination: Indigenous, Black, and other minority soldiers faced racism but still fought bravely.
• Notable Indigenous Soldiers:
• Francis Pegahmagabow – Most decorated Indigenous soldier, skilled sniper.
• Henry Norwest – Métis sniper with 115 confirmed kills.
• War Measures Act: Allowed the government to detain people suspected of being enemies.
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9. War at Home
• Women’s Role: Worked in factories, as nurses, and supported the war effort.
• Rationing: Controlled use of food and supplies.
• Propaganda: Posters and media used to encourage enlistment and support.
• Conscription Crisis: French Canadians opposed forced military service.
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10. Russia & USA in WWI
• Russian Revolution (1917): Russia withdrew from the war.
• USA Entry (1917): Helped turn the war in favor of the Allies.
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11. Treaty of Versailles (1919)
• Blamed Germany – Forced to pay reparations and reduce its military.
• Impact on Canada: Gained more independence in global affairs.