WW1
Identify the causes of WWI
1. Militarism
the belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war. This includes the development and maintenance of a strong military and an emphasis on military strength in national policy.
Contribution to WWI: European countries were heavily investing in their militaries, which led to an arms race. Nations like Germany and Britain built large armies and navies. This increase in military spending and competition made war seem more inevitable, and countries were ready for conflict. Militarism created an atmosphere where military solutions to international problems were prioritized over diplomacy.
2. Alliances
agreements between countries to support one another in case of war. These alliances created a system of mutual defense and were often secretive.
Contribution to WWI: By the early 20th century, Europe was divided into two main alliance systems: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain). These alliances meant that if one country was attacked, its allies were bound to help. After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914, the alliance system escalated the conflict, drawing multiple nations into the war as they honored their alliances.
3. Nationalism
the belief in the superiority and interests of one's own nation.
can also refer to the desire for independence and self-determination for ethnic or cultural groups.
Contribution to WWI: Nationalism fueled tensions in Europe, especially in areas like the Balkans, where Slavic nationalists were rebelling against Austria-Hungary. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was carried out by a Serbian nationalist who sought independence from Austria-Hungary. Nationalism led to aggressive foreign policies and competition for dominance, especially among the major powers, contributing to the outbreak of war.
4. Imperialism
the policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization, military force, or diplomacy. Major European powers were competing for colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Contribution to WWI: The major European powers were competing for control of territories around the world. Imperialism intensified rivalries between countries, especially between Britain, France, and Germany. Disputes over colonial territories contributed to tensions and distrust between the major powers, helping to set the stage for a global conflict when war broke out in Europe.
5. Assassination
assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, by a Bosnian Serb nationalist was the immediate spark that triggered the war.
Contribution to WWI: This assassination was the catalyst that set off the chain of events leading to WWI. Austria-Hungary, with the support of Germany, declared war on Serbia. Russia, in defense of its Slavic ally Serbia, mobilized against Austria-Hungary, which then led to Germany declaring war on Russia. The alliances were activated, and other countries soon became involved, leading to a global conflict.
The countries that made up the Triple Entente were:
Russia, France, The UK
The countries of the Triple Alliance were:
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy`
Which country switched sides in 1915? Italy moved to the Triple Entente in 1915
What made the soldiers itch and left red spots during their time in the trenches? Lice
What was trench foot?
Definition: A condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet, and unsanitary conditions, leading to poor circulation and tissue damage in the feet.
Symptoms: Swelling, numbness, blisters, and in severe cases, gangrene.
Contribution to WWI: Common in soldiers due to waterlogged trenches, leading to many soldiers being unfit for combat. It highlighted the harsh conditions of trench warfare.
What was the first battle where poison gas was used? Battle of Ypres
The Canadian Prime Minister during World War One was: Robert Borden
This gave the government power to take away freedom of speech, power to arrest, imprison, deport and control the nation's resources. War Measures Act
Who was Canada’s Minister of Militia at the start of WWI? Sam Hughes
Who were ‘Enemy Aliens’? Foreigners from opposing countries
World War One officially ended on this date (armistice) Nov 11, 1918
What is Conscription and why was it introduced? Mandatory military enlistment – Not enough soldiers on Front Lines
A term used to describe the buildup of military weapons before a war: _______Arms Race_______
Which group Assassinated the Archduke of Austria-Hungary? Black Hand
What two important changes happened to women during the war?
Entered the paid workforce
Right to vote
Who was the author of ‘In Flanders Fields’? John McCrae
During the war, in which non-traditional areas of the work did women become involved?
Industrial
Manufacturing
Nurses
(a) What is an ‘Air Ace’?
A pilot that killed 5 or more of enemy airplanes
(b) Who were Canada’s air aces?
Billy Bishop, Raymond Collishaw
Canada signed the Treaty of Versailles as an independent nation. T or F
Trueee
WWI was called the War to end all Wars. TRUEEE
How did Canadians feel about joining the war in August 1914?
Super excited, they thought it was adventurous and they would be back home before Christmas. People even lied about their age in order to go!
Did any racism and discrimination exist in the Canadian military? Explain.
Yes, Black indigenous/POC did not fight in war –sent to internment camps
Identify three types of poisonous gas used in WWI:
Chlorine , Tear gas, Mustard
Explain the Halifax Explosion and its consequences.
The Halifax Explosion was a devastating event that occurred on December 6, 1917, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It remains one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.
What Happened:
The explosion was caused by a collision between the SS Mont-Blanc, a French munitions ship loaded with explosives, and the SS Imo, a Norwegian cargo ship.
The collision sparked a fire on the Mont-Blanc, which eventually ignited its cargo of explosives, leading to a massive blast that destroyed much of the northern part of Halifax.
The explosion killed approximately 2,000 people and injured over 9,000 others. It also caused widespread destruction, leveling buildings, knocking down trees, and leaving thousands homeless.
Consequences:
Loss of Life and Injury: The immediate impact was catastrophic, with many lives lost and widespread injuries. The explosion left Halifax in ruins and overwhelmed the city's medical and emergency response systems.
Destruction of Infrastructure: The explosion destroyed much of the city’s infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and public buildings. The Halifax Harbor, an important port, was also severely damaged.
Relief Efforts: The disaster prompted immediate relief efforts. The city of Boston sent medical personnel, supplies, and financial aid. It strengthened the bond between the United States and Canada, showcasing international cooperation.
Legal and Political Consequences: The explosion led to a lengthy legal process over the responsibility for the disaster. In the aftermath, there were debates over who was at fault, with the courts ultimately ruling that both ships shared responsibility.
The Halifax Explosion was directly related to World War I because it involved the transportation of munitions for the war effort.
Connection to WWI:
The SS Mont-Blanc, a French munitions ship, was carrying a large cargo of explosives, including TNT, picric acid, and gunpowder, meant for the Allied forces in Europe during World War I.
The explosion occurred while the ship was waiting to enter the harbor and unload its cargo to support the war effort, which contributed to the heavy toll on civilian life and infrastructure.
Consequences Related to WWI:
Increased Risk in War Efforts: The explosion highlighted the dangers associated with transporting war materials, which were critical for supporting the ongoing conflict in Europe.
International Aid and Cooperation: The disaster prompted swift humanitarian aid from both Canada and the United States, reflecting the strong wartime ties between the two nations, as they were both involved in supporting the Allied cause during WWI.
Though the explosion itself was not a direct military action, it was a tragic byproduct of the war effort, as Halifax was a crucial port for munitions and supplies being sent to support the Allies in Europe.
Identify the four major terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
Blame
Reparations
Army
Territory
26. Complete the chart below
Battle | Year and Locations | Important Details and Results | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
Ypres | 1915, Ypres, Belgium | - First major use of poison gas (chlorine) by Germans, forcing Canada to adapt quickly to gas attacks. - Canadians held their position despite heavy casualties from both gas and artillery. - Canada’s 1st major battle, with 6,000 casualties. - Canada was integrated into the British Empire's strategy. | - Canada’s first major engagement—marked the beginning of Canada’s important role in WWI. - Demonstrated Canada’s resilience under brutal conditions. - Increased international respect for Canadian troops and made them highly regarded in subsequent battles. |
Somme | 1916, Somme River, France | - Canada played a crucial role in capturing Courcelette and other key positions during the battle. - Over 1 million casualties on both sides. - First use of tanks (though ineffective at first). - After heavy artillery bombardments, Canada’s casualties were high, with 24,000 Canadian soldiers affected. | - Tanks were introduced, changing the future of warfare. - High casualties and limited territorial gain made it a symbol of the horrors of trench warfare. - Canada's role in the battle gave it a reputation for courage, though it showed the brutal nature of industrial warfare. |
Vimy Ridge | 1917, Vimy Ridge, France | - Canada’s troops executed a coordinated attack with precise artillery fire and well-planned tactics. - 4-day battle, with 3,598 Canadian casualties. - The capture of Vimy Ridge was a strategic victory for the Allies and gave Canada international recognition. - Canada fought independently from British forces. | - Considered Canada’s most significant military victory in WWI. - Symbolized Canadian unity and identity. - Shifted Canadian forces toward greater autonomy and national pride. - Vimy Ridge became a symbol of Canada's emerging national identity. |
Passchendaele | 1917, Passchendaele, Belgium | - Canada fought in severe conditions of mud and rain. - The capture of Passchendaele was costly, with 15,000 Canadian casualties. - Limited strategic gain—the Allies took the village but failed to break the German lines. - The battle was infamous for the futility and the horrendous conditions. | - Passchendaele symbolized the pointlessness of trench warfare. - Showed the sacrificial commitment of Canadian troops, but also the high cost of war for limited territorial gain. - Strengthened Canada’s reputation for resilience and sacrifice, despite the military leadership’s questioning of its value. |
Canada’s 100 Days | 1918, Western Front, France and Belgium | - Canada played a major role in the final push against Germany, breaking the Hindenburg Line. - Key offensives: Amiens, Arras, Canal du Nord. - Canada’s forces achieved major breakthroughs, pushing the Germans back and helping to end the war. - Over 46,000 casualties, but Canada’s contribution was essential in ending the war. | - Canada’s 100 Days marked the final Allied offensive, directly leading to the Armistice. - Cemented Canada’s reputation as an independent military power. - Strengthened Canada’s national identity and gave Canada a seat at the peace negotiations. - Showed Canadian military excellence and leadership. |
27. Identify the Consequences (impact - positive and negative) of the War on Canada.
Positive Consequences:
National Identity and Pride:
Canada emerged as a respected military power after significant contributions in key battles (e.g., Vimy Ridge, 100 Days Offensive).
Canadian soldiers gained international recognition for their bravery and effectiveness in combat.
Political Independence:
The war increased Canada's sense of autonomy from Britain, eventually leading to more independence in foreign affairs.
The Statute of Westminster (1931) later confirmed Canada's legislative independence.
Economic Growth:
The war effort boosted Canada's economy, especially in manufacturing, agriculture, and mining.
War industries grew, and Canada became an important supplier of materials to the Allies.
Social Changes:
Women's contributions in factories and as nurses during the war led to the granting of women's suffrage (right to vote) in 1918.
Labor movements gained strength, and unionization became more prominent in post-war years.
Negative Consequences:
Heavy Loss of Life:
Over 61,000 Canadians were killed, and many more were wounded or traumatized.
The loss of life had a long-lasting impact on families and communities.
Economic Strain:
The war caused a national debt that took years to pay off.
Post-war economic difficulties and inflation led to hardship for many Canadians, especially farmers and industrial workers.
Social and Psychological Impact:
Many soldiers returned home with physical injuries and psychological trauma (e.g., shell shock, now known as PTSD).
The war left a generation of men with long-term emotional scars.
Divisions and Tensions:
The conscription crisis of 1917 caused division between English and French Canadians, with French Canadians strongly opposed to mandatory military service.
Racial tensions rose, especially for Indigenous peoples and non-white immigrants who faced discrimination and exclusion from some war efforts.
Influenza Pandemic (1918-1919):
After the war, the Spanish Flu pandemic spread rapidly, killing thousands in Canada, exacerbating post-war social and economic difficulties.
Historical Significance: Determines the importance of an event by its lasting effects on society and its relevance to today.
Continuity and Change: Examines what stays the same or changes over time, and whether those changes are slow or fast, progressive or regressive.
Cause and Consequence: Analyzes what led to an event and the consequences it produced.
Historical Perspective: Investigates the different viewpoints and interpretations of an event based on time, culture, and personal experience.