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The War in Europe - Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Gavrilo Princip assassinates Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarijavo on June 28th 1914. Princip is a member of a Serbian Nationalist Group called The Black Hand. The Black Hand wants self determination for the Serbs living in Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary retaliates by giving Serbia an ultimatum and one month to make amends or face invasion. -
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The War in Europe - Major Powers of Europe Prepare for War
The major countries is Europe all have alliances with each other and begin to mobilize their troops preparing for War. Triple Alliance - Germany, Austria and Italy Triple Entente - France, Russia, Britain -
The War in Europe - Austria Declares War on Serbia
When Serbia does not meet the conditions set out by Austria- Hungary war is declared. Austria has been given unconditional support by their German ally. This will set up a domino effect as the system of alliances will bring the other major powers of Europe into the war. -
The War in Europe - Germany Declare War on Russia
Germany declares war on Russia but does not invade. Germany believes France is a greater threat. The German plan is to knock France out of the War before turning troops back on Russia. They believe they can knock out France quickly as they did in 1871. -
The War in Europe - Germany Declares war on France
When Germany declares war on France they invade through neutral Belgium. This causes Britain to get involved because they have a treaty to guarantee the independence of Belgium. They send and ultimatum to Germany to leave Belgium immediately. -
The War at Home - Canada Enters the War
Germany refuses to leave Belgium. Britain declares war on Germany. In turn Canada becomes involved in the war as Canada is a Dominion of Britain and Britain is in charge of foreign policy. This is significant to Canada as WWI will be the stage where Canada transform itself. During Canada will make steps toward sovereignty, will transform it's economy, and will make strides in women's and worker's rights. -
The War at Home - Canada begins to Mobilize Troops
During the first month of the war more than 30000 men form all over Canada volunteer for military service. Some volunteered for adventure, others for patriotic ideals, and others for the steady paycheck. This was significant as it brought Canadians from all over the country to work and train together. This helped in developing a national identity as Canadians. -
The War at Home - The War Measures Act
Borden's Government passes the War Measures Act. This act give the government power to do anything they wanted "for the security, defence, peace, order, and welfare of Canada". This was important to Canada and the war effort because the government could now bypass Parliament and could directly control the economy and interfere with personal rights. For example: control transportation and manufacturing, price controls, wage controls, arrest people and hold them without charges or a trial. -
The War in Europe - Second Battle fo Ypres
The location of this battle was around the city of Ypres in Belgium. This was the first major battle Canadian soldiers were involved in. During this battle Germans used poison gas for the first time in WWI. The chlorine gas would burn the lungs causing men to suffocate to death. -
The War at Home - Wartime Elections Act
In an attempt to get more people to vote for his party, Robert Borden passed the Wartime Elections Act. The bill was passed in hopes more people would support his government in an attempt to solve the Conscription Crisis caused by his governments policies. This is a significant event because it was the first law that gave certain women the right to vote in federal elections. This would lead to all women being allowed to vote in a subsequent federal elections. -
The War in Europe - Armistice Signed
An armistice between Germany and the Allies is signed at 5 am in the morning. It is agreed that all fighting will cease by 11 am. This leads to an end of the hostilities on the western front. A treaty will not be signed for another 6 months.
