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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 18 1914 in Sarajevo a Serbian terrorist group, called the Black Hand, had planned an assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The Austro-Hungarian government blamed Serbia for this event and issued an ultimatum. When Serbia refused to agree to all conditions Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 16 1914. Russia, an ally of Serbia, mobilized troops to defend Serbia from invasion. This threatened Germany and they declared war on Russia on August 1st 1914 and France the next day. -
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WWI
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Great Britain Declares War On Germany
Britain was not involved in the war at the time when Germany announced its intentions, but it had signed a treaty guaranteeing the protection of Belgium's neutrality. Since the border between Germany and France was heavily fortified, Germany had made the Schlieffen plan. They would go through Belgium and attack French troops from behind while taking the capital as well. When Belgium was invaded Britain declared war on Germany and the Schlieffen plan was eventually thwarted by Britain and France -
Valcartier Training Camp
The Valcartier Training Camp in Quebec was the primary training camp for the mobilization of the Canadian Expeditionary Force for the war overseas. The camp was in close proximity to the port of Quebec, making it an ideal location to train Canadian troops. The camp grew to eventually hold approximately 35 000 people, despite being hastily arranged. The troops were given their equipment and necessary training at the camp in preparation for the upcoming battles. -
War Measures Act
The War Measures Act was enacted in Canada upon the outbreak of World War 1. Because Canada and Britain were at war with Germany, Austro-Hungary, and the Ukraine, immigrants who had moved to Canada from these countries were considered “enemy aliens” throughout the war, and many were sent to internment camps. The government had more rights to search, seize, and arrest these enemy aliens during the war. -
The Battle of Ypres
The second battle of Ypres took place on April 22nd 1915, and was the battle which established the reputation of the Canadian forces in World War 1. The Germans had higher ground, and Canadians suffered over 6000 casualties within 48 hours, more than 2000 dead Canadian soldiers, and faced a deadly new weapon implemented by the Germans – chlorine gas. The Canadians held their position until reinforcements arrived, resulting in a stalemate. -
Gas Attack
In 1915 Germany employed a new tactic to gain an edge over allied troops at the battle of Ypres. The use of Chlorine gas, a poisonous gas, was a deadly weapon and killed many troops. Over 6000 mend died and one in five listed was reported as injured, killed, gassed, or missing. This was the first time biological warfare has ever been used in history and the effects were devastating. The chlorine gas burned the eyes and throat, destroying the lungs. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
In response to Britain`s blockade of Germany`s coast it warned that it would sink all ships in enemy waters. In 1915 the British luxury liner Lusitiana was sunk. Eleven hundred and ninety-eight people drowned with over half of them American. The American public was turning on Germany, and for some time, Germany held back because it did not want to risk America joining the war. America did eventually enter the war, and many people feel this event was the reason behind their decision. -
The Somme
The battle of the Somme was an offensive charge lead by the French and the British to try and take over the German stronghold by the River Somme in France. The British artillery strike on the Germans failed, and there were nearly 60 000 casualties as a result. After 141 days of fighting, the “war of attrition” was over, and the Allies gained 11km of land, giving the Canadians a reputation as fierce fighters. -
The Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Battle of Vimy Ridge was one of the most historical battles in Canadian history, as it was not only arguably the turning point of the war, but it was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together on the same battlefield. The preparation for Vimy Ridge was more extensive and elaborate than any preceding battle, and new tactics such as the Vimy Glide helped Canada capture the ridge, despite the British and the French armies both trying and failing, earning the Canadians respect. -
U.S. Enters World War 1
On April 16 1917 the U.S.A. declared war on Germany and entered the war. Previously it had been trading with countries who were partaking in the war but when Germany began attacking trade ships in enemy waters U.S.A. decided that it was time to act. America provided troops, supplies, and monetary resources for the Allies. The effect of their decisions was demoralizing on the German troops and the thought of fresh troops and resources for the allies influenced Germany`s future decisions. -
The Battle of Passchendaele
The battle of Passchendaele was fought in Belgium in an area which was below sea-level, which meant the terrain was muddy and water-logged the majority of the time. If the battle was won, it would have been a defining point in the war, as it would have created vulnerability in the German lines up to their submarine bases. 16 000 Canadians were lost in the battle, and despite winning 7k of land, they later lost it to the Germans. -
Conscription Crisis
Canada officially started conscripting soldiers when the Military Service Act was passed in August 1917. There were not enough volunteers to maintain the number of troops Canada was sending to war, so the federal government decided they would have to use conscription – forcing anyone who was eligible to go to war to join the Canadian army. This law damaged relations between many Canadian citizens, fueling many major debates. -
USSR Withdraws from the War
During the war Russia experienced a shortage of supplies and food. This, coupled with the trouble brewing on home soil, meant that Russia could not sustain any more losses. Russia was experiencing a revolution against the Tzar, who was keeping Russia involved in the war. By exiting the war, Russia allowed Germany to focus completely on their Western front rather than splitting their forces between the two sides. -
Halifax Explosion
The Halifax explosion was the result of a Belgian relief vessel colliding with a French munitions vessel in the Halifax Harbour. The resulting explosion caused a Tsunami, destroying a large portion of Halifax, a major shipping port. Over 9000 people were injured, and more than 1900 were killed as a result of the disaster. Halifax was flooded, and the next day, a massive snowstorm began, only worsening the situation. Relief came in as soon as possible, but it took months to rectify the disaster. -
The German Spring Offencsive
During the spring of 1918 the Germans ordered a massive attack on the Western Front. The Spring Offensive was Germany`s attempt to end the war. They feared that America`s entrance into the war would mean defeat for them if they did not act quick enough. With 500 000 troops added from the Russian front, the Germans were confident of success. Their advances in the first few days were overwhelming successes and many in Germany assumed the wars were over. -
Abdicaation of Kaiser Wilhelm
With Germany actively seeking an armistice the calls for Kaiser Wilhelm II to step down were growing louder. The Kaiser preferred to continue with his armies on the Western front and this only intensified the growing voices of concern. On November 9 1918 Chancellor Prince Max von Baden announced Wilhelm`s abdication, before the Kaiser had consented to step down. Faced with this problem the Kaiser formally abdicated and went into exile in Holland. -
Paris Peace Conference
Approximately five years after the war started, world leaders met at Versailles, near paris to sign a peace treaty. Over thirty countries were represented, including Canada. This event was particularly important to Canada because it was a large step Approximately five years after the war started, world leaders met at Versailles, near Paris to sign a peace treaty. Over thirty countries were represented, including Canada. This event was particularly important to Canada because it was a large step -
Treaty of Versailles
Approximately five years after the start of the war, government leaders met near Paris to put an end to the war. Germany was forced to give up much of its progress in the past few years. A key point was that it lost all of its overseas colonies. Many resources for the Empires at the time came from their colonies overseas, this loss crippled the German economy and at the same time Germany was made to pay for all the damages.
