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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand was referered to as the "spark" because it was the first of the entire series of conflict during World War I Significance: This was significant to Canada because it started the conflict which lead to World War I, later involving the majourity countries Germany, Russia, France, and Britain. Canada did not have independence from Britain yet meaning Canada was automatically involved in war. -
Britain Declares War On Germany
Germany had violated the neutrality of Belgium in order to attack France. Britain felt obligated to join to protect its ally. Significance: Once Britain declared war, Canada joined the war in support to the "Mother Country" as "British Subjects." Though Canada had no choice but to join, Canada still celebrated. -
Canada Begins Mobilizing
Once Canada hears word of involvement in the War, they immediately begin mobilizing troops and supplies to send to Europe. Significance: English-speaking Canadians supported the war. They romantisized the war, The government only asked for 3000 but over 30,000 men enlisted. -
War Measures Act Introduced
War measures act in Canada was introduced. This was the first time in Canadain history that peoples freedoms could be limited. "Habeas Corpus" allowed the police to detain people without laying charges (anyone suspected of being an "enemy alien.") Significance: First time (in Canada) that the government could enfringe on citizen rights since the Legislation of the Declaration of Human Rights. -
Battle of Ypres
Ypres was located in Belgium, Some of the bloodiest battles took place in Ypres. Chlorine gas was a new found tactic used by the Germans. The battle proceeded for a month, soldiers sufficated or choked to death. Significance: Around 6000 Canadians lost their lives holding their ground until reinforcements arived. -
Minister of Militia Scam
The minister of militia Sam Hughes was in charge of armament industry. He was involved with 'War Profiteering.' He was given large amounts of money to have quality products made for war usage but he paid for lower quality products in order to keep portions of the money greedily. Significance: This impacted Canadian soldiers because many died from this act. The boots were made of pressed cardboard, which fell apart and the gun shells blew up and killed the men using the guns rather than enemy. -
Battle of Somme
The Allies launches a massive attack against a line of German trenches near the Somme River in France. This Attack failed. Significance: Canada lost almost 24,000 soldiers. All together there were more than 1.25 million casualties. -
Battle Of Vimy Ridge
The Vimy Ridge was an advantageous area near the Somme River. It had many resources both the Entente and the Allies wanted such as a clear veiw of the surounding country-side, supply routes and enemy positions. Significance: Canadian troops were chosen to lead a new assult on Vimy Ridge. They carefully trained and planned their attack which resulted in victory. This gave Canada a sense of national pride and the reputation of being an elite fighting force. -
Battle Of Passchendaele
A Camapaign fought by the British and their Allies against the German Empire. The battle was for the control of the ridges south and east of the city of Ypes. Conditions were terrible, the rain caused large mud craters. Significance: Currie was the first Canadian to command Canadian troops. This war was huge for Canada because it was a victory. Though it was a victory it was still heavy on many Canadian hearts. There were over 200,000 casualties on each side, 15,000 were Canadian soldiers. -
Conscription becomes law in Canada
Conscription is forced enlistment in the armed forces of all fit men for the war. Significance: Conscription was frowned upon from the Canadians at the homefront because many men were scared and/or unfit for war. Also mothers, children and other relatives were worried for the men of Canada. the Canadiens due to cultural veiws, felt they were neither connected to Britian no France and should not have to be involved in their war. -
Halifax Explosion
The SS Mont Blanc, a French vessel carrying more than 2500 tonnes of explosives, was accidentally hit by another ship. It caused an explosion so powerful it devestated the Halifax hourbour and much of the city as well. Significance: Canadians on the home front had not witnessed how gruesome and scarring the war really was. over 2000 Canadians died, 9000 injured and thousands left homeless. Vast realization erupted among the Canadians on home front just how tramatising the war really was. -
Woman Gained the Right to Vote in Canada
Beggining with Maintoba in 1916 and ending with British Columbia and Ontario in 1918, woman finally had the right to vote in all federal elections. Significance: Woman were allowed to vote in Canada now. -
100 Days Campaign
The USA had joined the war and Germany knew they'd need a quick victory in order to win the war, They pushed through at the cost of many lives and were only 75 km from Paris. The Americans reached the war and launched a series of attacks on Germany, This became known as the 100 Days Campaign, 100 days of straight victory, At the end of the Campaign the war had ended and the Allies had won the war. Significance: Canada along side of the Allies had finally ended the war and with a victory. -
End of World War I
At 5:00 A.M. on November 11, an Armistice (truce to end the war) was signed in a railway cart. The war was to end at 11:00 A.M. This day is now known as Remembrance Day, to which our modern day ceremonies take place. Significance: The great war was finally over. The war devestated all countries involved, including Canada. -
Spanish Flu Epidemic
During the winter of 1918 a deadly influenza virus called Spanish Flu was brought home from the Soldiers returning from Europe. It killed 21 million people worldwide, even more lives than the war itself. Significance: 50,000 Canadians had suffered from this Flu. Most soldiers were immune to it but their family members and communities were at great risk. -
Treaty of Versailles Signed
The Treaty of Versailles was a list of terms Germany had to agree to. They signed the War Guilt Clause meaning they were responsible for the war, forced to give up a portion of their territory to Polland, give up control of all colonies, pay war reperations, army quantity restrictions, and forbidden to reunited with Austria-Hungary. Significance: Canada helped put together the terms of the Treaty. -
Paris Peace Conference
The Paris Peace conference was a meeting of 42 nations including Canada. The meeting was to discuss terms of which the defeated countries would have to meet, slightly change the map of Europe and to confirm solutions to lasting peace between all countries. Significance: Canada had their own seat at the Paris Peace Conference, this gave a sense of independence and pride for all Canadians. Though debated at first, Canada's efforts were acknoledged and they became part of the League of Nations.
