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Assassination Of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne He was on his way to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovnia, to inspect the Austro-Hungarian troops there. Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand, a Serbian terrorist group, fired two shots at him while in Sarajevo. One hit his pregnant wife, and one hit him in the neck, killing him shortly after. This is significant because it started the Great War! (Picture: portrait of Ferdinand). -
Period: to
Duration Of World War 1
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Britain Declares War on Germany
On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war on France. As directed by the Schlieffen Plan, the Germans were to wrap around France and take Paris, and then move back and fight the Russians. German troops poured into Belgium, which was allied with Britain. The British foreign secretary, Edward Grey, sent an ultimatum to Germany for their withdrawal. They did not heed, and Britain declared war on Germany. This is significant because it brought Canada into the Great War! (Picture: flag of Great Britain) -
The Battle Of The Marne
The Battle Of The Marne was a counterattack by the Allied forces against Germany, ending with the retreat of Germany between 9 and 12 September. Germany had been going along with the Schlieffen Plan, only being hindered slightly by Belgium. They had reached the outskirts of Paris, when Joseph Joffre launched a counter attack. This was significant because it caused Germany to abandon the Schlieffen Plan and started 4 years of trench warfare. (Picture: Allied soldiers getting ready for the fight) -
The Second Battle of Ypres
This battle was the only major offensive by Germany on the Western Front in 1915. For Germany, it was merely a diversion to take the Allies' attention off the Eastern Front, and to test chlorine gas. Germany gave up on Ypres after this. Instead, they decided to destroy it with artillery. It was significant because it was the first time chlorine gas was used, and the first time Canada fought a major battle, and made their mark as a brave nation (Picture: Canadian forces preparing for the fight) -
The Battle Of Festubert
This battle was an offensive against the Germans, ending on May 27. It was started by a four day bombardment, followed by a night strike of two divisions of Indian troops, which was successful despite the failure of artillery to take out the German front lines. An attack was launched by Canadians, which was unsuccessful. However, the village of Festubery was taken. This is significant because it was Britain's first night strike in the war. (Picture: Indian troops marching through the streets) -
The Battle Of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun lasted over 9 months, fought between German and French troops. The main reason for Germany's offensive was to bomb Verdun feriously, causing all French troops to fight, bleeding their army out. Then, they could break Great Britain, their main enemy. However, this war of attrition was won by France, with nothing gained. This was signigicant because it had one of the most casualties (almost a million), and was the longest battle(Picture: A French trench in Northeastern France) -
The Battle Of The Somme
The Battle Of The Somme lasted until November 18, a joint attack by the British Expeditionary Force and the French Army against Germany, commanded by British General Haig. Germany had a large part of North France since 1914. It is significant because it had the most devastating first day in the war, with over 57K casualties, due to failure of artillery destroying MG nests and barbed wire, and of Canada being marked as a great fighter. (Picture: Men of the 11th battalion, the Cheshire Regiment) -
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Declared
By 1917, Germany was afraid it would lose the war. They were surrounded on all sides, and the seas to the North were blockaded by Britain. Desperately, they announced that they would sink any ship along the Entente trade routes without warning. The goal was to steal resources from the Triple Entente, and force Britain to sue for peace. This was significant because the sinking of the Lusitania made the US consider entering the war, and it was very effective. (Picture: sinking of the Lusitania) -
The Battle Of Vimy RIdge
Ending on April 12, this was a very successful battle for Canada; they won the German stronghold of Vimy Ridge in 3 days.This battle was so successful due to the huge amount of planning involved by Canadian General Arthur Currie. He neglected nothing, and perfected the Vimy Glide (troops move behind an artillery strike). This battle was significant because Canada did something no other Entente member could do, and invented modern techniques (flash spotting, etc.).(Picture: Painting by Richard J) -
Conscription Act was Passed
Conscription is when you are forced to enroll in the military. This was a major crisis in Canada.Many were not enthusiastic about joining the war. Many people rejected the idea of war completely. Not joining the war often deemed people cowards and had basic rights violated. This was significant because it tore the country apart between French and English Canadians, as it had done in the past, and caused riots across the country. (Picture: Robert Borden). -
Battle Of Paschendaele
Before Canada began its attacks, the offensive in Flanders by General Haig to break through the front lines and destroy German submarine bases had made few advances with heavy casualties. Canada's attacks captured the village in four days, again making its mark as a significant fighting nation. This battle is significant because Canada suffered 16K casualties there, and the muddy terrain made it one of the most mentally and physically challenging battles in WW1. (Picture: Mud at Passchendaele) -
Richthofen was taken down by Canadian Roy Brown
Manfred Von Richthofen was Germany's top ace, often referred to as the Red Baron. While in pursuit of a novice Canadian pilot, WIlfrid May, he was intercepted by Canadian pilot Roy Brown, who is claimed to have killed him. However, it is almost certain he was killed by a .303 bullet from the ground. This is significant because some people still credit Canada for this great victory, as he took out 80 enemy aircraft. (Picture: Richthofen wearing the Blue Max, Germany's highest military order) -
The Battle Of Amiens
When unrestricted submarine warfare had started to fail, Germany realized that they have to win the war fast. Therefore, they launched a massive offensive on the Western Front. In the Battle of Amiens, the Allies gain 7 miles in one day, the greatest advance of the war. This was significant because it pushed back Germany almost to its own borders (a black day for Germany" and destroyed all hopes of Germany winning. (Picture: Painting of the Battle of Amiens by Arthur Streeton) -
Formal Surrender Of Germany
This is also known as Armistice Day, when the armistice was signed in Compiegne, France, between the Allies and the Central Powers.The fighting stopped, but not the war itself. German leaders realized the futility of fighting on, and decided to sue for peace. They are hoping for an American style peace treaty, where there are no clear winners. This day was significant because it marked the end of the 4 years of trench warfare and stalemate. (Picture: Armistice celebrations in Toronto, 1918). -
Signing Of The Treaty of Versailles
The Entente countries started negotiating terms of peace in January, 1919. Germany knew that it was forced to sign, and the Entente dictated the terms, so Germany lost a lot. France wanted to cripple Germany so it couldn't attack again, Britain wanted repair money, and USA wanted to resume trading. In the end, Germany lost a lot of money, resources, colonies, and dignity. It was significant because it marked the end of the Great War. (Picture: The Treaty of Versailles, English version)
