Canada's Role in World War I and Identity

The Spark - Franz Ferdinand's Assassination

• Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, was assassinated on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo.
• The assassination was carried out by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.
• This triggered a series of events leading to World War I.
• Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
• Allied nations also became involved in a chain reaction.

Canadian Identity Development

• Canadian identity solidified during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Factors like immigration, language, and regional diversity influenced this.
• Participation in World War I fostered national pride and unity.
• Canadians fighting alongside British forces led to greater recognition of Canada's independence.

Canada's Role in World War I

• Many Canadians initially supported the war effort due to patriotism and duty.
• Over 600,000 Canadians enlisted.
• Recruitment drives and propaganda encouraged participation.
• The war stimulated the Canadian economy through munitions production, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• However, inflation and labor shortages also resulted.
• The War Measures Act was enacted in 1914, allowing the government to control the economy, society, and individuals to maintain national security.
• Censorship, internment of enemy aliens, and restrictions on civil liberties were some consequences.

Life in the Trenches During WWI

• Soldiers faced deplorable living conditions, including mud, vermin, and disease.
• Constant threat of enemy fire created significant stress and trauma.
• Shell shock (now known as PTSD) was a common condition suffered by many.
• Major battles included Ypres, Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Canada's Hundred Days.

Specific Battles (Further details)

• Ypres (1915): First major Canadian battle; use of chemical weapons.
• Somme (1916): One of the bloodiest battles, significant Canadian experience gained.
• Vimy Ridge (1917): Major Canadian victory, turning point in national identity.
• Canada's Hundred Days (1918): Series of offensives leading to the Allies' victory, showcasing Canada's military capabilities.
• Allied Forces: Primarily British Empire troops, including Canadian soldiers in Ypres.
• Allied Forces: British and French forces, with Canadian troops, in Somme.
• Allied Forces: Canadian Corps, made up of 4 divisions in Vimy Ridge.
• Allied Forces: Canadian Corps playing a crucial role in offensives in Canada's Hundred Days.

Treaty of Versailles

• In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles ended World War I.
• Germany was heavily penalized with reparations.
• European borders were redrawn.
• The League of Nations was established to prevent future conflicts.

League of Nations

• Founded as part of Treaty of Versailles.
• Aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among nations.
• However, it lacked enforcement power and failed to prevent aggression, which led to World War II.

British North America Act (Further details)

• Enacted in 1867.
• United Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
• Laid the foundation for Canadian Confederation.
• Provided a framework for Canadian governance.

Residential Schools

• Aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.
• Operated from the late 19th to the mid-1990s.
• Led to cultural loss, trauma, and intergenerational effects on Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Oral History

• Traditional stories and teachings passed down through generations.
• Preserves cultural knowledge, values, and history.
• Important for education and community identity.

Main Causes of World War I (MAIN)

• Militarism: Arms race among nations.
• Alliances: Complex system of treaties escalating conflicts.
• Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources.
• Nationalism: Strong national pride fueling independence desires.

The Creeping Barrage

• Military tactic of artillery fire proceeding infantry, providing cover and suppressing enemy defenses.
• Coordinated artillery and infantry movements.
• Mainly used in Vimy Ridge.