Causes of World War I

Canada's automatic involvement in World War I due to its status as part of the British Empire.

The initial enthusiasm and belief that the war would be short, leading to many Canadians volunteering for service.

Canada's military force formed to participate in the war, contributing significantly to the British effort and gaining recognition for its bravery.

The prime minister of Canada during World War I.

The German plan to quickly defeat France by invading Belgium and then turning to fight Russia. Its failure led to the war being prolonged and the emergence of trench warfare.

The use of trenches along the Western Front during World War I, caused by defensive technologies like machine guns and barbed wire, making advances difficult.

The harsh conditions endured by soldiers in the trenches, including mud, disease, rats, and constant shellfire, leading to physical and psychological trauma.

A condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions, often leading to foot injuries and amputations for soldiers in the trenches.

Tanks were introduced to break through enemy lines, but their early models were slow and unreliable.

Initially used for reconnaissance, airplanes were later equipped with weapons for dogfights and bombing missions.

U-boats disrupted Allied supply lines by sinking merchant ships, prompting the use of convoys for protection.

The act mandated conscription, leading to tensions between English and French Canadians. The French were opposed to going to war.

Posters and censorship were used to encourage enlistment and maintain support for the war.

Women worked in factories, produced munitions, and raised funds for the war effort.

To ensure sufficient supplies for soldiers and prevent shortages.

Allied offensives, German exhaustion, and internal unrest forced Germany to seek an armistice. Ended on Nov 11.

Canada's participation in WWI was significant, demonstrating its evolving autonomy within the British Empire.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining moment for Canada in WWI, showcasing its military capabilities and fostering a sense of national unity.

During WWI, Canada granted the federal government extraordinary powers through the War Measures Act, showing its ability to govern itself in times of crisis.

The introduction of conscription in Canada during WWI led to the divisive Conscription Crisis, highlighting tensions between English and French Canadians but also showcasing Canada's ability to manage its own internal affairs.

The Canadian Corps, operating independently under Canadian commanders like Sir Arthur Currie, demonstrated Canada's distinct contributions to the war effort and its growing military capabilities.

The war effort led to significant political and social changes in Canada, showcasing its developing sense of nationhood.

Sir Arthur Currie led the Canadian Corps, further demonstrating Canada's distinct contributions to the war effort and its growing military capabilities.

The Balkans, home to various ethnicities striving for independence, was nicknamed the "powder keg of Europe" because small conflicts could quickly escalate into a major war.

Austria-Hungary aimed to prevent independence movements and maintain control of their empire. They feared Serbia's influence might inspire other groups to rebel.

Pan-Slavism, the idea of uniting all Slavic peoples under Russia's leadership, motivated Russia's support for Serbia and other Slavic nations against Austria-Hungary.

Germany's imperialism focused on acquiring colonies, particularly in Africa, directly challenging established empires like Britain and France, causing tensions.

Militarism, the buildup of armies and weapons by nations, created a tense atmosphere in Europe, making war seem inevitable as everyone prepared for conflict.

The Triple Entente (France, Britain, Russia) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) divided Europe into two opposing camps. This amplified small conflicts into global war.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered a chain reaction of events. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia, leading to a cascade of diplomatic maneuvers among allied nations.

Germany's unconditional promise to support Austria-Hungary, regardless of the situation, encouraged Austria to take a more aggressive stance towards Serbia, ultimately leading to war.

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany after WWI, leaving the country crippled and fueling resentment that ultimately contributed to the rise of Hitler and the outbreak of WWII.

The League of Nations was created after WWI to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. However, it lacked enforcement power, making it ineffective in addressing global issues, such as the rise of aggression in the 1930s.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania gained independence from Russia following World War I.

Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia were created as new countries following the end of World War I. These new nations were formed from territories previously controlled by the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires.

The United States officially entered World War I in April 1917.

American involvement in World War I was influenced by several factors: the sinking of American ships by German U-boats, Germany's encouragement of Mexico to attack the US, and Britain's interception of the Zimmerman Telegram, revealing Germany's plans to involve Mexico.

Canada's 100 Days refer to the final 100 days of World War I, during which Canadian troops played a crucial role in pushing back German forces and ultimately securing victory for the Allies.

President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points were a set of principles for a just and lasting peace after World War I. They were intended to convince the American public about the necessity of the war's sacrifices and to promote their adoption by European powers.

The Battle of Ypres in 1915 marked the horrific first use of poison gas by Germany, showcasing the brutality of the war and the challenges faced by Canadian troops.

The Battle of the Somme, fought in 1916, is remembered for its immense casualties and limited territorial gains, highlighting the futility of trench warfare. Despite its strategic failure, it saw the first use of tanks in combat.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 was a significant victory for Canada, showcasing their tactical skill and independent military prowess. This victory marked Canada's emergence as a global force.

The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917 was a brutal and costly victory for Canada, fought in terrible weather conditions and showcasing the extreme sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.

Russia suffered significant setbacks against Germany during World War I, leading to heavy casualties and internal unrest. These losses were a key factor in the Russian Revolution.

Poison gas, a weapon of war introduced in World War I, had a devastating impact on soldiers. While it could effectively incapacitate enemy troops, its unpredictable nature posed risks even to those using it.

Canada's victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge was a pivotal moment in their national identity. It demonstrated their military capability and independence, signifying their rise as a respected global force.

The Western Front was a major battlefront during World War I, characterized by trench warfare, heavy casualties, and the use of new technologies like poison gas and tanks. The Battle of the Somme is a prime example of the horrific realities of trench warfare.

Trench warfare was a defining characteristic of World War I, characterized by static lines of trenches, constant shelling, and horrific living conditions. It led to high casualties with limited territorial gains, as seen in the Battle of the Somme.