Imperial Rivalries and Conflicts

• These nations' rivalries, military expansions, and political alliances were central to the tensions leading to World War I. In this environment, war became inevitable.

Imperial Rivalries and Conflicts

Fashoda Incident

• The British and French were expanding into Africa.
• Britain aimed to control land from north to south, while France wanted to connect its West to East territories.
• The two clashed at Fashoda, with Britain victorious.
• Canada was indirectly influenced, reinforcing its connection to the British Empire and showing British military dominance.

Agadir Crisis (1911)

• Germany sought control over Morocco for its natural resources.
• France, wanting to avoid conflict in Europe, gave Germany the French Congo instead.
• Canada observed European tensions and the growing threat of Germany's expansion.

Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)

• Japan wanted control over Manchuria and Korea for economic resources.
• Russia's loss exposed its military weaknesses and fueled unrest.
• The war demonstrated Japan's rising power and the vulnerability of European empires, influencing Canadian perspectives on military strength and alliances.

Alsace-Lorraine & Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)

• France lost Alsace-Lorraine to Germany.
• This loss created resentment, fueling tensions leading to WWI.
• Canada saw how European conflicts shaped global politics and trade.

Trentino/Trieste

• Italy desired these territories due to their Italian population.
• Canada followed Italy's role closely, as Italy later joined the Allies, strengthening Canada's coalition.

Scramble for Africa

• European nations divided Africa seeking resources and territory.
• Canada observed how imperial ambitions led to conflicts, which shaped its role in WWI and later independence movements.

Military and Political Strategies

Diplomacy

• Nations attempted to resolve tensions without war, but diplomacy often failed.
• After WWI, Canada advocated for diplomacy in international conflicts, helping establish peacekeeping roles in later years.

Arms Race

• European nations competed to develop the strongest military technologies.
• Though not a primary military power, Canada contributed to the British war effort and later developed its own military forces.

Re-Insurance Treaty

• A secret agreement between Germany and Russia to prevent conflict.
• Germany later refused to renew it, isolating Russia and strengthening the Franco-Russian alliance.
• Canada followed Britain into WWI due to its alliance system.

Leaders and Political Figures

Kaiser Wilhelm II (Germany)

• The German leader aggressively expanded military power.
• His militaristic policies contributed to WWI, in which Canada participated as part of the British Empire.

Emperor Franz Joseph (Austria-Hungary)

• His reign saw the empire struggle with nationalist movements and instability.
• The assassination of his heir triggered WWI, pulling Canada into the conflict.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Austria-Hungary)

• His assassination by Gavrilo Princip sparked WWI.
• This event led to war declarations drawing in Canada.

Gavrilo Princip & The Black Hand

• A Serbian nationalist group responsible for assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
• The assassination initiated a chain reaction that led to WWI, where Canada fought under British command.

WWI Alliances

Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain)

• Canada, as part of the British Empire, automatically supported the Entente when war began.

Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy)

• Italy later switched sides to join the Entente.
• This alliance system ensured that once war started, Canada had a role to play in the British war effort.

Canada’s Role in Early 20th Century Conflicts

Boer War (1899-1902)

• Britain fought Dutch settlers (Boers) in South Africa.
• Canada sent 1,000 troops as a British dominion.
• This war tested Canada’s loyalty to Britain and led to debates on Canada’s role in future conflicts.

Naval Service Act (1910)

• Established the Royal Canadian Navy.
• It marked a step toward Canadian sovereignty in defense.

Naval Crisis & Tin Pot Navy

• Britain demanded financial contributions from its colonies for naval expansion.
• Canada created a small navy instead, leading to political debates.
• This showed tensions between Canadian nationalism and British loyalty.

Canadian Identity and Sovereignty

Wilfrid Laurier (Prime Minister 1896-1911)

• Advocated for national unity between French and English Canadians.
• He helped shape Canada’s bilingual and multicultural identity.

Henri Bourassa

• A French-Canadian nationalist who opposed Canada’s deep involvement in British wars.
• He influenced Canadian nationalism and the push for greater independence.

Regulation 17

• It limited French language education in Ontario.
• It strengthened French-Canadian nationalism and increased tensions between English and French speakers.

Sovereignty vs. Independence

• Canada was a self-governing dominion but remained under British foreign policy.
• It led to gradual steps toward full independence, culminating in the Statute of Westminster (1931).

Conclusions

• Canada’s involvement in early 20th-century conflicts was shaped by its ties to Britain.
• WWI alliances and rivalries forced Canada into war, leading to military contributions and casualties.
• Canada’s growing nationalism led to independence efforts and internal debates over its British connections.
• Cultural tensions between English and French Canadians shaped national identity debates that continue today.
• Canada evolved from a dominion to a more independent nation while recognizing its imperial past.

Imperial rivalries and conflicts were central to the tensions leading to World War I. The Fashoda Incident, Agadir Crisis, and Russo-Japanese War highlight these tensions. These events showcased military expansions and political alliances, making war inevitable.