World War I Canada

World War I

• Canada automatically entered World War I when Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914.
• By October 1914, 33,000 Canadian volunteers were training near Quebec City.
• Over 600,000 Canadians served in the armed forces, with 420,000 serving overseas.
• Canadian troops fought mainly on the Western Front.
• In 1917, 33% of shells fired were produced in Canadian factories.

War Efforts

• Canadian factories produced airplanes, parts, explosives, and merchant ships.
• Income tax was introduced to fund the war effort and has remained in place ever since.
• By 1918, 30,000 women were employed in key jobs producing supplies for the war effort.

Significant Events

• Halifax Explosion: a maritime disaster in Halifax, Nova Scotia, during World War I.
• Battle of Ypres: in the spring of 1915, Canadian troops entered the war and suffered the first gas attack.
• Battle of Somme: in 1916, Canadian troops participated in one of the most tragic battles of the war, resulting in over 1 million casualties.
• Vimy Ridge: a great moment for Canadian troops, who captured the ridge on April 9, 1917.

Key Figures

• Franz Ferdinand: Archduke of Austria-Hungary, assassinated in Sarajevo, sparking World War I.
• Gavrilo Princip: an 18-year-old member of the "Black Hand" who assassinated Franz Ferdinand.
• General Douglas Haig: British General in the Battle of Somme, whose aggressive attacks were predicted by the Germans.

Underlying Causes of WW1

• Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): France's defeat led to a desire for revenge and a search for allies to match Germany's power.
• Nationalism: excessive pride in one's country led to a rivalry between European nations.
• Arms race: European countries concentrated on building stronger militaries, leading to an increase in tensions.
• Imperialism: Britain's colonial expansion led to a rivalry with Germany, which further strained relations.