World War I: The Western Front

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Questions and Answers

What justification did the German government provide for sinking the Lusitania?

It was classed as an auxiliary cruiser. (correct)

It was carrying American passengers.

It was the first ship to cross the Atlantic.

It was a passenger ship on a peace mission.

What was included in the cargo of the Lusitania?

Undeclared high explosives reported as accurate.

Military personnel and tanks.

Weapons of mass destruction.

4,200,000 rounds of rifle cartridges. (correct)

Why did the Cunard Line not classify the cartridges as ammunition?

The company was unaware of the cargo.

They were sold to the German government.

They were considered empty shell cases.

They were not part of a military contract. (correct)

What was the German government's stance on their responsibility for the deaths of American citizens aboard the Lusitania?

They believed prior warnings absolved them of responsibility. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What theory has been put forward regarding the sinking of the Lusitania?

High explosives carried on the ship helped sink her. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant negative consequences of conscription during World War I in Canada?

Deepening differences over conscription (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a positive outcome for Canada after World War I?

Independent nations (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which group faced notable hardships due to the aftermath of World War I in Canada?

Veterans returning from battle (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant change regarding women's rights in Canada following the war?

Women gained the right to vote (B) Signup and view all the answers

How many Canadian lives were lost during World War I, according to the content?

60,666 lives (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Germany's naval strategy following the Battle of Jutland?

Adoption of unrestricted submarine warfare (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the German policy of unrestricted submarine warfare?

The loss of American ships led the US to join the war (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy was implemented by the Allies to counteract the threat of U-Boats?

Convoy system with armed escorts (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of Canada's contribution to the naval effort in World War I?

Providing men and ships for the Royal Navy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall impact of the Battle of Jutland on the German navy?

They chose to keep their fleet in port (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did British civilians contribute to the war effort on the home front?

By planting victory gardens to increase food production (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of ship was disguised as an unarmed merchant vessel in combat?

Q-ships (D) Signup and view all the answers

What threat did underwater mines primarily address during World War I?

Targeting submarines directly (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary responsibility of the Canadian 1st Division at the Battle of Ypres?

Hold a 3 1/2 km line against the German attack (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of poison gas was first used by Germany during the Battle of Ypres?

Chlorine gas (B) Signup and view all the answers

What unique method did Canadians use to protect themselves from poison gas at Ypres?

Urine-soaked handkerchiefs as makeshift gas masks (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the initial attack on July 1, 1916, at the Battle of the Somme?

Heavy casualties with little ground captured (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant technological advancements introduced at the Battle of the Somme?

Tanks as land combat vehicles (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was General Douglas Haig's stance regarding the continuation of the battle at the Somme despite the high number of casualties?

He insisted the attack should continue (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall casualty figure for both sides at the Battle of the Somme?

1,250,000 (C) Signup and view all the answers

During the Battle of Ypres, which group of troops broke rank and fled from the poisonous gas?

French-African troops (B) Signup and view all the answers

What significant change regarding women's voting rights occurred in 1916 in Manitoba?

Women over 21 gained the right to vote. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What prompted PM Robert Borden to propose conscription in Canada?

The increasing casualty rates on the Western Front. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which group was notably opposed to conscription during World War I in Canada?

French-Canadians led by Henri Bourassa. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which legislation allowed female relatives of soldiers to vote in Canada during the war?

Wartime Elections Act (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Military Service Bill passed in 1917?

Mandatory enlistment for all able-bodied men aged 20 to 45. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Canadian government do to address the shortage of manpower during the war?

Passed the Military Service Bill to enforce conscription. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which act took away voting rights from certain immigrants during the wartime elections?

Wartime Elections Act (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the general election of December 1917 reflect the situation in Canada regarding conscription?

It was bitter, divided along lines of support and opposition to conscription. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917?

It marked the first clear-cut national success for Canada. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which strategic advantage did German forces have at Vimy Ridge?

They were positioned on a height of land controlling surrounding areas. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Passchendaele campaign for Canadian forces?

They sacrificed many soldiers for minimal territorial gain. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What notable achievement did Canadian soldiers accomplish at Vimy Ridge?

Captured more ground than any other Allied offensive in two years. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How many Canadian soldiers were casualties during the Vimy Ridge battle?

10,500 Canadian casualties were recorded. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the difficulties faced by Canadian troops in Passchendaele?

The mud created by the shelling of drainage ditches. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the broader implication of the Vimy Ridge victory for Canada?

It signified Canada’s transformation into an independent nation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Major General Currie's distinction during the Vimy Ridge campaign?

He led the 1st Division to success and was granted a knighthood. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Events of War

Seven countries initially involved, with 30 by the war's end.
Fighting extended beyond Europe, to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific/Atlantic Ocean.
Europe saw four major fronts.

Western Front

Germany sought to capture Paris before Russia and Britain fully mobilized.
Allied forces moved faster than anticipated by the Germans.
Allied troops (including French and British soldiers), used every available transport (taxis, etc) to reach the front lines quickly.
German advances were halted at the Marne River, then forced back to the Aisne River.
Both sides established defensive trenches, protected by machine guns and barbed wire, in October 1914.
Trenches stretched 100 km from the English Channel to the Swiss border, with a 25-meter corridor between them called "No Man's Land".
Land mines and barbed wire were strategically positioned in No Man's Land.
Trenches were dug deep to accommodate water seepage.
Zigzag trenches/corridors were used to prevent enemy firesweeping the entire length of the trench
Communication trenches were built to the rear of front line trenches to support and reserve soldiers and command posts.
A pervasive climate of cold, wet, dirty conditions and disease spread rapidly amongst soldiers, including trench foot and trench mouth (gum infections).
Rations were insufficient, and bodies of soldiers were infested with lice and rats.
Mental stress, shell shock, and the breakdown of mental well-being were significant issues.
20,000 Canadian troops joined the Allies in April 1915.

Battles

Battle of Ypres

Canadian 1st Division was assigned to the Ypres battle front lines in Belgium.
Germany initiated a deadly chlorine gas attack on Allied positions.
Chlorine gas's effect was devastating, causing lung damage, choking, and death for soldiers affected.
Canadians and makeshift gas masks endured the attack and sustained casualties.
African troops helped the Canadians sustain the gaps created by the chlorine attack.
Mustard gas was a more deadly gas used later in the war.

Battle of the Somme

July 1916, the 1st day of the Somme offensive was the most disastrous day in the British Army's history.
Canadians and British soldiers fought under General Haig.
The offensive aimed to break through German lines with heavy barrage, but failed to advance beyond the initial positions.
Significant losses and casualties on both sides resulted, with a high death toll for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
The battle lasted 141 days.
Significant Canadian casualties.
The offensive continued and proved disastrous across multiple days.

Vimy Ridge

Canada won a significant victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917.
Canadian troops fought alongside other Allied forces and captured a hilltop position at Vimy Ridge, a key strategic position on the Western Front.
This victory was a major morale booster and marked a monumental success.
Four Canadian divisions succeeded in their simultaneous attack.

Passchendaele

The 3rd Battle of Ypres, or Passchendaele, was one of the most devastating battles of World War I for the Canadian forces.

Last Hundred Days

Spring 1918, German commanders realized a food and supply shortage.
Allied forces drove the Germans back.
American troops arrived to support the Allied forces.
German armies were driven back and surrendered in November 1918.

War in Air and Sea

Airplanes and zeppelins were relatively new technologies in World War One.
Importance of controlling air space, and how German attacks on sea routes to Britain negatively affected food supplies for the rest of Europe.
Allied and German naval conflict at Jutland.
The submarine warfare efforts of Germany were also part of this conflict.

War on the Home Front

Civilians played a critical role.
"Victory gardens" were established.
Women took over jobs to replace men in wartime for essential duties.
Financing the war was largely done using bonds.
Canada's economy experienced significant growth due to wartime demand.
The Halifax Explosion was a significant tragedy.
Large-scale casualties.

Role of Women

Women's roles expanded significantly during the war.
Women gained increased independence and opportunities in the workplace.
Important steps forward in recognition for women's rights.

Conscription

Conscription bills were proposed to address manpower needs for the war effort.
Significant opposition arose in Canada.
Political division arose over the conscription bills.

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Description

Explore the critical events of World War I focusing on the Western Front. Learn about the significant battles, trench warfare, and the strategies employed by both the Allied forces and Germany. This quiz will test your knowledge of key moments and tactics that defined the war's early years.