World War I: The Western Front

The German government claimed the Lusitania was armed with guns and carrying war material, justifying its sinking.

The Lusitania was designed to be able to quickly become an armed merchant ship in wartime, but it never had guns installed.

The Lusitania carried rifle cartridges and other supplies, but not in a way that was officially labeled as war material.

Some theories suggest the Lusitania held secret explosives that contributed to its sinking, but this is unproven.

The German government argued that the Lusitania was in a war zone and had been warned of submarine attacks.

The first deadly chemical weapon used in World War I; a greenish-yellow gas that caused severe respiratory problems, burning eyes, and choking.

A tactic used in warfare to soften up the enemy's defenses before an attack. It often involved heavy artillery bombardment to destroy trenches and fortifications.

The Battle of the Somme was the deadliest battle in the history of the British army, resulting in heavy casualties for all sides, including the Canadians.

Despite immense casualties, the British Commander-in-Chief General Douglas Haig insisted the attack at the Somme continue. He believed in a strategic approach, even if it was costly.

The Battle of the Somme saw the first use of tanks in warfare, which were large armored vehicles that were meant to break through enemy lines.

The British viewed the Somme's attack as strategically necessary, while others blamed politicians for the war's senselessness. Many soldiers believed the true enemy was not Germany or Austria but the war itself.

Canadian soldiers heroically fought in the Battle of the Somme despite the extreme casualties, demonstrating their resilience and dedication to defending their country.

The Battle of Ypres saw the first use of chlorine gas in warfare, causing immense casualties for all involved. Canadian soldiers, with makeshift gas masks, held their position, but suffered heavy losses.

A major naval battle fought between the British and German fleets in 1916, resulting in heavy losses for both sides, but ultimately considered a strategic victory for the British.

A policy adopted by Germany in 1917 to sink any Allied or neutral ships approaching Britain without warning, leading to a significant increase in civilian casualties and cargo losses.

A defensive strategy used against German U-boats during World War I, involving merchant ships traveling in groups escorted by armed destroyers to provide protection from attacks.

A type of warship disguised as a civilian merchant vessel to lure U-boats into a trap, using hidden weaponry to ambush and sink them.

The concept that a nation's entire resources, including its civilian population, are mobilized for the war effort.

Small gardens planted by civilians during World War I to supplement food supplies and support the war effort.

The main role played by Canada during WWI regarding naval warfare, primarily contributing manpower and ships for the Royal Navy, as well as building warships.

The impact of the unrestricted submarine warfare strategy by Germany, which led to the sinking of American ships, ultimately bringing the United States into the war against Germany and tipping the scales towards the Allies.

A major battle in World War I where Canadian forces achieved a decisive victory against the German army, capturing Vimy Ridge and demonstrating their military prowess. This battle is considered a turning point in Canadian history and a symbol of national unity.

A strategic location on a high point of land that offered control over surrounding areas.

The strategic importance of Vimy Ridge stemmed from its commanding position, allowing whoever controlled it to have a significant tactical advantage in the surrounding areas.

The first time all four Canadian divisions fought together as a unified force. This demonstrated Canada's growing military capability and their strength as a nation.

A significant battle of World War I marked by heavy casualties and harsh conditions for Canadian troops. Known for its muddy terrain and high number of casualties, it is often considered a defining moment of sacrifice and hardship.

The Battle of Passchendaele is remembered as a disastrous battle for Canadians. The terrain was difficult due to the mud, and the offensive was costly in terms of human lives, with minimal gains in territory.

The final months of World War I, characterized by intense fighting and a shift in momentum in favor of the Allied forces, leading eventually to the defeat of Germany.

During the final months of World War I, Germany was facing growing challenges. Their supplies were dwindling, and their attempts to starve Britain through submarine attacks failed. The entry of the United States into the war further tipped the scales against Germany.

Conscription, a system of mandatory military service, caused deep divisions in Canada during World War I. English-speaking Canadians generally supported it, while French-Canadians largely opposed it, leading to heightened tensions between the two groups. This division further fueled existing societal conflicts, such as between farmers and city dwellers, and the majority versus the minority. The debate over conscription became a defining issue in Canadian politics, leaving lasting scars on national unity.

The cost of WWI for Canada was immense, resulting in the loss of over 60,000 lives and leaving thousands more wounded or suffering from war-related illnesses. These casualties had a lasting impact on families and communities across the country.

The experience of WWI significantly impacted Canadian society and the economy. While the war spurred industrial growth and a boom in the production of steel and munitions, it also led to high unemployment after the conflict's end. The war's economic impact, however, provided opportunities for women, who entered the workforce in large numbers, ultimately leading to the right to vote.

Despite the hardships and divisions, Canada's participation in WWI brought about some positive outcomes. It solidified Canada's status as an independent nation within the British Empire, earning international respect and claiming a separate seat at the peace conference. Canada's decisive role in the war solidified its place on the world stage.

The period following WWI saw a rise in social reforms, influenced by the war's impact on Canadian society. The implementation of Prohibition banned alcohol consumption, reflecting a broader shift in attitudes towards social issues and the role of government in shaping public morality.

A system of mandatory military service, where all able-bodied men were required to join the armed forces.

The strong opposition to conscription, particularly among French-Canadians, who felt a weaker connection to Britain and France.

The granting of voting rights to women in Canada, a significant social change influenced by women's roles during the war.