World War One Overview

A term that describes the forced enrollment of individuals into military service. During WWI, the Canadian government debated about imposing conscription, leading to public unrest and violence.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, in June 1914, is considered the immediate cause of World War I. This event escalated tensions between European powers and triggered a series of diplomatic failures, leading to the outbreak of war.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh punishments on Germany, including limitations on its armed forces, severe financial reparations, and territorial losses. These punitive measures contributed significantly to Germany's economic and political instability, which played a role in the rise of Nazi Germany and the outbreak of World War II.

The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was established by Prime Minister Robert Borden during World War I to send soldiers overseas. The CEF included volunteers from Canada, and they played a crucial role in the war, fighting fiercely in major battles like the Battle of Somme and Vimy Ridge.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought in April 1917, was a significant military victory for the Canadian Corps during World War I. Canadian troops showcased their courage and tactical skills, capturing the heavily fortified ridge and establishing a crucial foothold in the war.

The Battle of Somme, fought in 1916, was one of the bloodiest battles of World War I. Canadian troops fought fiercely against German forces, but the fighting was brutal and costly, resulting in a high number of casualties on both sides. It highlighted the intense and destructive nature of warfare in WWI.

During World War I, women on the home front played a vital role in maintaining the economy and supporting the war effort. They took over jobs traditionally held by men, worked in factories, on farms, and in hospitals, providing essential support for the fighting men.

Mackenzie King, a prominent Canadian politician, served as Prime Minister of Canada for three consecutive terms during World War II. His leadership was critical in mobilizing resources and volunteers, and he played a pivotal role in supporting Britain's war efforts while maintaining a distinct Canadian identity.

A government policy designed to restrict immigration from India, requiring individuals to have at least $200 upon entry to Canada.

A system of boarding schools established in Canada to assimilate Indigenous children into dominant Canadian culture.

The first international organization aiming to promote international cooperation and peace, often considered a precursor to the United Nations.

The movement advocating for women's right to vote in Canada, leading to significant milestones in women's suffrage.

A landmark legal case challenging the definition of “person” in the British North America Act, ultimately paving the way for women's appointment to the Senate.

A major labor strike in Winnipeg, involving 30,000 workers demanding better working conditions, leading to violent clashes with authorities.

A period characterized by economic prosperity, technological advancements, and a rise in living standards for middle-class families.

A law prohibiting the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, leading to widespread illegal activities and ultimately its repeal.

The economic downturn in the 1930s marked by widespread unemployment, loss of savings, and social hardship.

The period during the 1930s characterized by widespread poverty, unemployment, and societal upheaval.

The Wartime Prices and Trade Board (WPTB) was established to oversee consumer protection, price controls, and inflation management during World War II.

A statute passed by the Canadian Parliament during World War II, mobilizing resources for the war effort.

The forced internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II, reflecting racial prejudice and discrimination.

A political and social crisis that occurred during World War II, triggered by the introduction of conscription for military service in Canada.

A sound navigation system used to detect submarines during World War II, now utilized for various purposes like nautical charting and shipwreck exploration.

The German military strategy of using swift, powerful attacks to break through enemy lines, known for its early successes in World War II.

The two opposing sides during World War II - the Axis powers, led by Germany, Italy, and Japan, and the Allies, including France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China.

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, a significant step towards German expansion.

A direct vote by the electorate on a significant issue, used to gauge public opinion or make a decision.

A period of limited military action in Europe after the fall of Poland in 1939, known for its relative inactivity compared to later stages of the war.

The German air force, a crucial component of the Luftwaffe's strength.

The dramatic evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, in 1940, a strategic retreat that saved many British and French soldiers from capture.

The Allied campaign to liberate the Netherlands from German control, a key effort in the Western Front.

The Battle of Britain, a crucial aerial battle fought over the skies of Britain in 1940, where the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended against the Luftwaffe.

The Allied operation to land in Normandy, France, in 1944, a pivotal turning point in WW2, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

The extended battle for control of the Atlantic Ocean between 1939 and 1945, crucial for supply lines and transportation.

The Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in December 1941. The British colony fiercely defended itself, albeit with limited resources and outnumbered by the Japanese forces.

The final stages of World War II in Europe, when Allied forces pushed towards Berlin, eventually leading to the surrender of Germany.

The Italian campaign, a series of battles fought to liberate Italy from German control, marked by difficult terrain and guerrilla warfare.

The Allied landing at Dieppe, France, in 1942, meant to test German defenses and deceive Hitler about the location of the planned invasion.

A German coding machine used in World War II to convert radio messages into unbreakable code.

A German submarine used by Germany to sink merchant ships during World War II. It was a significant factor in the United States' decision to join the war.

A German luxury liner carrying Jewish refugees attempting to escape Nazi Germany in 1939. The ship's journey illustrated the anti-Semitic policies of the time.

A series of coordinated attacks against Jewish communities in Nazi Germany and Austria on November 9-10, 1938. Synagogues were burned and Jewish businesses were destroyed.

The Nazi's plan to eliminate Europe's Jewish population, resulting in the murder of approximately 6 million Jews during World War II.

The most notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp, located in Poland. It was part of a network of camps where at least 1.1 million prisoners, mostly Jewish, were killed.

Laws passed in Nazi Germany in 1935, stripping Jewish citizens of their citizenship and civil rights. They made it illegal for Jews to marry non-Jews, own land, or work in certain professions.

The systematic and deliberate killing of an entire group of people, often based on their race, ethnicity, or religion. The Holocaust was a prime example of genocide.

A Canadian politician who served as Prime Minister of Canada during World War II. His efforts included mobilizing Canadian resources and volunteers to support the Allied cause.

A British statesman, writer, and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. He played a key role in resisting Nazi Germany and working with the Allies.

An Austrian-born German politician who rose to power as the leader of the Nazi Party and became dictator of Germany during World War II. He was responsible for the Holocaust and the invasion of Poland.

A Soviet politician and revolutionary who led the Soviet Union during World War II. He played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany, but also contributed to the deaths of millions of his own citizens.

An Italian nationalist and founder of Italian fascism. He was the dictator of Italy during World War II, initially siding with Germany but eventually switching sides.

The 32nd President of the United States who served during World War II. He worked closely with other Allied leaders, mobilized the American economy, and implemented the 'Europe First' strategy.

A secret Canadian army training base during World War II, known for training soldiers in espionage and sabotage tactics. It was instrumental in the Allied war effort.

A wartime measure implemented in Canada to distribute essential goods fairly during World War II. Citizens were allotted specific amounts of items like sugar, coffee, tea, butter, and meat.

A pact signed by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany in 1939 that aimed to prevent armed conflict between the two nations, allowing Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention. It also included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence.

The immediate cause of World War II was the invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939. This action violated international agreements and triggered a chain reaction that led to the war's outbreak across Europe.

The use of atomic bombs by the United States on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. These events resulted in massive loss of life and led to Japan's surrender, effectively ending World War II.

The period of geopolitical tension and military rivalry between the Soviet Union and its allies (the Eastern bloc) and the United States and its allies (the Western bloc) following World War II. The clash between communist and capitalist ideologies, particularly on the issue of German ownership.

A conflict that began in 1950 when North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. The United States intervened to support South Korea, leading to a prolonged war and solidifying the division of Korea along the 38th parallel.

This crisis centered around the Suez Canal in 1956. The Egyptian government, led by Gamal Abdel Nasser, nationalized the canal, which had been owned by a British company. The situation escalated when Israel, Britain, and France intervened, prompting international condemnation and a retreat by the Western powers.

A military alliance established in 1949 to defend Western Europe from Soviet aggression, providing collective security for its member states. It was a key element of the Cold War strategy against the Soviet Union.

An agreement between the Soviet Union and its allies in Eastern Europe, signed in 1955. This pact was formed in response to NATO and aimed to counter the alliances of the West during the Cold War. The Warsaw Pact aimed to create a united front against the western alliance.

A period of social and economic change in Canada following World War II. The return of soldiers after the war, the creation of new opportunities due to the Family Allowances Act, and advancements in technology like automobiles, television, and nuclear energy.