WWI Battles: Ypres and Somme

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Questions and Answers

What was significant about the No. 2 Construction Battalion in Canadian history?

It was the only all-Black battalion in Canadian history.

Why did pacifists face social ostracism and legal penalties during World War I?

They opposed the war on moral or religious grounds.

What was the significance of Canada signing the Treaty of Versailles in 1919?

It marked a step towards full sovereignty for Canada.

What was the purpose of the creeping barrage tactic used by Canadian forces during World War I?

It was an artillery tactic where a line of fire moved forward in stages just ahead of the advancing infantry. Signup and view all the answers

What were the harsh conditions faced by soldiers in trench warfare during World War I?

They included mud, rats, and constant threat from enemy fire. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Spanish Flu pandemic on Canada during World War I?

It killed approximately 50,000 Canadians. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915?

It was the site of the first major use of poison gas by the Germans, and the Canadian Expeditionary Force held their ground despite the gas attacks. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917?

Canadian forces achieved a significant victory by capturing Vimy Ridge in France, showcasing their military capability and unity. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Military Service Act of 1917?

It introduced conscription, which was a contentious issue that divided the country, especially between English and French Canadians. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917?

Canadian forces captured Passchendaele Ridge under dire conditions, demonstrating their determination and suffering heavy casualties. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Triple Entente formed in 1907?

It was an alliance between France, Russia, and Britain, forming the basis of the Allied Powers in World War I. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the League of Nations established in 1920?

It was established to promote international cooperation and peace, and Canada was a founding member. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Germany's policy of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare in 1917?

It contributed to the US entering the war, as Germany was sinking all ships, including neutral ones, without warning. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Billy Bishop in World War I?

He was a Canadian flying ace credited with 72 victories, awarded the Victoria Cross, and became a symbol of Canadian heroism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

World War I

The Second Battle of Ypres (1915) saw the first major use of poison gas by the Germans, but the Canadian Expeditionary Force held their ground despite the gas attacks.
The Battle of Somme (1916) was one of the largest battles of World War I, known for high casualties and the first use of tanks in warfare, with Canadian forces playing a crucial role in the later stages.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-12, 1917) was a significant Canadian victory, marking a defining moment for Canada and showcasing their military capability and unity.
Conscription was introduced in 1917 through the Military Service Act, dividing the country, especially between English and French Canadians.
The Battle of Passchendaele (July-November 1917) saw Canadian forces capture Passchendaele Ridge under dire conditions, demonstrating determination and suffering heavy casualties.

International Context

The Triple Entente (1907) was an alliance between France, Russia, and Britain, forming the basis of the Allied Powers in World War I.
The League of Nations was established in 1920 to promote international cooperation and peace, with Canada as a founding member.
Germany's Unrestricted Submarine Warfare policy (1917) contributed to the US entering the war.
Propaganda was used extensively to maintain public support, recruit soldiers, and finance the war effort through war bonds.

Notable Figures

Billy Bishop was a Canadian flying ace credited with 72 victories and was awarded the Victoria Cross, becoming a symbol of Canadian heroism.
The No. 2 Construction Battalion (1916-1920) was the only all-Black battalion in Canadian history, reflecting racial discrimination.
Pacifists opposed the war on moral or religious grounds, facing social ostracism and legal penalties.
Arthur Currie was the first Canadian-appointed commander of the Canadian Corps, known for innovative tactics and successful leadership.

Treaty and Pandemic

The Treaty of Versailles (June 28, 1919) ended World War I, imposing harsh penalties on Germany and contributing to future conflicts, with Canada signing the treaty independently, marking a step towards full sovereignty.
The Spanish Flu (1918-1919) was a global pandemic that coincided with the end of World War I, killing millions worldwide, including approximately 50,000 Canadians.

Key Individuals and Tactics

Robert Borden was the Prime Minister of Canada during World War I, implementing conscription and playing a key role in Canada's wartime governance.
Sam Hughes was the Minister of Militia and Defence, responsible for the rapid mobilization of Canadian forces but criticized for his handling of military supplies.
The Creeping Barrage was an artillery tactic used effectively by Canadian forces, where a line of fire moved forward in stages just ahead of the advancing infantry.
Trench Warfare characterized the horrific conditions faced by soldiers, including mud, rats, and constant threat from enemy fire.

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Description

Test your knowledge of two significant battles in World War I, including the Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Somme, and the Canadian Expeditionary Force's role in them.