WWI Battles: Ypres and Somme

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.