History Exam Notes_ Mir Usayd PDF

WORLD WAR 1 Key Causes of World War I: ​ Nationalism: The belief in national superiority that fueled tensions in Europe. ​ Imperialism: European competition for colonies heightened rivalries. ​ Militarism: The buildup of military forces, especially in Germany and Britain. ​ Alli...

WORLD WAR 1 Key Causes of World War I: ​ Nationalism: The belief in national superiority that fueled tensions in Europe. ​ Imperialism: European competition for colonies heightened rivalries. ​ Militarism: The buildup of military forces, especially in Germany and Britain. ​ Alliances: Agreements like the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain) and Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) escalated the conflict. Key Events: ​ Assassination of Franz Ferdinand (1914): Sparked the start of World War I. ​ Schlieffen Plan: Germany’s failed strategy to avoid a two-front war. Major Battles and Canadian Involvement: ​ Ypres (1914): Early battle where Canadian forces held the line. ​ Vimy Ridge (1917): Major Canadian victory, a defining moment in Canadian military history. ​ Somme (1916): Canada’s first large-scale involvement, with heavy casualties. ​ Passchendaele (1917): Brutal battle with significant Canadian contributions and casualties. ​ Amiens (1918): Decisive Allied victory, including Canadian troops. Canadian Heroes and Contributions: ​ Billy Bishop: Famous Canadian flying ace. ​ Francis Pegahmagabow: Most decorated Indigenous Canadian soldier. ​ Jeremiah Jones, Curley Christian, Henri Norwest: Canadian soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross. ​ No.2 Construction Battalion: Canada’s only all-Black battalion during WWI. Technological Innovations and Warfare: ​ Tanks: Introduced to break through enemy lines. ​ Water-Cooled Machine Guns: Provided sustained firepower. ​ Zeppelins: German airships used for reconnaissance and bombing. Social and Political Impact in Canada: ​ Conscription Crisis (1917): Divided French and English Canadians over mandatory military service. ​ Women’s Contribution: Women played critical roles as nurses, factory workers, and volunteers. ​ War Measures Act: Gave the Canadian government extensive powers during the war. ​ Income Tax: Introduced to fund the war effort. ​ Enemy Aliens and Xenophobia: Internment of individuals from Central European backgrounds. ​ Halifax Explosion (1917): A massive explosion in Canada that caused thousands of  casualties. 1920s and 1930s​ ​ Key Events and Legislation: ​ Chinese Immigration Act of 1923: Effectively banned Chinese immigration to Canada, reflecting racial discrimination. ​ King-Byng Affair (1926): A constitutional crisis over the Governor General’s refusal to call an election, highlighting the powers of the Governor General. ​ Balfour Report (1926): Recognized the Dominions, including Canada, as equal in status to Britain, paving the way for greater autonomy. ​ Halibut Treaty (1923): A landmark treaty negotiated independently by Canada with the U.S. to regulate Pacific halibut fishing. ​ Statute of Westminster (1931): Granted full legislative independence to Canada, allowing the country to pass laws without British approval. ​ Persons Case (1929): A landmark legal victory by the Famous Five (including Nellie McClung) to have women recognized as "persons" under Canadian law, leading to the first female senator. ​ Chanak Crisis (1922): A diplomatic event in which Canada asserted its autonomy by refusing to support Britain in military intervention against Turkey. Key Figures: ​ Nellie McClung: Prominent suffragist who played a key role in securing women's right to vote and in social reform. ​ Agnes Macphail: First woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons, advocate for women’s rights and social reform. ​ Frederick Banting: Co-discoverer of insulin, revolutionizing diabetes treatment and earning the Nobel Prize. ​ Maurice Duplessis: Premier of Quebec, leading the Union Nationale and advocating for traditional Catholic values and provincial autonomy. ​ R.B. Bennett: Prime Minister during the Great Depression, implementing relief programs to address economic hardship. ​ Bill Aberhart: Founder of the Social Credit Party in Alberta, promoting economic reforms during the Depression. Key Movements and Social Issues: ​ League of Indians: Founded in 1919 to advocate for Indigenous rights and greater political autonomy. ​ Winnipeg General Strike (1919): A large-scale labor strike demanding better working conditions, highlighting post-WWI economic struggles. ​ One Big Union: A 1919 labor organization aiming to unite trade unions and challenge capitalist systems. ​ Sterilization Act (1929): Allowed forced sterilizations in Alberta, particularly targeting Indigenous people and those with disabilities as part of the eugenics movement. ​ On to Ottawa Trek (1935): A protest by unemployed workers demanding better  conditions, which resulted in violent clashes with police. Cultural and Social Developments: ​ Dionne Quintuplets (1934): The first known surviving quintuplets, becoming a media sensation and symbol of the social challenges during the Great Depression. ​ Chatham Stars: A Black Canadian baseball team that promoted African-Canadian participation in sports during a time of racial segregation. ROAD TO WWII​ Key Events: ​ Treaty of Versailles (1919): The Nazis saw it as unjustly punishing Germany after WWI, fueling their desire to overturn its terms. ​ Manchuria (1931): Japan’s invasion of Manchuria marked the beginning of its expansionist policy and violations of international agreements. ​ Nanking Massacre (1937): Japanese atrocities during their occupation of Nanking, including mass murder and rape. ​ Sudetenland (1938): Region of Czechoslovakia annexed by Germany after the Munich Conference, a failed appeasement attempt. ​ Munich Conference (1938): Western powers allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland, mistakenly believing it would prevent further expansion. ​ Rhineland (1936): Hitler’s military reoccupation of the Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles, with no response from France or Britain. ​ Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939): The non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, allowing Germany to invade Poland without Soviet interference. ​ Kristallnacht (1938): State-sponsored anti-Jewish violence in Nazi Germany, escalating the persecution of Jews. Key Figures: ​ Adolf Hitler: Leader of Nazi Germany, responsible for the rise of the Nazi Party, the Holocaust, and WWII. ​ Heinrich Himmler: Head of the SS, responsible for implementing the Holocaust and Nazi terror. ​ Joseph Goebbels: Nazi minister of propaganda, responsible for spreading Nazi ideology and anti-Semitic messages. ​ Hermann Göring: Leading Nazi official and head of the Luftwaffe, significant in Nazi military strategy and economic policies. ​ Benito Mussolini: Fascist dictator of Italy, who allied with Hitler and pursued aggressive expansions like the invasion of Abyssinia. ​ Joachim von Ribbentrop: Nazi foreign minister who negotiated the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Key Ideologies: ​ Fascism: An authoritarian, nationalistic political system focused on state power, military  strength, and suppression of opposition, as seen in both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. ​ Social Darwinism: The belief in the superiority of the Aryan race, used by the Nazis to justify racial policies and the persecution of Jews and other groups. ​ Anti-Semitism: The belief in the racial inferiority of Jews, central to Nazi ideology and policies like the Nuremberg Laws and the Holocaust. Nazi Actions and Policies: ​ Brown Shirts (SA): Nazi paramilitary group that helped Hitler rise to power through violence and intimidation. ​ Beer Hall Putsch (1923): Hitler’s failed coup attempt to seize power in Munich, leading to his imprisonment and the writing of Mein Kampf. ​ Nuremberg Laws (1935): Anti-Semitic laws that stripped Jews of their citizenship and segregated them from the rest of society. ​ Kristallnacht (1938): State-orchestrated violence against Jews, marking a significant escalation in Nazi anti-Semitic policies. ​ Gestapo: The Nazi secret police responsible for eliminating political opposition and overseeing the persecution of Jews. WWII EVENTS Key Events: ​ Dunkirk (1940): Successful evacuation of over 300,000 Allied troops from France, marking a pivotal moment in WWII. ​ Battle of Britain (1940): The successful defense of Britain against German aerial attacks, crucial for preventing a German invasion. ​ Invasion of Hong Kong (1941): Japanese victory over British-held Hong Kong, with Canadian troops captured. ​ Battle of the Atlantic (1939-1945): A crucial naval battle to secure supply routes for Britain, with significant Canadian involvement in convoy protection. ​ Dieppe Raid (1942): A failed Allied assault on France, resulting in heavy Canadian casualties but valuable lessons learned for future operations. ​ D-Day (1944): Allied invasion of Normandy, with Canadian forces playing a key role in the liberation of Western Europe. ​ Battle of the Scheldt (1944): Key battle to secure the port of Antwerp, with Canadian forces making a decisive contribution. ​ Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945): The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on these cities, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of WWII. ​ Holocaust: The genocide by Nazi Germany that led to the deaths of 6 million Jews and millions of others. Canadian Involvement:  ​ William Lyon Mackenzie King: Prime Minister of Canada during WWII, managing relations with Britain and the U.S., and handling key domestic issues like conscription. ​ Conscription Crisis of WWII (1944): A conflict in Canada over the introduction of mandatory military service, causing divisions, especially between English and French Canadians. ​ Japanese Internment (1940s): The forced relocation and internment of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians during WWII, fueled by racial prejudice and wartime fears. ​ Cree Code Talkers: Indigenous Canadian soldiers who used their language to create a code that protected Allied military communications. ​ Tommy Prince: A decorated Indigenous Canadian soldier who served in the Devil's Brigade, contributing to covert operations in Italy and France. Wartime Policies and Actions: ​ War Measures Act: Legislation passed in Canada during WWII, granting the government extensive powers for wartime control, including censorship and internment. ​ Enemy Aliens: Citizens of German, Italian, and Japanese descent in Canada who were viewed with suspicion and subjected to internment during WWII. ​ British Commonwealth Air Training Plan: A major WWII initiative that trained thousands of aircrew for the Allies in Canada. ​ Camp X: A secret spy training facility in Ontario, preparing agents for espionage and sabotage against Nazi Germany. Key Figures: ​ Winston Churchill: British Prime Minister during WWII, renowned for his leadership and determination in resisting Nazi Germany. ​ Elsie MacGill: The first woman in Canada to earn an engineering degree, she became known for her role in aircraft production for the Canadian military during WWII. ​ Dr. Norman Bethune: A Canadian physician who provided medical aid during the Second Sino-Japanese War, developing innovative blood transfusion techniques. 1945 to 1968 Global Institutions & Events: ​ United Nations (UN): Founded in 1945 to promote international peace, security, and cooperation among nations. ​ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Outlines fundamental human rights and freedoms that should be universally protected. ​ Cold War (1947-1991): Geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, defined by political tension and ideological conflict but no direct warfare. ​ Korean War (1950-1953): Cold War conflict between communist North Korea and capitalist South Korea, with Canadian troops contributing under the UN flag. ​ Suez Crisis (1956): Conflict over Egypt's nationalization of the Suez Canal, where Canada played a key diplomatic role in resolving the crisis. ​ NATO (1949): Military alliance formed to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War. ​ Gouzenko Affair (1945): Soviet defector Igor Gouzenko exposed Soviet espionage activities in Canada, increasing Cold War tensions. ​ Bretton Woods Conference (1944): Established the IMF and World Bank to stabilize the global economy after WWII. Canadian Social and Political Developments:​ ​ Lester B. Pearson: Lester B. Pearson, Canada's 14th Prime Minister, is known for his role in establishing the UN Peacekeeping force and introducing universal healthcare and the Canada Pension Plan. ​ Avro Arrow: The Avro Arrow was a Canadian supersonic interceptor jet developed in the 1950s, but its cancellation in 1959 remains a controversial decision in Canadian history. ​ Louis St Laurent: Louis St. Laurent, Canada's 12th Prime Minister, helped strengthen Canada's international presence and played a key role in the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Trans-Canada Highway. ​ John Diefenbaker: John Diefenbaker, Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, is known for the Bill of Rights and his commitment to civil liberties, while promoting northern development and Canada's role in NATO. ​ Bill of Rights: The Canadian Bill of Rights, passed in 1960 under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, was the first federal human rights law guaranteeing basic freedoms to Canadians. ​ Trans-Canada Highway: The Trans-Canada Highway, completed in 1971, is the world’s longest continuous highway, linking Canada’s provinces from coast to coast and symbolizing national unity.  ​ St Lawrence Seaway: The St. Lawrence Seaway, completed in 1959, is a system of locks and canals allowing ocean-going ships to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, boosting Canadian trade. ​ Trans-Canada Pipeline: The Trans-Canada Pipeline, completed in 1958, is a vital natural gas pipeline running from Alberta to Quebec, contributing to Canada's energy infrastructure. ​ Canada Pension Plan: Introduced in 1966, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides income security to Canadians in retirement, ensuring public financial support for seniors and the disabled. ​ Universal Healthcare: Universal Healthcare in Canada, introduced in 1966 under Lester B. Pearson's government, guarantees medical services for all citizens regardless of income. ​ Flag Debate: The Flag Debate of 1964 was a heated political discussion over adopting a new Canadian flag, leading to the creation of the iconic maple leaf flag in 1965. Human Rights and Social Movements in Canada: ​ Indigenous Enfranchisement: Indigenous people could give up their status for full Canadian citizenship, often losing rights in the process. ​ Viola Desmond: Civil rights pioneer who challenged racial segregation in 1946, inspiring future racial equality movements. ​ Everitt Klippert: His imprisonment in 1965 for being homosexual became a turning point in the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. ​ Lincoln Alexander: Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament (1968) and later the first Black Governor of Ontario. ​ Royal Commission on the Status of Women (1967): Recommended actions to promote gender equality in Canada, particularly in employment and education. 1968 to 2006 Key Events in Canadian History: ​ October Crisis (1970): FLQ kidnappings in Quebec led to the War Measures Act being invoked by the Canadian government. ​ 1980 Quebec Referendum: Quebec voters rejected the proposal for independence, with 60% voting to remain part of Canada.  ​ Oka Crisis (1990): A standoff between Mohawk protesters and the Canadian government over land rights in Quebec. ​ Montreal Massacre (1989): A tragic event where 14 women were killed, leading to stronger gun control laws (Bill C-68). ​ Air India Bombing (1985): Terrorist attack on an Air India flight, resulting in the deaths of 331 people, mainly Canadian citizens of Indian descent. ​ Gulf War (1990-1991): Canada participated in the U.S.-led coalition to liberate Kuwait after Iraq's invasion. ​ Somalia Conflict (1992-1995): A Canadian peacekeeping mission marred by a scandal involving Canadian soldiers' conduct. ​ Rwanda Genocide (1994): The mass killing of Tutsis in Rwanda, with Canadian peacekeepers contributing during the crisis. ​ War in Afghanistan (2001-2014): Canada participated in NATO-led operations against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks. Key Canadian Policies and Acts: ​ Notwithstanding Clause: Part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, allowing provinces to override certain rights for up to five years. ​ Official Languages Act (1969): Established English and French as the official languages of Canada. ​ White Paper (1969): A government proposal to assimilate Indigenous peoples, which led to the Red Paper response from Indigenous leaders. ​ Multiculturalism Act (1988): Officially recognized and promoted the diversity of Canada’s cultural communities. ​ Bill 22 (1974): Made French the official language of Quebec in government and public life. ​ Bill 101 (1977): Strengthened the use of French as the official language of Quebec in education, business, and government. ​ National Energy Program (1980): Aimed to increase Canadian ownership of the oil industry, causing tensions with western provinces. ​ GST (1991): The Goods and Services Tax, a federal sales tax on most goods and services in Canada. ​ Acid Rain Accord (1991): An agreement between Canada and the U.S. to reduce emissions causing acid rain. Political Figures: ​ René Lévesque: Premier of Quebec and founder of the Parti Québécois, advocating for Quebec’s independence. ​ Joe Clark: Served as Prime Minister (1979-1980) but his government fell after nine months in office. ​ Brian Mulroney: Prime Minister (1984-1993), known for signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. and the controversial Meech Lake Accord.  ​ Jean Chrétien: Prime Minister (1993-2003), known for handling the 1995 Quebec Referendum and promoting national unity. ​ Kim Campbell: Canada’s first female Prime Minister (1993), facing economic and political challenges. ​ Stephen Harper: Prime Minister (2006-2015), known for conservative policies and strong stance on Afghanistan. ​ Paul Martin: Prime Minister (2003-2006), focusing on healthcare reform, fiscal policy, and Indigenous relations. Key Social and Indigenous Issues: ​ Red Paper (1970): Indigenous leaders’ response to the White Paper, advocating for the protection of Indigenous rights and sovereignty. ​ Viola Desmond: Civil rights pioneer who challenged racial segregation in 1946. ​ Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996): Recommended reforms to improve the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. ​ Nunavut (1999): A Canadian territory that provides self-governance for the Inuit people in the Arctic region. Referendums and Constitutional Issues: ​ Meech Lake Accord (1987): A failed attempt to amend the Canadian Constitution to recognize Quebec as a "distinct society." ​ Charlottetown Accord (1992): A package of constitutional amendments to address Quebec's status and Indigenous rights, rejected in a national referendum. ​ Clarity Act (2000): Established clear conditions for any future Quebec referendum on sovereignty, requiring a clear majority for independence. ​ 1995 Quebec Referendum: Quebec narrowly voted to remain part of Canada, with 50.6% rejecting sovereignty. Cultural and Legal Developments: ​ Toronto Bath House Raids (1981): A police crackdown on gay men in Toronto, sparking LGBTQ+ protests and activism. ​ Bill 101 (1977): Strengthened the use of French as the official language of Quebec. ​ Reform Party (1987): A right-wing political party founded to promote fiscal conservatism and western Canada’s interests, later merging with the Progressive Conservatives to form the Conservative Party. ​ Bloc Québécois (1991): A political party advocating for Quebec's independence and representing its interests in federal Parliament. FOR ESSAY -​ You have to pick one Canadian event and explain its significance, and what does it mean about Canadian identity and what does it have to do with Canada -​ Basically explain what this has to do with