World War 1 Causes & Events PDF

Main Causes of WWI: 1.​ Militarism: European powers were heavily focused on military build-up and competition. Nations were increasing the size of their armies and navies, which made war seem more inevitable. 2.​ Alliances: ○​ The Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russ...

Main Causes of WWI: 1.​ Militarism: European powers were heavily focused on military build-up and competition. Nations were increasing the size of their armies and navies, which made war seem more inevitable. 2.​ Alliances: ○​ The Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) and Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) created rival blocs. These alliances were meant for defense but contributed to the spread of conflict when war broke out. 3.​ Imperialism: European nations competed for colonies, especially in Africa and Asia. This heightened tensions, particularly between Britain, France, and Germany. 4.​ Nationalism: National pride and ethnic tensions, especially in Eastern and Southeastern Europe (like the Balkans), fueled conflict. Slavic nationalism was especially strong, particularly in Serbia. 5.​ Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: This event directly triggered WWI, but underlying tensions had been building for years. Triple Entente and Triple Alliance (Central Powers): ​ Triple Entente (Allied Powers): ○​ France, Russia, Britain: Formed as a counter to the growing power of Germany and the Triple Alliance. The Entente was more of a series of agreements rather than a formal alliance. ​ Triple Alliance (Central Powers): ○​ Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy: Formed for mutual defense, particularly against France and Russia. Italy later switched sides in 1915 to join the Allies. ​ Central Powers: After Italy’s exit, the Central Powers became primarily Germany and Austria-Hungary, later joined by the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria. Valcartier (1914): ​ What: A military camp in Quebec used to train soldiers for WWI. ​ Importance: ○​ Preparation for War: Canada mobilized 32,000 soldiers here before sending them to Europe. ○​ Recruitment: More than 60,000 Canadians volunteered for service in WWI. Valcartier became a key base for training Canadian troops, including the famous Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). Conscription & the Conscription Crisis (1917): ​ Conscription: The mandatory enlistment of men in the military, enacted by the Canadian government in 1917 due to heavy casualties and the need for more soldiers. ​ Crisis: ○​ French-Canadian Resistance: Many French Canadians felt that conscription unfairly burdened them, as they didn’t feel as connected to the British Empire’s war efforts. ○​ Protests & Divisions: The crisis caused a divide between English and French Canadians. The issue deepened nationalistic tensions. ○​ Impact on the Election: Prime Minister Robert Borden used conscription as a key issue in the 1917 federal election, which resulted in a divided, bitterly polarized Canadian society. Franz Ferdinand & Gavrilo Princip (1914): ​ Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo set off the chain reaction leading to WWI. ​ Gavrilo Princip: A Bosnian Serb nationalist who assassinated Ferdinand. He was part of the Black Hand, a group seeking independence for Slavic people under Austro-Hungarian rule. ​ Significance: His assassination by a nationalist group created a diplomatic crisis that escalated into WWI as alliances were activated. 2nd Battle of Ypres (1915): ​ What: The first major battle where poison gas (chlorine gas) was used by the Germans on the Western Front. ​ Canadian Role: ○​ First Canadian Major Battle: Canadians held their ground despite gas attacks, which earned them a reputation for bravery. ○​ Significance: This battle marked Canada’s first major engagement in the war and led to the creation of a lasting Canadian identity in WWI. Treaty of Versailles (Purpose & Long-Term Results): ​ Purpose:  ○​ To formally end WWI and lay out terms for peace. ○​ Key Points: ​ Germany's Responsibility: Germany was blamed for the war and had to pay reparations, give up territory, and reduce its military (known as the War Guilt Clause). ​ Creation of the League of Nations to promote peace. ​ Redrawing of Borders: New countries were created in Europe, like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. ​ Long-Term Results: ○​ Economic Strain on Germany: The harsh reparations contributed to the rise of extremism, including Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. ○​ Resentment & Anger: Many Germans felt humiliated by the treaty, which sowed the seeds for WWII. ○​ Failure of the League of Nations: It failed to prevent future wars, partly due to the U.S. not joining and its inability to enforce decisions. Battle of Vimy Ridge (1917) - Significance to Nationalism: ​ What: A pivotal battle during the Battle of Arras, where all four Canadian divisions fought together for the first time. ​ Significance to Nationalism: ○​ Victory: The Canadian Corps successfully captured the heavily fortified Vimy Ridge from the Germans, marking Canada’s first major military victory as a unified force. ○​ Symbol of Canadian Identity: This victory became a key moment in the development of Canadian nationalism, with many viewing it as a turning point in Canada's emergence as an independent and self-confident nation. ○​ Commemoration: The Vimy Ridge Memorial in France stands as a symbol of sacrifice and unity for Canadians. Battle of Passchendaele (1917): ​ What: A costly and controversial battle, part of the larger Third Battle of Ypres, with the goal of capturing the village of Passchendaele. ​ Challenges: ○​ Horrible Conditions: The battle is remembered for its mud, as heavy rain turned the battlefield into a quagmire. ○​ High Casualties: More than 200,000 soldiers were killed or wounded, with Canadians suffering significant losses. ​ Outcome: The Allies eventually captured Passchendaele, but the high human cost led to criticism of the leadership. Sir Arthur Currie: ​ Position: Commanding officer of the Canadian Corps during WWI. ​ Key Contributions: ○​ Leadership at Vimy Ridge: Led the Canadian Corps to victory at Vimy Ridge, using careful planning and innovative tactics. ○​ Tactical Brilliance: Currie was known for his methodical and cautious approach, focusing on minimizing casualties while achieving military objectives. ○​ Legacy: Considered one of Canada's greatest military leaders, his leadership helped shape Canada’s national identity. Halifax Explosion (1917): ​ What: A massive explosion in Halifax, Nova Scotia, caused by the collision of two ships, one of which was carrying explosives. ​ Impact: ○​ Over 2,000 people were killed, and thousands more were injured. ○​ Aftermath: The explosion led to widespread destruction in Halifax, with the city needing massive reconstruction. ○​ Response: The tragedy united Canadians, and it remains a key event in Canadian history. Changing Role of Women During WWI (Homefront & Suffrage Movement): ​ Homefront: ○​ Labor Force: As men went to war, women took over jobs traditionally held by men, working in factories, offices, and farms. ○​ Volunteer Work: Women contributed to war efforts by organizing support groups, raising funds, and volunteering as nurses. ​ Suffrage Movement: ○​ Women in Canada began to gain the right to vote during and after WWI, starting with Manitoba in 1916 and spreading to other provinces. ○​ In 1918, Canadian women over 21 gained the right to vote in federal elections (except for Indigenous women). Trench Warfare (Description):  ​ What: A type of warfare where both sides dug deep trenches for defense, creating a static front line. ​ Conditions: ○​ Living Conditions: Trenches were muddy, infested with rats, and exposed soldiers to disease and constant danger. ○​ Battles: Most of the fighting involved sending soldiers “over the top” of trenches into no-man’s-land, facing machine gun fire, artillery bombardments, and barbed wire. ○​ Stalemate: Trench warfare often led to a stalemate, with little territorial gain despite heavy casualties. League of Nations (Purpose & Reasons for its Failure): ​ Purpose: ○​ Created after WWI in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles. ○​ Its main goal was to maintain world peace, prevent future wars, and resolve international conflicts through diplomacy rather than warfare. ○​ It aimed to promote disarmament, collective security, and cooperation among nations. ​ Reasons for Failure: ○​ Lack of Power: The League had no armed forces of its own to enforce its decisions. ○​ U.S. Non-Membership: The United States, which was one of the main architects of the League, did not join, weakening its effectiveness. ○​ Ineffectiveness in Crises: The League failed to prevent aggressions, such as Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia and Japan’s invasion of Manchuria. ○​ Unanimity Requirement: The League required unanimous decisions, which made it hard to take decisive action. ○​ Weaknesses in Enforcement: It relied on the cooperation of major powers, which was often lacking. Winnipeg General Strike (1919): ​ What: A massive, citywide strike in Winnipeg, Canada, involving over 30,000 workers from multiple sectors. ​ Cause: ○​ Worker dissatisfaction due to poor working conditions, low wages, and high inflation post-WWI. ○​ The economic downturn and lack of better labor conditions sparked the strike. ​ Events: ○​ The strike lasted six weeks, with workers demanding better pay, shorter hours, and the right to collective bargaining.  ○​ The strike was marked by clashes between strikers and the police, and it drew national attention to workers' rights. ​ Outcome: ○​ The strike was eventually crushed by the government and the police, but it led to increased awareness about labor rights in Canada. ○​ While the strikers did not win their demands, the strike inspired future labor movements and paved the way for union growth. Prohibition (1918–1933): ​ What: A national ban on the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Canada, which lasted from 1918 to 1933. ​ Reasons for Implementation: ○​ Social reformers believed that alcohol was the root cause of many social problems, including crime, poverty, and domestic violence. ○​ The temperance movement had strong support, especially among women and religious groups. ​ Effects: ○​ Prohibition led to the growth of illegal liquor trade and organized crime, as criminals took advantage of the demand for alcohol. ○​ It also created a loss of tax revenue from the alcohol industry. ○​ The negative social and economic consequences of prohibition led to its eventual repeal in 1933. Stock Market Crash (Black Tuesday) - 1929: ​ What: On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed in the U.S., leading to the Great Depression. ​ Cause: ○​ Over-speculation in the stock market, with many people buying stocks on margin (using borrowed money). ○​ The collapse in stock prices caused widespread panic, leading to a massive sell-off and the loss of billions of dollars. ​ Impact on Canada: ○​ Canada, heavily dependent on exports like wheat, timber, and minerals, suffered as international demand collapsed. ○​ Unemployment soared, banks failed, and businesses went bankrupt. The Great Depression hit Canada hard, and recovery took years. The New Deal (1930s): ​ What: A series of social and economic programs introduced by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. ​ Purpose: ○​ To provide relief, recovery, and reform to the U.S. economy and people. ○​ Key programs included the Social Security Act, Banking Act, and Works Progress Administration (WPA), among others. ​ Impact on Canada: ○​ Although Canada did not implement the same New Deal policies, it influenced Canadian policy. ○​ In Canada, Prime Minister R.B. Bennett introduced some similar programs, but with less success. On to Ottawa Trek (Relief Camps) - 1935: ​ What: A protest by thousands of unemployed workers who marched from Vancouver to Ottawa, seeking better conditions and the right to work. ​ Relief Camps: ○​ Established by the Canadian government to provide men with minimal work and food during the Great Depression. ○​ However, the workers were poorly treated, living in squalid conditions and paid only a small allowance. ​ The Protest: ○​ In 1935, about 1,500 men set out on foot to demand better conditions. They were stopped by the RCMP before reaching Ottawa. ​ Outcome: ○​ The “On to Ottawa Trek” highlighted the harsh conditions faced by unemployed Canadians, but the protest ended without any major changes. ○​ The movement helped to bring awareness to the government’s handling of the Depression and led to eventual reforms. Halibut Treaty (1923): ​ What: The first treaty negotiated and signed independently by Canada, without Britain’s involvement. ​ Purpose: ○​ The treaty between Canada and the U.S. set fishing rights in the Pacific Ocean, particularly for halibut. ​ Significance:  ○​ It marked a step in Canada’s growing autonomy from Britain, as it was negotiated by Canada on its own terms. ○​ The treaty showed that Canada was capable of managing its own foreign affairs, further contributing to its independence. Statute of Westminster (1931) - Balfour Report: ​ What: The Statute of Westminster was passed by the British Parliament in 1931, confirming the legislative independence of Canada and other Dominions (like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa). ​ Balfour Report (1926): ○​ A report that recognized the Dominions as autonomous nations within the British Commonwealth, rather than colonies. ○​ The report paved the way for the Statute of Westminster, allowing these nations to make their own laws without British interference. ​ Impact on Canada: ○​ The statute granted Canada full control over its legal and constitutional matters, marking a step toward full independence. ○​ Canada could now change laws without the approval of Britain. Chanak Crisis (1922): ​ What: A diplomatic crisis where Canada, under Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, refused to automatically commit Canadian troops to aid Britain during a conflict with Turkey over the Dardanelles. ​ Significance: ○​ This was the first time that Canada refused to automatically support Britain in a military conflict, asserting its autonomy in foreign affairs. ○​ It showed Canada’s growing independence in world affairs, as Mackenzie King argued that Canada should make its own decisions about military involvement. Causes of the Great Depression: 1.​ Stock Market Crash (1929): Triggered a global economic downturn. 2.​ Overproduction: Industry and agriculture produced more than could be sold, leading to falling prices. 3.​ Bank Failures: Banks collapsed due to bad loans, causing widespread panic and a credit crunch.  4.​ High Tariffs: Countries raised tariffs to protect their economies, reducing international trade. 5.​ Unemployment: Millions lost their jobs as companies went bankrupt, and businesses closed. R.B. Bennett vs. William Lyon Mackenzie King (Responses to the Depression): ​ R.B. Bennett (Conservative): ○​ Policies: Introduced relief programs, including work camps for the unemployed and tariff protection for Canadian industries. He also introduced the New Deal, inspired by FDR’s U.S. New Deal. ○​ Criticism: His measures were seen as ineffective and insufficient to address the magnitude of the Depression. ​ William Lyon Mackenzie King (Liberal): ○​ Policies: King focused on using government funds for direct relief and avoiding heavy-handed intervention. He was more cautious and initially believed the economy would recover without drastic government action. ○​ Long-Term Impact: Under King, Canada started to shift toward social programs and welfare, which would grow after WWII. Person’s Case (1929): ​ What: A legal case in which the Famous Five (five women from Alberta) challenged whether women were considered "persons" under Canadian law and could therefore sit in the Senate. ​ Outcome: The Privy Council in Britain ruled in favor of the women, declaring that women were indeed “persons” and could be appointed to the Senate. ​ Significance: This was a major victory for women’s rights in Canada and helped to advance the suffrage movement and women's political participation. Group of Seven: ​ What: A group of seven Canadian artists who revolutionized Canadian art in the 1920s. ​ Artists: The Group included Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Tom Thomson, and others. ​ Impact: They depicted the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness, which was celebrated for its national identity. Their work helped shape a distinct Canadian artistic style, separate from European influences.  ​ Legacy: The Group’s influence extended beyond art, contributing to a sense of Canadian nationalism. Non-Aggression Pact (1939): ​ What: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was an agreement between Nazi Germany (Adolf Hitler) and the Soviet Union (Joseph Stalin) to not attack each other for 10 years. ​ Key Points: ○​ It secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, notably giving the Soviets control of Poland’s eastern half. ○​ The pact allowed Hitler to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, leading to the outbreak of WWII. ○​ The pact was broken by Operation Barbarossa in 1941, when Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Miracle at Dunkirk (1940): ​ What: A dramatic evacuation of British and Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, between May 26 and June 4, 1940, during WWII. ​ Context: ○​ German forces had trapped the British Expeditionary Force and French soldiers at Dunkirk. ○​ Despite heavy German bombardment, 338,000 soldiers were rescued by a combination of military and civilian boats, including fishing vessels, private yachts, and military ships. ​ Significance: The successful evacuation boosted morale in Britain and allowed the Allies to continue fighting the war despite the loss of France. Blitzkrieg (Lightning War): ​ What: A military strategy developed by Germany to quickly overwhelm and conquer enemies through fast-moving infantry, tanks, and air support. ​ Key Tactics: ○​ Speed and Surprise: The use of concentrated attacks aimed at weak points in enemy lines. ○​ Combined Arms: Tanks, infantry, and air forces (especially bombers) were used together for maximum impact.  ○​ Effectiveness: Used successfully in early German victories in Poland (1939), France (1940), and other parts of Europe. Battle of Britain (The Blitz) (1940): ​ What: The Battle of Britain was an air campaign fought between the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom and the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). ​ Significance of The Blitz: ○​ The German Luftwaffe aimed to destroy Britain’s ability to defend itself and break civilian morale by bombing cities (known as The Blitz). ○​ The RAF successfully defended Britain, preventing a German invasion. ○​ It marked the first major defeat of Nazi Germany in the war, as Britain remained defiant and the Luftwaffe failed to gain air superiority. Battle of Ortona (1943): ​ What: A brutal battle between Canadian forces and German troops in the Italian city of Ortona, part of the Allied campaign to liberate Italy from Axis powers. ​ Significance: ○​ The battle is known for its house-to-house fighting and high casualties. ○​ Canadian forces demonstrated exceptional bravery, and the battle was a major victory for the Allies. ○​ The battle contributed to Canada's growing reputation as a formidable military force. Operation Barbarossa (1941): ​ What: The German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, marked the largest military operation in history. ​ Objectives: ○​ To conquer the Soviet Union, gain access to its resources, and destroy communism. ○​ The operation initially made rapid advances, but logistical challenges, winter conditions, and Soviet resistance halted the German advance. ○​ Stalingrad (1942-1943) and Leningrad (1941-1944) became key turning points in the battle against the Germans on the Eastern Front. Raid on Dieppe (1942): ​ What: A disastrous Allied raid on the German-occupied port of Dieppe, France, on August 19, 1942. ​ Key Points: ○​ Primarily a Canadian operation, with troops from Britain and other Allied nations. ○​ The goal was to test German defenses, gather intelligence, and boost morale. ○​ The raid resulted in heavy losses: more than 60% of the Canadian soldiers involved were either killed, wounded, or captured. ​ Significance: The raid showed the difficulties of attacking a heavily defended port, but the lessons learned contributed to the planning of the D-Day invasion. D-Day (Normandy Invasions) - June 6, 1944: ​ What: Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, aimed at liberating Western Europe from Nazi control. ​ Key Points: ○​ Largest amphibious assault in history: Involved more than 156,000 troops from the U.S., Britain, and Canada. ○​ Five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Canada was responsible for Juno Beach. ○​ The invasion marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany as the Allies began to push toward Germany from the West, while the Soviets advanced from the East. ​ Significance: The success of D-Day was a major turning point in WWII and led to the liberation of much of Western Europe. Fascism (Characteristics): ​ What: A far-right, authoritarian political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century, led by dictators. ​ Key Characteristics: ○​ Totalitarian control: Strong central government with absolute power held by a single leader or party. ○​ Militarism: Emphasis on military strength and expansion. ○​ Nationalism: Strong emphasis on the nation’s glory, often accompanied by xenophobia and racial superiority. ○​ Anti-communism and Anti-Democracy: Rejection of democracy and communism, with violent repression of political opponents. ○​ Examples: Fascist regimes were led by figures such as Benito Mussolini (Italy) and Adolf Hitler (Germany). The Axis Alliance (Who?): ​ Members: ○​ Germany (led by Hitler) ○​ Italy (led by Mussolini) ○​ Japan (expansionist ambitions in Asia) ​ Other Countries: Other countries such as Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria later joined the Axis powers. ​ Goals: The Axis sought to expand their territories through military conquest and maintain fascist rule. Battle of Hong Kong (1941): ​ What: A battle between Canadian forces and Japanese forces after Japan attacked Hong Kong on December 8, 1941. ​ Context: Hong Kong was a British colony, and Canadian soldiers had been sent to help defend it against Japanese aggression. ​ Outcome: The battle lasted for several weeks, and ultimately, the British and Canadian forces surrendered to the Japanese. ​ Significance: More than 550 Canadians were killed, wounded, or captured. The battle highlighted Canada’s commitment to the Allied cause, and many prisoners of war endured harsh treatment in Japanese camps. The Holocaust and Final Solution: ​ What: The systematic, state-sponsored genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler during WWII. ​ Final Solution: The plan to exterminate the Jewish population in Europe, resulting in the deaths of approximately 6 million Jews. ​ Methods: The Nazis used concentration camps, death camps (like Auschwitz), forced labor, and mass shootings. ​ Other Victims: Other targeted groups included Romani people, disabled individuals, Polish and Soviet civilians, political dissidents, and LGBTQ+ people. Liberation of Holland (1944-1945):  ​ What: The liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian forces in 1944-1945. ​ Context: The Netherlands had been occupied by Germany since 1940, and by 1944, many Dutch citizens were suffering from starvation and hardship. ​ Canadian Role: Canadian troops played a key role in liberating the Netherlands, pushing German forces out and providing food and medical aid to the civilians. ​ Significance: The liberation of the Netherlands was one of Canada’s most celebrated contributions to the Allied victory in Europe. Canadians are still deeply appreciated in the Netherlands for their role in freeing the country. Leaders of Key Nations: ​ Italy: Benito Mussolini ○​ Leader of the Fascist Party. ○​ Ruled from 1922 until 1943 when he was overthrown. ○​ Allied with Hitler in WWII but was eventually deposed. ​ Germany: Adolf Hitler ○​ Dictator of Nazi Germany. ○​ Initiated WWII by invading Poland in 1939. ○​ Orchestrated the Holocaust and aimed to dominate Europe. ○​ Committed suicide in 1945 as Germany faced defeat. ​ Soviet Union: Joseph Stalin ○​ Leader of the Soviet Union from the late 1920s until his death in 1953. ○​ Initially signed the Non-Aggression Pact with Hitler, but joined the Allies after Germany invaded the USSR in 1941. ○​ Known for his totalitarian rule, purges, and the role of the Soviet Union in defeating Nazi Germany. ​ Great Britain: Winston Churchill ○​ Prime Minister during WWII (1940-1945, 1951-1955). ○​ Led Britain through the darkest days of the war. ○​ Known for his stirring speeches and resolve in resisting Nazi Germany. ​ United States: Franklin D. Roosevelt ○​ President of the U.S. during WWII (1933-1945). ○​ Led the country through the Great Depression and most of WWII. ○​ Played a key role in the establishment of the United Nations after the war. ​ Canada: William Lyon Mackenzie King ○​ Prime Minister of Canada during most of WWII. ○​ Led Canada’s efforts in the war, including sending troops to Europe and the Pacific. ○​ Canada’s military participation in the war helped shape its national identity.