Canada and the Coming of the First World War PDF

ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 178 Home Quit CHAPTER 9 Canada and the Coming of the First World War Canadian volunteer soldiers served in the Boer War. Why would Canadians be involved in a war in southern Africa? Before READING Making Connections In the last chapter we learned that Canada...

ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 178 Home Quit CHAPTER 9 Canada and the Coming of the First World War Canadian volunteer soldiers served in the Boer War. Why would Canadians be involved in a war in southern Africa? Before READING Making Connections In the last chapter we learned that Canada had to think about its ties with Britain and the U.S. in terms of trading. During the First World War, Canada had to decide whether to support Britain. Consider what you have learned about the role of Britain in the development of Canada and discuss the following questions: Should Canadians fight in the war? Why or why not? How would other groups, such as Francophones and First Nations, respond? What might influence their views? H 178 n the early years following Confederation, Canada was able to grow, free from external conflict. From time to time, there were disagreements with the United States, but there was little threat of a full-scale war. In the 1890s, tensions within Europe grew, especially between Britain and Germany. These tensions threatened to lead European nations to war. Would Canada be dragged into this foreign dispute? From the early 1890s to 1914, a constant threat of war was looming. Britain asked Canada to play a larger role in defending the British Empire. English- and French-Canadian voters showed different opinions on the subject throughout the period. Canadian politicians and journalists debated the extent of the nation’s involvement. What role did Canada end up playing during times of international conflict? I Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 179 Home Quit At the start of the war, crowds gathered to cheer the soldiers on their way. What do you think the public attitude was after a few years of war? Questions to Consider as You Read this Chapter You will explore these aspects of the Unit 3 Big Idea: How did social and economic factors, technology, and people promote change in Canada? What disagreements existed over Canada’s role in the British Empire? What circumstances led to the creation of the Royal Canadian Navy? What political factors, events, and people led to Canada’s involvement in the First World War? Literacy Thinking About Forming Conclusions As you read this chapter, make notes of facts— either in your own words or as quotes—in the “I read” column. Include page numbers so you can find the information again quickly. Write what you think the fact means or says about Canada’s involvement in the world in the “I think” column. This is your opinion. You will complete the “Therefore” section at the end of this chapter. I read I think How can I compare different points of view regarding Canada’s role in the Boer War? Therefore Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 179 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 180 Home Quit Canada’s Role in the British Empire After Canada’s Confederation in 1867, responsibility for its defence and foreign relations remained with Britain. This arrangement allowed the Canadian government to concentrate on expanding the population and boosting the economy. At the time, Britain was the strongest military power in the world. The British Navy could protect Canada from foreign threats. Canadians believed that being part of the British Empire would secure their future. Canada and the British Empire WORD S MATTER dominions independent countries that had been British colonies In the late 1800s, the cost of building warships began to rise steeply. Germany was Britain’s strongest rival, and it began to build a new navy of steam-powered ships with newer and better technology. Britain began to lean on the dominions for help in its struggle to keep up with Germany. In a series of colonial conferences, Britain issued heavy demands of support from Empire countries: supply troops, when requested, to fight in wars under British command to defend the British Empire maintain naval vessels for their own defence, but place them under British command in times of war send money to Britain to help with the increased costs of defending the Empire In what ways did Canada benefit from its alliance with the British Empire? Early steam-powered warships still sometimes hoisted sails to supplement the steam engines. H 180 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 181 Home Quit Canadian Attitudes Toward Defending the Empire As before, political issues at this time split Canadians along language lines. The issue of Canada’s role in the Empire was no exception. English-Canadian Attitudes The majority of English-speaking Canadians were of British origin. They felt that Canada had a duty to help Britain defend the Empire. In 1897, Queen Victoria celebrated her diamond jubilee—she had been queen for 60 years. English Canadians across the nation held parties to celebrate the event and to promote the unity of the Empire. Prime Minister Laurier travelled to London, England, to join the celebrations. At a dinner there, he told an audience During READING Checkpoint The first sentence in this paragraph is a fact. The second is an opinion. With a partner, decide why. Add the information to your organizer. If a day were ever to come when England was in danger, let the bugle sound, let the fires be lit on the hills… whatever we can do shall be done by the colonies to help her. In 1899, Britain became involved in a war in southern Africa. Laurier’s promise would be put to the test. You will read more about this later. French-Canadian Attitudes French-speaking Canadians were generally opposed to Canada’s involvement in British conflicts. Britain, they argued, was not their homeland. Why should they fight to defend it? They were even less keen to defend France—Britain’s ally against Germany. There had been almost no immigration from France since the British Conquest of Québec in 1760. French Canadians had no close ties to France. Most would be prepared to fight to defend Canada, but not Britain or France. On Dominion Day, 1897, residents of Fredericton, N.B., celebrated Queen Victoria’s Jubilee with a bicycle parade. Canadians at the National Acadia Day festival. Many French Canadians celebrate their Francophone identity. Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 181 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 182 Home Quit The Imperial Federation Debate In the 1890s, a new idea called Imperial Federation began to emerge. Its best-known supporter was Joseph Chamberlain, a British politician. Supporters of Imperial Federation believed that the dominions should build navies of their own that could be placed under British control in times of war. These ships could be sent anywhere in the world to defend the interests of the Empire and to protect the Empire’s trade routes. Do you think Chamberlain’s idea was fair? Support for Imperial Federation George Munro Grant The Manitoba Free Press published a speech by George Grant, a Presbyterian minister and writer from Nova Scotia. He believed that Imperial Federation was an opportunity for Canada. Imperial Federation… may be defined as a union between [Britain] and Canada that would give to Canada not only full management of its own affairs, but a fair share in the management and responsibilities of common affairs. As British citizens, ought we to ask for more? As Canadians… ought we to be satisfied with less? Mark it well, an independent Canada is out of the question. The days of small nations are over forever… Break up the British Empire, and what prospect is there of a worthy place in history for [Canada]? We have to choose between [being a strong member of the Empire], or a position somewhat like that of a South American Republic. Take your choice. Opposition to Imperial Federation Imperial Federation meant that Britain would be in command of the Empire’s navy. Many Canadians were unhappy with this idea. What point of view is expressed in this article in the Toronto Evening News? The only point upon which the English, French, German, American, and native Canadian residents of the Dominion can unite is a common love for this their adopted country. This cannot take place while [Britain] rules our destinies and claims all the glory and absorbs the devotion of our people… We all respect the British flag, but [French-Canadians] can never love it, nor sing its praises, nor struggle for its greatness and supremacy as they could and would for a flag of their own. H 182 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 183 Home Quit This postage stamp shows the extent of the British Empire in 1898. What message does it convey about Imperial Federation—for or against? What evidence did you base your decision on? Canada’s role in the British Empire was a subject of much debate in the 1890s. There were strong opinions on the various issues, with little room for compromise. How would Laurier deal with these issues in the face of war? Canadians would soon find out. THINKING It Over 1. a) Draw a picture to represent each of the following people—an EnglishCanadian of British origin; a French Canadian; Laurier; George Grant; the author of the Toronto Evening News article. b) Draw a thought bubble coming out of each person’s head summarizing the person’s position on the defence of the Empire. k c 2. You learned in Chapter 8 that Laurier liked to find compromises between opposing parties. Suppose Britain had asked the dominions to send troops to fight in a war in a foreign country. Predict a compromise that you think Laurier might have taken, trying to satisfy those in favour and those opposed to closer Empire ties. Be creative. Keep your prediction for later reference. t Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 183 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 184 Home Quit What Role Did Canada Play in the Boer War? WORD S MATTER concentration camps special prisons for civilians who are political prisoners or prisoners of war imperial of concern to an entire empire In 1899, Britain became involved in a war in southern Africa. Britain wanted to colonize land where the descendants of Dutch settlers had lived for more than 300 years. The Dutch settlers called themselves the Farmers—or Boers, in their language. Britain expected to win a quick victory. Instead, the conflict, which came to be known as the Boer War, lasted almost three years. The British won some easy victories at first, so the Boers started to use guerrilla tactics. The Boers would ambush British troops, killing as many soldiers as they could, before retreating into the open plains of the area. British troops became frustrated with these tactics. They put pressure on the Boers by cutting off their supplies and food, burning farms, and placing Boer civilians in concentration camps. A British War or an Imperial War? WEB LINK For more information on the Boer War, visit our Web site. From the start, the British believed that the Boer War was not just their own. Losing to the Boers might lead to a loss of all their colonies in southern Africa. Britain would then lose their ports at the tip of the African continent, from which they guarded trade routes between Britain and Australia, New Zealand, and many parts of Asia. The British believed that this was an imperial war. This means that it concerned the whole British Empire. Britain requested that the dominions send troops and military equipment to help in the conflict. How would you feel if England became involved in a war today and asked Canada to participate? War in this era often involved digging trenches, such as this one. H 184 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 185 Home Quit Canada’s Attitude Toward the Boer War The British asked Canada to send troops to southern Africa and place them under British command. Based on what you have already read in this chapter, how do you think different groups of Canadians felt about the British request? Laurier realized that Québec would never support sending Canadian troops to the war. On the other hand, he knew that most of Ontario would abandon the Liberals if he kept Canada neutral. Laurier had to make an important decision. Laurier’s Compromise Laurier personally believed that Canada should stay out of the war, but he adopted an ingenious compromise: Canadian troops would not be ordered to go and fight in the war. Canada would, however, pay for and equip volunteer forces to join the fight. These volunteer forces would fight together as a Canadian unit, but would fall under British command. Laurier and Bourassa Disagree Henri Bourassa was a politician and journalist from Québec. He and Wilfrid Laurier disagreed on whether Canada should participate in the war. Bourassa believed that sending Canadian troops would act as a precedent for all future British wars. He felt that this would be used as justification for Canadian involvement in such wars. Bourassa disagreed with Laurier’s practice of seeking compromise on so many political issues. He observed A Canadian soldier in the Boer War uniform of the period. What other Canadian uniform does it resemble? WORD S MATTER precedent something that has occurred that may be used as a reason for doing the same thing later Upon his arrival at the gates of Paradise, Mr. Laurier’s first action will be to propose an ‘honourable compromise’ between God and Satan. Bourassa began to write newspaper articles attacking Laurier’s position on major issues. He became Laurier’s chief opponent in Québec. Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 185 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 186 Home IN ZOOM UD Y Quit Henri Bourassa CA SE ST Henri Bourassa (1868–1952) was a member of parliament and of the Québec Assembly. He founded the newspaper Le Devoir in 1910 and was its editor until 1932. It is still one of the leading Frenchlanguage newspapers in Canada. Bourassa did not believe in all political compromises. He felt that French Canadians had been given special protections in order to ensure their support for Confederation. Governments should not try to abandon those protections now. Bourassa encouraged Canada to distance itself politically from Britain, and he helped to increase French-Canadian nationalism—pride and love for their country. He felt that Canada should not get involved in the Boer War. Bourassa’s influence extended beyond the Boer War. He made it increasingly difficult for Laurier to achieve compromises. In 1917, the Conservative government wanted to introduce conscription— requiring men to enlist as soldiers to fight in the war. Most English-speaking Canadians were in favour of conscription; most French Canadians opposed it. Laurier was still the leader of the Liberals, though he was no longer prime minister. He wanted to find a compromise. However, he felt that Bourassa had made such a position impossible. If Laurier tried to find a compromise, the Liberals might lose all their support in Québec. Laurier eventually opposed conscription. In your opinion, what sort of people make the best politicians? Is it the compromisers, who try to find the middle ground? Or, is it the people who take strong positions and refuse to waver from their beliefs? THINKING It Over 1. What was Bourassa’s position on asking French Canadians to make compromises? What events, people, or other factors do you think shaped his position? k t 2. How did Bourassa’s position on conscription make things more difficult for Laurier? t Henri Bourassa H 186 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society 3. Do you think it is better for politicians to take strong and unyielding positions, or to look for compromises? Explain your reasons. t a ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 187 Home Quit Canadian Contributions to the War At first, the Canadian government sent 1000 troops to the Boer War. It later sent additional forces. In Chapter 5, you read about Donald Smith, Lord Strathcona, who was president of the Bank of Montréal and a backer of the CPR. He personally established and paid for a volunteer regiment from western Canada to fight in the Boer War. It was called Lord Strathcona’s Horse regiment and it participated in some of the key battles of the campaign in southern Africa. Lord Strathcona’s Horse regiment included many cowboys, western frontiersmen, and members of the NWMP. Why do you think a private citizen would finance a military regiment? During READING Checkpoint Look for facts in this section for your chart. Do not forget to add what you think each fact will mean for Canada under the “I think” section. Private Walter White The Indian Act of 1876 said that registered First Nations people were not eligible to join the military. First Nations men who volunteered for service were turned away. During the Boer War, John Brant-Sero, a Grand River Mohawk, travelled to southern Africa at his own expense. He tried to volunteer for the British forces, but was rejected because he was not a status Indian. However, First Nations bands could deregister from the Indian Act, and the Anderdon band of Wyandotte (Hurons), near Sarnia, Ontario, did so in 1881. Members of the Anderdon band were therefore eligible to join the military. Walter White, of this band, volunteered in 1899. He was killed at Paardeberg, southern Africa, in February 1900, aged 19. This National Aboriginal Veterans Monument is located in Ottawa. What do you think the various elements of the monument symbolize? Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 187 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:16 AM Page 188 Home Quit CANADA MINUTE Women and War During the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, women served as nurses for the first time in Canadian military history. From 1899 to 1902, women nurses supported Canadian troops in the Boer War. They served as a permanent, but separate, part of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. A permanent Canadian Nursing Service was created in the military in 1901. In 1906, female nurses became part of Canada’s Regular Forces. During the First World War, more than 2800 women served with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps on hospital ships, in overseas hospitals, and in field ambulance units in combat zones. Why do you think women were permitted to serve as nurses during wartime when they were not encouraged to have careers during peacetime? By the time the war ended in 1902, 7368 Canadian troops had served in South Africa. Twelve of the volunteers were women nurses who worked in military hospitals. They inspired hundreds of other women who later volunteered for such work in the First World War (1914–1918). Eighty-nine Canadians were killed in action, and another 130 died as a result of disease. The British eventually won the Boer War. Canada had sent troops to fight in an Imperial struggle. When other Imperial disputes broke out, it was going to be more difficult for Canada to remain neutral. Despite what Laurier said on the matter, it set a precedent for Canada’s policy in future wars. THINKING It Over 1. How accurate was the prediction you made on page H 183 in the previous section of the chapter about what Laurier’s compromise position would be if Britain called the dominions into a war? Explain. t k 2. What opinion do you think each of the following might have had about Canada’s involvement in the Boer War? Discuss your ideas in a small group. a) Sir Wilfrid Laurier, b) Henri Bourassa, c) a nurse who volunteered for service in a field hospital, d) Lord Strathcona, and e) a British politician who is trying to get Canada to support the war. k c H 188 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society 3. In a mind map, organizer, or other visual representation, illustrate your own view of what Canada’s position on sending troops to the Boer War should have been. Explain your position to a classmate. t c 4. At one time, matters such as race and gender were factors in whether a person was eligible to be a soldier. Make a list of criteria that you think should be factors in determining whether a person is suitable to be a soldier. Discuss your list with a classmate and explain the reasons for your choices. t c a ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 189 Home Quit Exploring Points of View Differing Views on War The Canadians who volunteered to fight in the Boer War believed that they had a duty to aid their nation during wartime. So do most people who fight for their country. A Trainee Soldier’s View of War A Canadian soldier described his horseback training in a letter to his father, in 1902. Halifax, NS, January 7, 1902 …we are having the most exciting time these days I have ever had in my life. Talk about a lacrosse or football match, why it is as tame as riding a broomstick—to what we are having now. We go down to the stables about 8:30 AM and saddle our chargers… and ready to move out of our stables at 9… It is great fun to be on the outer flank when we wheel. Of course the man on the inner flank just wheels his horse around on one point, but those who are on the outer part of the line must gallop like fury. I tell you it is great… A Doctor’s View of the Boer War In 1900, John McCrae was a 28-year-old lieutenant from Guelph, Ontario, who volunteered to go to the Boer War. He was a medical doctor and worked in the field hospitals assisting wounded soldiers. Once in Africa, he found that more troops were dying of disease than battle wounds. This frustrated McCrae. Here is how he described some of his experiences. For absolute neglect and rotten administration, it is a model. I am ashamed of some members of my profession… Every day there are from 15 to 30 Tommies [British soldiers] dying from fever and dysentery. Every one that dies is sewn up in a blanket, and [one dollar is] taken out of the pay for the blanket. The soldier’s game is not what it’s cracked up to be. McCrae later became famous for his poem “In Flanders Fields,” which is often read at Remembrance Day ceremonies. What Do YOU Think? 1. For each extract, make a list of words to describe the emotions that the quotation stirs up in the reader. k t 2. Which of the lists do you think would best describe the feelings of most people in Canada at the end of the war? Explain. t This painting depicts a battle in southern Africa in 1901. Which point of view do you think it represents? Explain. Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 189 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 190 Home Quit Why Was the Royal Canadian Navy Created? S WORD MATTER The disagreements over Canada’s role in the Boer War marked the beginning of 15 years of military and political crises in Canada. alliance a union or agreement among groups working toward a common goal Europe Heads Toward War entente an agreement to cooperate between opposing groups dreadnoughts heavily armoured warships In Europe, the threat of war grew during the early 1900s. Since the 1880s, European nations had been forming secret alliances. The Triple Alliance (1882) consisted of Germany, Italy, and AustriaHungary. The Triple Entente (1907) included Great Britain, France, and Russia. European Alliances, 1914 N 1914 NORWAY Triple Entente GREAT BRITAIN Triple Entente allies SWEDEN DENMARK NETHERLANDS Triple Alliance GERMAN EMPIRE Triple Alliance allies RUSSIAN EMPIRE BELGIUM FRANCE Neutral AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN EMPIRE SWITZERLAND ROMANIA IA SPAIN RB ITALY SE PORTUGAL BULGARIA MONTENEGRO ALBANIA 0 300 600 km GREECE OTTOMAN EMPIRE The division of Europe, showing the two major alliance systems If a country belonging to one alliance system went to war with a country in the rival system, its allies would join in to help it. This meant that if a war broke out, it would be a major one as all six nations in the alliance systems would become involved. The Dreadnoughts If a war broke out between Britain and Germany, everyone expected that it would be a naval war. The ships of the opposing forces would go to sea, and huge naval battles would take place. When the war finally began in 1914, the reality was quite different. To get ready for this war, Britain and Germany began a program of building warships with much heavier armour than earlier vessels. These new ships were called dreadnoughts. This name came from the first British ship of this class to be built, the HMS Dreadnought. It entered service in 1906. H 190 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 191 Home Quit Asking the Dominions for Help Britain wanted to have as many warships as possible under its command. In 1910, it sent a formal request to the dominions. To help defend the British Empire, the dominions were asked to build naval vessels and find crews for them place their ships under British command continue to pay for the maintenance of these vessels even though they were commanded by the British Navy The British warship HMS Dreadnought. Such ships were very heavily armoured to protect them from enemy fire. Canada’s Response In 1910, Laurier had been prime minister for 14 years. He had been through many crises in which English and French Canadians had taken opposing positions. He knew that Britain’s request would cause new tensions among Canadians. How could Laurier create a solution that would satisfy both sides? Laurier thought about this for some time before responding to the British request. His government proposed the following Canada would create its own navy, to be called the Royal Canadian Navy. It would build and maintain warships for the defence of Canada. During READING Checkpoint In your chart, list Laurier’s compromises and attempted compromises in the “I read” section. Now write what you think each of these will mean for Canada’s future in the “I Think” section. Go back and review the chapter to make sure you have them all. If Britain got involved in a war that involved Canada’s interests, it would turn these warships over to Britain for the duration of the war. Only volunteers would crew on these vessels. No Canadian would be forced to fight under British command. From what you have already learned, do you think Laurier’s compromise would satisfy both sides? English Canadians English Canadians held the same position they had supported during the Boer War crisis. Britain was Canada’s closest ally, and Canada should provide whatever was needed, no strings attached. Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 191 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 192 Home Quit French Canadians French Canadians were shocked that Canada would even consider turning its warships over to the British, regardless of the war. Francophones wanted Canada to take a more independent position. They thought that Canada should not agree in advance to get involved in a war just because the British made the request. Reaction to Laurier’s Compromise As you have seen, most English- and French-Canadians were uneasy about Laurier’s compromise. Both sides of the debate were frustrated with Laurier for different reasons. Henri Bourassa began to organize opposition to the Liberals in Québec. In Ontario, the Conservatives gained more support. The Royal Canadian Navy WORD S MATTER HMCS His/Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship WEB LINK For more information on the history of the Royal Canadian Navy, visit our Web site. The Naval Service Act of 1910 authorized the Canadian government to build warships. The first ones were to be bought from Britain, but the new ships were to be built in Canadian shipyards. A new college was established to train naval recruits. It was called the Royal Naval College of Canada, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. HMCS Rainbow was stationed in Esquimalt, British Columbia. HMCS Niobe was stationed in Halifax. The Royal Canadian Navy was not really an effective force at this time. It had too few ships. It was necessary to split the ships between east- and west-coast ports. Contrary to earlier predictions, the First World War never really developed into a full naval war. It was the Canadian army forces that made the most impact in Europe. Historians remember the creation of the navy more for the political divisions it encouraged than for any of its accomplishments. Gunnery officers and men aboard cruiser HMCS Niobe, one of the navy’s two ships H 192 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 1:16 PM Page 193 Home Quit Rewind / Fast Forward Canada’s World Military Role Then In the 1890s, Canada’s small population and limited economy meant that it did not have much international influence. As it could not afford the expensive steam-powered and steelhulled warships necessary for naval battles, it did not have much of a military presence, either. Overall, Canada relied on Britain for its defence. It was not until 1910 that the Royal Canadian Navy was founded. Even so, it was not very strong. When the First World War began in 1914, the Canadian navy had only two warships. That war was to be a turning point. Once war was declared, Canada began to produce war materials at a rapid rate. Almost 420 000 soldiers served overseas in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. When peace returned in 1918, about 60 000 Canadians had died in the war. Would this poster convince you to join the army? Why or why not? Now Internationally, Canada is not regarded as a front rank military nation. The Canadian Forces employ about 60 000 men and women. Canada has recently participated in wars such as the Gulf War against Iraq (1991), and the Afghanistan War (started in 2001). Both of these wars were approved by the United Nations (UN). Canada’s best-known military role has been as UN peacekeepers. UN members send troops into war zones to help bring about peace and stability, and to protect civilians. The UN has recently stationed troops in Rwanda and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Peacekeeping can be dangerous work, and Canadian soldiers have died while on duty. Look at these two recruitment posters and decide on the main message of each one. Compare the aims of each poster. THINKING It Over 1. Compare the positions of a) English Canadians and b) French Canadians about the creation of Canada’s navy and the use of Canadian soldiers in the Boer War. How similar or different a position did each group take during these two military crises? 2. Compare Laurier’s compromise position during each of these crises. How effective a politician do you think he was, based on what you know about these events? k t k t Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 193 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 194 Home Quit How Canada Became Involved in the First World War During READING Checkpoint Look at a modern map of Europe. Do you see Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia? Look at a map of the same area during the 1980s. What was the region called then? What does this tell you about this part of Europe? WORD S MATTER heir one who inherits assassination murder of a leader for political purposes ultimatum a final demand or set of terms, the rejection of which may lead to use of force In June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Duchess Sophie, were on a “goodwill” visit to Sarajevo, a city in the area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now called Bosnia and Herzegovina. Franz Ferdinand was heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. They were riding in an open car when a teenage assassin suddenly came up to their car. He shot Franz Ferdinand and Sophie from point-blank range. Serbia was another area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The assassin belonged to a secret Serbian nationalist group that wanted Austria-Hungary to give up control of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some political organizations use violence in the hope that the authority they are opposing will give in to their demands and thereby avoid further violence (remember the Fenians from Chapter 2). Instead of giving in, Austria-Hungary chose to take a strong stand against Serbia. Within six weeks of the assassination, all the major countries of Europe were at war. So were Canada and the other countries of the British Empire. To understand all this, look at the chain of events of the summer of 1914 (see page H 195). mobilization preparing the army for war WEB LINK For more information on the causes of the First World War, visit our Web site. H 194 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie moments before they were assassinated on June 28, 1914 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 195 Home Quit The Timeline to War, 1914 June 28 Franz Ferdinand and Sophie assassinated in Sarajevo. July 6 Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany promises German support for Austria-Hungary in any military action in Serbia. July 23 Austria-Hungary delivers a list of demands to Serbia. It requires Serbia to get rid of all anti-Austrian army officers, teachers, and government workers; to allow Austrian officials to enter Serbia to investigate the shootings; and to co-operate fully with the Austrian inquiry. It is an ultimatum. It threatens severe consequences unless Serbia agrees to every demand. Serbia agrees to some of them. July 25 Russia begins a partial mobilization in case war breaks out. July 28 Austria-Hungary rejects Serbia’s response to its ultimatum. It declares war against Serbia. July 30 Austria-Hungary and Germany demand that Russia stop mobilizing within 12 hours. Russia ignores the demand. July 31 Austria-Hungary adjusts its military plans to include the possibility of war against Russia. Britain asks France and Germany to guarantee that they will not invade Belgium, which is located between the two countries. France agrees, but Germany does not. August 1 Germany declares war on Russia. August 2 Germany demands that Belgium allow German troops free passage to France, if France and Germany go to war. August 3 Germany declares war on France. August 4 German troops invade Belgium and Luxembourg to mount an attack on France. Britain demands that German troops leave Belgium by midnight. Germany does not reply. Britain declares war on Germany. Canada is automatically at war on Britain’s side. Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 195 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 196 Home Quit Canada Prepares for War Edith Anderson, born in 1890 on the Six Nations Grand River Reserve, cared for wounded soldiers in France. Throughout the summer of 1914, the likelihood of war in Europe increased. Canadians watched with interest and horror. Prime Minister Robert Borden firmly believed that Canadians should fight if war broke out. He felt that this would improve Canada’s position in the world, and gain it international respect. Laurier, now Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, personally supported Canadian participation as long as only volunteer forces were sent to the war. There were only 3000 troops in the regular army and about 60 000 militia, so Canada was hardly a strong power, but a Canadian Expeditionary Force was created. The minister of militia, Sam Hughes, invited volunteers to join the armed forces. It was hoped that 25 000 would come to the new military camp in Québec. Thirty-three thousand showed up. On October 3, the first troops sailed for Britain. Among the volunteers for the war were almost 4000 First Nations men, some of whom were excellent sharpshooters who later received military medals for their accomplishments. The First Nations volunteers included one woman, Edith Anderson, a descendant of Mohawk leader Joseph Brant. Anderson served as a nurse. The First World War did not turn out to be anything like what many of the volunteers had expected. They thought it would be a great adventure and that they would be home by Christmas. In fact, the war dragged on for more than four years and resulted in more than 60 000 Canadian deaths. The First World War was a result of conflicts between stubborn politicians and spoiled royals. What began as a local dispute quickly grew into an event that affected all of Europe and most of the world. Most Canadians strongly supported Canada’s entry into the war. However, support for the war was much lower in Québec than elsewhere in Canada, as had been the case in previous military crises. In later history courses, you will learn how crucial the First World War was to the history of Canada. Wartime Propaganda Why do you think a war poster targeted women? How effectively does this poster communicate its message to its intended audience? Explain. H 196 Propaganda is a communication technique used to persuade people to believe a particular point of view. Propaganda can be particularly effective in wartime, when a nation feels threatened. In a war, all sides tend to use propaganda. It is an effective way to influence people by playing on their emotions and fears and by including only partial information. Look at the Canadian First World War poster in the margin for an excellent example of wartime propaganda. Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 197 Home Heroes and Villains Quit Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Nicholas Why did the assassination develop into a huge war? Historians have many opinions. Some historians say that Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Emperor of Germany, is the key villain. They say that his guarantee of support to Austria-Hungary on July 6, 1914, gave that country added confidence. If Wilhelm had suggested a calmer approach, Austria-Hungary might not have declared war, but worked out a compromise with Serbia. Kaiser Wilhelm Other historians see Wilhelm’s role as more positive. Maybe Germany did not believe that a war would result from its guarantee. If Serbia saw that Austria-Hungary had Germany’s support, maybe it would agree to the ultimatum. It was not Wilhelm’s fault that events got out of hand and Russia mobilized its army. There are also historians who see Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia, as the major villain. These historians say that Austria-Hungary expected nothing more than a small war in Serbia. All of a sudden, Nicholas was mobilizing his entire army to support the Slavic people of Serbia. Germany could not risk war with both countries at the same time. So, Germany tried to defeat France in the west before the Russian army was fully prepared to invade Germany from the east. Germany declared war on France, invaded Belgium, and the war began. Opponents of this view say that Nicholas acted in a heroic manner, defending a people who were being oppressed by Austria-Hungary. These same people believe that Nicholas recognized that Austria-Hungary would defeat Serbia, but what then? Would Austria-Hungary march into other countries such as Bulgaria and Romania? If so, this would threaten Russia’s security. On a scale of one to ten (with one representing a villain and ten representing a hero), where would you place (a) Kaiser Wilhelm, and (b) Tsar Nicholas? Unsure? Why? Tsar Nicholas THINKING It Over 1. Pick three dates from the timeline on page H 195 that you think were most important in the development of a war that involved all of Europe. Draw a picture or write a short poem to describe each event you choose. k t c 2. As a class, hold a “horseshoe debate” on the question, Was Canada right to participate in the First World War? For help in debating, see page S 11. Before the debate, write down your answer to the question and your reasons. After the debate, write down your answer. Did the debate change your response? Why or why not? t a Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 197 ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 198 Home Quit Can You Create the Royal Canadian Navy? What You Will Need two decks of playing cards ace = 1 face cards = 10 other cards = their numerical value two pieces of blank paper two pencils D. You are trying to have four groups of cards at the same time that fall into the winning ranges as shown in the chart. If you do not need a card, place it face down in a discard pile. E. In turn, the players draw the top card off their deck. If it is in the winning range, they may keep it. If not, place it in a discard pile. Keep count of your turns on the piece of paper. How to Play A. Work with another person. It is 1910, and each of you is trying to match Laurier’s achievement in creating the Royal Canadian Navy. To manage this task, you need money volunteers a balanced position between English and French opinions on the subject enough free space in shipyards to build the warships B. Each player shuffles a deck of cards and places it in front of the other player. Each player uses a separate deck to play the game. C. Each player deals the top four cards face up on the playing surface, and sorts them into suits, from left to right. (♣ ♦ ♥ ♠) If you have more than one card in a given suit, place them one above the other on the playing surface. Suit Represents Winning Range ♣ Money. You need $100 m. 10 or any face card (each number = $10 m) ♦ Volunteers. You need 1000 volunteers. 10 or any face card (each number = 100 volunteers) ♥ English/French support. You need 70%+. 10 or any face card (each number = 7%) ♠ Shipyard capacity. You need 5 ships. 10 or any face card (each number = 1/2 a ship) H 198 Unit 3: Canada: A Changing Society F. Conditions change over time. You may have control over something at one time but that can slip away from you because of surprise events. To simulate this, every tenth turn you must discard one “winning range” (face up) card before you draw from the deck. G. Continue repeating steps E and F until the game is over. If a player’s deck runs out, the opposing player shuffles the discard pile and places it face down. How to Win The game lasts until one player has assembled four winning range groups of cards. Both players check and verify the cards are correct. THINKING It Over 1. Did the winner generally lead throughout the game, or start to move ahead in the final rounds? t 2. How do you think that this game illustrates some of the difficulties Laurier faced in creating a Canadian navy? Explain. k t 3. What improvements would you make to the game to make it more accurate, or easier to play? t a ON8_history_09.qxd 1/11/08 11:17 AM Page 199 Home Quit PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER In this chapter, you learned how international affairs affected Canada and promoted change. English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians often had different points of view on key issues. Prime Minister Laurier made compromises, such as sending 7000 volunteer troops to the Boer War and creating a military navy—this seemed to satisfy both sides. The First World War erupted in 1914. Because of its past historical ties, Canada sided with Britain. More than 60 000 Canadians died in the battle. The war had a tremendous influence on the further development of Canada and its international reputation. After READING Forming Conclusions In the “Therefore” section of the chart you started at the beginning of the chapter, write a conclusion based on the facts you have noted in the “I read” section and the opinions you have formed in the “I think” section. I read I think Therefore THINKING It Through 1. Write two newspaper editorials that might have been written in 1899. t c a a statement of opinion on Canadian participation in the Boer War a) The first editorial supports Canada’s compromise solution over its participation in the Boer War. the reasons for this position (for example, the benefits for Canada of adopting this position) b) The second opposes it. (You can take the position adopted by Henri Bourassa that it was too proEmpire, or the position of many English Canadians that it was not pro-Empire enough.) 2. Choose four terms from the Words Matter boxes, or other words that were unfamiliar to you before reading this chapter. For each word, create a visual that conveys the meaning of the term. Design a poster incorporating your visuals. k t c a Each editorial should be about 150 words in length. It should contain: a headline a summary of key events that focused Canadian attention on southern Africa Chapter 9: Canada and the Coming of the First World War H 199