Canada in the First World War (1914-1918)

2.1 – Entry into the War

ON THE EVE OF WAR (p. 64)• The nations of Europe had been building their own empires and

armies since the late 1800s. Many believed it was only a matter of time before these growing powers would clash and war would break out.

• Canada, as a member of the British Empire, became involved immediately. The challenge was to mobilize (call troops to action, organize for war) to support Britain and her allies.

No Man’s Land by Maurice Cullen, a Canadian landscape artist born in St. John’s.

Canada would become well known for the bravery of its soldiers and by the end of the war had taken great steps towards becoming an independent nation.

CAUSES OF “THE GREAT WAR”• So, why did the First World War happen? There are four underlying

causes:1. The Alliance System:– An alliance is a group united by shared interests, ideas, or goals,

or for joint military protection.– In the early 1900s, many nations formed alliances to prevent any

one country from becoming too powerful, therefore upsetting the balance of power that had existed.

– Two alliance systems emerged:1. Triple Alliance (Central Powers) – formed by Germany,

Austria-Hungary, and Italy.2. Triple Entente (Allies) – formed by Britain, France, and Russia.

• Though alliances were developed for protection, they would contribute to the outbreak of war. How?– They increased fear and

suspicion between nations. An “us and them” mentality would create tensions between members of separate alliances.

– If one country is involved in a conflict, then automatically other countries become involved in a show of support (e.g.: Canada backing Britain).

– An isolated incident in one country or between two nations can become a major concern for members of alliance systems.

Relationships that existed between nations at the beginning of WW1.

2. Nationalism:• A strong feeling of loyalty toward one’s people

or country.– Britain and Germany were two of Europe’s

major industrial powers and both developed a thirst for power (e.g.: navel race).

– Germany was led by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who worked hard to build up the country’s army and navy. He strongly believed in German supremacy and was willing to assert German interests in Europe.

– Britain, ruled by King George V, wanted to maintain the status quo (stay the same). The British Empire included ¼ of the world and its people believed it was their duty to “civilize” other people and create peace.

3. Imperialism:• Economic rivalries developed in Europe.– Britain had been Europe's industrial superpower (it was first to

build factories and development mass production of goods).– Germany became industrialized after Britain, but had more

modern technology, making production more efficient and profitable. By the early 1900s, Germany lead Europe in production.

– Imperialism (creating colonies) was important because it meant owning more land and having more natural resources.

– Germany wanted more colonies, but Britain and France (and others) already colonized much of the world. Therefore, Germany felt these countries were preventing it from growing as a nation.

– Germany and France had fought over resources around their boarders for many years. Germany annexed Alsace-Lorraine from France in the late 1800s.

4. Militarism:• The policy of making military organization

very strong. Military interests become a major concern of government.– An arms race (competition to build up

arms between countries) developed between Britain and Germany.

– Britain had an advanced navy used to defend it’s colonies around the world.

– Germany outwardly challenged Britain’s naval supremacy by building its own large navy and massive dreadnoughts (battleships).

– Both countries began producing weapons as a major contribution to their economies.

THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF WAR• Conflicts in the Balkans served as the catalyst for the First World War:– The imperial powers of Turkey and Austria-Hungary asserted

influence over the area.– Slavic peoples (those who live in the Balkans and eastern Europe),

wanted to gain freedom from this influence.– Austria-Hungary annexed (took over and added to their empire)

Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908 and increasing tension in the region.

– Serbia, a small Slavic state, wanted to stand up for Slavic nationalism.

– Russia was largely Slavic and shared a common religion and similar language to those in Serbia. Russia supported the Serbia in its attempts to further Slavic independence in the Balkans. Austria-Hungary, however, opposed Serbia’s efforts.

Conflicting AmbitionsAustria-Hungary wanted to expand their territory to the south and hoped to absorb Serbia. Russia wanted to expand to the west and gain access to western Europe through the Dardenelle Straits at Constantinople (Turkey).

Serbia was in the middle of these conflicting interests and asked Russia for protection in case Austria-Hungary attacked. That need would come soon enough.

Assassination and War• In Sarajevo (Bosnia) on June 28, 1914, Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian

nationalist, assassinated the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie.

• Austria-Hungary consulted Germany to ensure the support of their ally, and responded by declaring war on Serbia.

• Russia began to mobilize its forces in support of Serbia.• The alliance system in place soon brought the major powers of

Europe into the war.

STRATEGIES OF WAR• The Schlieffen Plan, the German offensive

named after the general who devised it (Count Alfred von Schlieffen), called for a quick attack on France while Austria-Hungary moved against Serbia.– Germany would avoid the main line of

French defense and attack from the north (through the neutral country of Belgium).

– The plan hoped France would be overwhelmed quickly, thus freeing up the German army to engage with Russia in the east.

– It was believed Russia’s soldiers were ill-equipped, had a slow response time, and mobilization was slow enough to prevent them from putting up a strong resistance.

Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail?1. As soon as Germany invaded Belgium, Britain moved into Belgium

to defend it as part of a longstanding agreement. The combined British and French forces were sufficient to prevent Germany from advancing. Both sides would prepare for a long war of attrition (gradual wearing down of the enemy).

2. Austrian troops found greater than anticipated resistance in Serbia. It would be 1915 before Serbia would fall, when Bulgaria joined the war on the side of the Triple Alliance. An unexpected Russian attack on Austria-Hungary’s eastern border also complicated things.

The war would have few major victories and lead to large numbers of casualties on land, in the air, and at sea.

**Complete #s 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 on p. 67-68**

CANADA PREPARING FOR WAR (P. 69)• On August 5, 1914 Canada declared war on Germany. This was

one day after Britain had declared war.• Since it was a part of the British Empire, Canada was

automatically involved from the start.

Sam Hughes• Canada’s standing army (regular,

professional) was originally quite small, while the militia (volunteer, part-time) was much larger.

• Sam Hughes, the minister of militia, was given the task of creating and training an army for the war in Europe.

• He called for 25,000 volunteers to sign up for the standing army (32,000 answered the call).

• Training took place near Quebec City, in Valcartier. In 20 days this large field became a training ground, complete with sanitation, food supply, and housing issues.

• The Canadian Expeditionary Force left for Britain in early October 1914, accompanied by Matron Margaret MacDonald and 100 Canadian nurses.

The Newfoundland Regiment• Newfoundland was not part of

Canada in 1914, but some Newfoundlanders joined Canadian regiments to support the war effort. Most, however, joined the Newfoundland Regiment.

• Of the 2,000 members of the regiment, 350 died during the war, many at Beaumont Hamel in 1916.

• Some Inuit from Labrador also enlisted. Corporal John Shiwick became the Newfoundland Regiment’s leading sniper until he was killed in battle.

• In 1917, the regiment’s bravery resulted in its being given the title of Royal Newfoundland Regiment.