World War I How it Started Canadas Role

World War I How it Started Canada’s Role In WWI SS 11

Autonomy and International Involvement Canada has been shaped by significant historical events, both within the country and at a global level. By exploring Canada’s role in world events and examining Canada’s development as an autonomous nation, you should come to understand Canada’s position and responsibilities in the international community.

Learning Outcome q Assess Canada’s role in WW I and the war’s impact on Canada. The War on the homefront and battlefront!

The Beginning… In 1914—When WWI began—our country was still very much tied to Britain

The Beginning… In the early 1900 s, Canada was still a dominion of the British Empire, and although Canada controlled its internal affairs, Britain still governed in all areas such as defense and external affairs (affairs outside the country) This attachment that many English-speaking Canadians felt toward Britain, created tensions with French-Canadians…

Concept of War Write down what comes to mind when you hear the word “WAR”

Concept of War What did “war” mean to the men who enlisted? At the beginning of the 20 th century, it was believed that war offered the possibility of a glorious adventure—to them it was legendary, romantic, heroic. They imagined cavalry attacks…glittering uniforms…victory marches…parades & music. Young men believed that they could not afford to miss out on the most wonderful and exciting experience of their lives.

Canada’s Role IN WWI In this section, you will learn how regional conflicts in a distant corner of Europe became WWI, and how the lives of Canadians were affected by this conflict.

Canada’s Role IN WWI You will also learn about Canada’s military contributions to the war, and how the issue of conscription, or mandatory military service, deeply divided Canada

Causes of WWI Imagine a line of dominoes set up and ready to fall, and the push of one domino sends the rest into motion.

Causes of WWI On June 28 th, 1914, the assassination of a royal dignitary in a distant corner of Europe set these dominoes tumbling and led to the world war in Europe

Causes of WWI On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie were assassinated during a visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia. Austria-Hungary was a large and powerful empire in Europe at the time, and some of its subjects—including the 19 -year-old assassin, Gavrilo Princip—were unhappy to be a part of it.

Causes of WWI FF was visiting the city of Sarajevo, Bosnia— neighbouring Serbia had claimed it as part of “Greater Serbia” The majority of Bosnia’s population were Serbian

Assassination of Austria’s Archduke Ferdinand Two bullets fired on a Sarajevo street on a sunny June morning in 1914 set in motion a series of events that shaped the world we live in today. World War One, World War Two, the Cold War and its conclusion all trace their origins to the gunshots that interrupted that summer day.

Causes of WWI The Archduke’s assassination may have launched WWI, but it certainly didn’t cause it. The direct causes were nationalism, competing alliances, militarism, and imperialism

Causes of WWI Nationalism—is a strong attachment/patriotism for one’s own nation. Also, a desire for a people to preserve its own language, religion, and traditions Nationalism felt among ethnic groups that do not have their own country—desire to be liberated from a dominant ethnic group— noticeable in the Balkans (Austria. Hungary took over Bosnia (diverse ethnic groups-The Powder Key of Europe) and Serbs were very upset

Causes of WWI Nationalism—is a strong attachment/patriotism for one’s own nation. Most Europeans valued national interests over anything else. This was a definite cause of WWI as many European nationalities, especially in southern Europe, were subjects of large empires and wanted to assert their independence and feelings of nationalism among Europeans were extreme.

Back to the assassination… • Nationalism was a strong force in Either way, I’m dead! Europe and a prime cause of WWI. • The Archduke was the heir to the Austrian Throne, meaning he would be king one day. • He was assassinated by Serbian Nationalists (the Black Hand terrorists) that didn’t want to be a part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire. They wanted their own nation Depending on your viewpoint, the Archduke Was killed by terrorists, or freedom fighters. . .

Causes of WWI Alliances—as tensions in Europe mounted, many nations agreed to support one another in the event of an invasion by another nation. A Definition: A close association among nations for the achievement of common objectives… Or, a group of countries united for the purposes of joint military protection… It was the principal method for nations to ensure their security

Causes of WWI Colonial rivalries in Europe led each country to seek friends (defensive alliances) for protectionby early 1900 s, two were established: TRIPLE ALLIANCE On one side was the Triple Alliance, made up of Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy Also known as the Central Powers TRIPLE ENTENTE On the other side was the Triple Entente, made up of Britain, France, and Russia See small map of alliances on textbook page 22

Military Alliances Balance of Power Why would a nation join An alliance? Right, for security. Alliances actually Created a web That all nations Were stuck in!

The assassination triggered the alliances into action. .

CAUSES OF WWI MILITARISM—many European nations decided the best way to protect themselves was to build a strong military force. This policy of building a strong military presence was known as Militarism was a primary cause of the Great War.

CAUSES OF WWI MILITARISM: Great Britain and Germany were especially militaristic, arming themselves to the teeth in the event war was declared Militarism was a primary cause of the Great War.

The British Navy The largest in the world—a necessity in order to protect its large empire Two-Power Standard: British Navy must be equal or better than any other Germany began to build up its navy—Britain saw this as a threat —this led to an arms race to see who could build the largest and strongest navy The Navy Speaks! This picture shows two British battleships. These battleships were a source of pride and a symbol of British naval dominance

The Dreadnought The British Dreadnought battleships became The symbol of the arms race with Germany. Between 1906 to 1914 Germany and Britain began Building these ships as fast As they could. Britain had to repeatedly raise taxes to stay ahead Of Germany

The British Super Dreadnought! “Guns or Butter? ” Meaning: Do you feed your people or make Weapons?

Causes of WWI-Imperialism IMPERIALISM—powerful nations such as Germany, Britain, and France also competed with each other to establish colonies around the world. This quest to build large empires was known as Imperialism further increased tension in Europe…

Causes of WWI-Imperialism resulted from industrialization because countries needed raw materials to supply their factories and new markets to sell their goods. The industrial plants in Europe were producing more goods than could be consumed at home—result: countries wanted to obtain colonies where they sell goods

Causes of WWI-Imperialism Conflict over competition for colonies These conflicts—particularly in Africa and South East Asia often threatened to bring war btw European countries, even within Europe itself

Great Britain Causes of WWI: Empires-Imperialism “The sun never sets on the British Empire” represented the vast area of land occupied by Britain —British strategic military and naval bases encircled the globe, and their empire was the envy of all aspiring colonial powers.

Causes of WWI: Empires-Imperialism Belgium, Holland, Spain, Portugal and Italy These countries managed to secure some colonies—Belgium and Holland had some important colonies given that they were such small players Spain and Portugal had largely squandered their empires in the early part of the nineteenth century

Russia Causes of WWI: Empires-Imperialism Russia promoted Pan-Slavism, or to unite the Slavic peoples of the Balkans (an area of south eastern Europe). Russia wanted to play “big brother” role in encouraging Slav nationalism. Its motives were selfish as it desperately wanted the warm water port of the Balkans (given it’s own severe climate) Slavic Ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Bulgarians, Bunjevci, Croats, Gorani, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Serbs, Slovenes

Causes of WWI: Empires Why were the Balkans Important? The Balkans--between four seas: the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Adriatic and the Aegean • Provides access to several important waterways, making it strategically vital. A jigsaw of nations and provinces occupied the Balkan peninsula: Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Bosnia. • Situated at the crossroads of three major empires: Ottoman, Russian and Austro-Hungarian.

Causes of WWI: Imperialism -Empires France Large colonial holdings in the Western Hemisphere and Central Africa. Germany began to target France as France was Germany’s principal rival in Europe

Imperialism Germany’s colonies were not strategically situated nor economically desirable as were Britain's…. and were in fact a drain on the Germany economy. Germany decided that it could never be a true great power unless it extended its imperial holdings—and began to target the French empire, as France was Germany’s principal rival in Europe

Conflict Inevitable Germany was on a collision course with France and Britain Russia and Austria. Hungary also had competing interests in the Balkans Turkish Empire in Balkans was disintegrating ---leaving it weak & open to territorial demands of minorities WAR

BACK TO THE ASSASSINATION: The Archduke’s assassination brought these simmering tensions to a boil. It began a chain reaction of events that led to war…

Back to the assassination. . Austria-Hungary consulted with Germany on how to deal with the crisis—Germany gave Austria-Hungary a “Blank Cheque” meaning they would support them, even if it meant going to war… Austria-Hungary prepared for war against Serbia Austria-Hungary gave Serbia an ULTIMATUM—hand over the terrorist (BLACK HAND) or face war Serbia agreed with most of the terms, but A-H interpreted this as a rejection!! On July 28 th 1914 Austria-Hungary Declared War against Serbia

TIMELINE: WAR IS DECLARED July 28 th, 1914: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia August 1 st, 1914: Germany declares war on Russia (Russia backs Serbia) August 3 rd, 1914: Germany declares war on France (France backs Russia) August 4 th, 1914: Britain declares war on Germany (Britain backs…)

Germany’s Alfred Von Schlieffen planned an ill-fated attack on France through neutral country of Belgium, in order to capture Paris and knock France out of the war… all within a six-week time frame (then move on to Russia)

The Schlieffen Plan Germany’s precarious position between France and Russian Led to a desperate plan of action Avoid a two-front war—meaning Germany would need to fight Russia on one side and France on the other…A quick first strike at France!

The Schlieffen Plan Schlieffen assumed that Britain would remain neutral, and also Germany could pass through Belgium (n. t) on the way to France…but Schlieffen was mistaken… Belgium’s neutral territory was guaranteed by England…Britain would take action to stop it! August 4, 1914 – Britain declares war on Germany as the Germans invade Belgium.

Canada Goes to War Canada was automatically at war when Britain declared war, so was the rest of her Empire.

Does this make more sense now. . . the alliances were catapulted into action

REVIEW: Steps to War 1. Assassination-FF killed by Serbian nationalist (Black Hand) 2. Blank Cheque: Germany to Austria-Hungary 3. Austria-Hungary prepares for war (against Serbia) 4. The Ultimatum: Hand over terrorists or else…(A-H to Serbia) 5. Serbia’s Reply (agreed to some terms…but not enough to satisfy A-H!) 6. July 28 th 1914, Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia 7. Russia Mobilizes: Tsar Nicholas II gives Serbia support (Russia wanted to keep access to the Balkans-warm water port) 8. Germany Declares War on Russia (Kaiser Wilhelm demands Russia demobilize 9. France Supports Russia 10. Germany Declares war on France 11. Schlieffen Plan (Germany’s plan of attack on France) 12. Britain Declares War on Germany (agrees to protect neutral Belgium)

REVIEW: Causes of WWI 1. Imperialism (extending one’s colonies) 2. Militarism (making a country’s armed forces very strong and allowing a political situation in which military interests dominate government policy) 3. Nationalism: feeling of patriotism and pride for one’s country or ethnic group 4. Alliances: close association of nations for the achievement of common objectives or joint military protection: Triple Alliance/Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy); Triple Entente/Allied Powers (France, Russia, Britain)

Review of Motives: Hungry for power and control over the West (and all their colonies) Believed it could win a war now, but maybe not later 1. Germany

Review of Motives: Concerned with survival of its multiethnic state and wanted to solve the Pan-Slav problem Slav people wanted to be united with other Slavic groups in Russia 2. Austria-Hungary

Review of Motives: Mostly economic motives—wanted access to an allweather port (Balkans) in Serbia 3. Russia

Review of Motives: France believed that loyalty to the alliance system was the only way to remain a major power 4. France

Review of Motives: Believed in the independence of sovereign states (meaning independent states in which people govern themselves, i. e. , no foreign ruler), and also in curbing the ever-increasing strength of Germany 5. Britain

BACK TO THE GERMANY’S ATTACK ON FRANCE…Schlieffen Plan The First Line of Attack In 1914 the Germans declared war on France an attacked. The German’s plan called the Schlieffen Plan (to invade Belgium and France) was an attempt to avoid the French defenses and defeat them very quickly. The plan didn’t work.

BACK TO THE GERMANY’s ATTACK ON The Battle of the Marne FRANCE…Schlieffen Plan The First Battle of the Marne marked the end of the German sweep into France and the beginning of the trench warfare that was to characterize World War One. Germany could not advance and the British could not drive the Germans back… The French counter attack at the outskirts of Paris stopped Germany in their tracks

The Western Front The results were a tragic stalemate As trenches are dug from Switzerland To the English Channel. Both sides dug trenches to protect their troops—these lines of trenches moved very little over the next 3 years…

War of Attrition Each side simply tried to grind the other side down on order to outlast them. Attrition warfare is a military tactic in which a belligerent attempts to win a war by wearing down its enemy to the point of collapse through continuous losses in personnel and material.

War of Attrition The theory of attrition - that eventually you would grind down your enemy and they would have to yield—this had dire social consequences in Canada. Many spoke of the "lost generation“. People found it difficult to justify the nearly 88, 000 Allied men lost for every one mile gained in the advance. Attrition warfare is a military tactic in which a belligerent attempts to win a war by wearing down its enemy to the point of collapse through continuous losses in personnel and material.