WWI RECAP The Initial Phase The Schlieffen Plan

WWI RECAP

The Initial Phase The Schlieffen Plan: August: a massive and rapid assault by Germany on France through Belgium to secure a quick victory The plan fails Oct. 1914: The Western Front: 450 miles of fortified trenches

Schlieffen This was Germany’s plan for a two-front war. They would invade Belgium, then France to capture its capital city, Paris. Once this was accomplished they would invade Russia. But by August of 1914, and 35 km away from Paris, German troops were exhausted. France and Britain rallied to push them back into Northern France, where both sides dug a vast network of trenches. Between the trenches lay no man’s land. By Christmas of 1914, the Western front was locked in a stalemate.

Schlieffen Plan

1915 - 1916 The Western Front: 1. Stalemate 2. Until 1918, neither side captures more than 10 kms of land in any single offensive The Eastern Front: 1. Major losses and gains for both sides 2. The Germans gradually conquer Eastern Europe

Canadians at War At the start of WWI, Canada had a population of 8 million people. During WWI, approximately 619, 636 men and women of whom 66, 655 were lost in battle served in Canada’s armed forces. Canada’s navy expanded from 2 ships to more than 100. 1600 Canadian pilots lost their lives and pilots like Billy Bishop, Raymond Collishaw and W. G. Barker left a record of bravery and honor for Canada.

Canada’s Response Boys as young as 14 lied about their age and signed up to go overseas Young men signed up in droves to become “heroes” when the great war was declared. Canadian’s as a whole had the idea that war was a romantic and exciting experience.

“Ready, Aye Ready!” Canadian’s rallied around that battle call, though many French. Canadians were more hesitant to fight a British war.

White Feather Campaign Men that did not sign up immediately were shamed by members of the community. Women would hand out white feathers to boys of military age that stayed at home. The feather was a sign of weakness and dishonor.

1917 – The U. S. : The Turning Point Feb: The German resume unrestricted submarine warfare: the u-boat blockade of Britain. is highly successful The Germans sink the U. S. ship the Lusitania April 6: The U. S. declares war on Germany 1. The submarine blockade is broken 2. U. S. war materials and soldiers pour into Europe

Russia Nov. 1917: The Bolsheviks overthrow Tsar Nicholas II and his regime March 3, 1918: The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Russia withdraws from the war Consequences: Russia losses: 1. One quarter of its territory 2. One third of its population 3. One half of its industrial capacity 4. Germany deploys its troops to the West

1918: The Final German Assault March: The Germans have initial success with a new military strategy Summer: Counterattacks by the Allies Sept. : The German army is pushed back The German command decides it can not win the war

YAY THE WAR IS OVER! Unfortunately, that did not translate into the end of hard times. Countries were destroyed both physically and financially – Enter Depression Germany was most devastated Crops and Vegetation and Transportation had all been ruined and people were starving across Europe The Spanish Flu also made its entrance (which many soldiers brought back to North America) and this virus would soon be the cause of 22 million deaths worldwide

Woman’s Role’s did WWI help their cause? The First World War helped to liberate women by: • experience in positions typically reserved for men • increased independence and the ability to make one’s own money/ support one’s family • increased confidence • feelings of being heroic and truly contributing to the war effort • the right to vote and fewer restrictions (not included in the stories) The First World War did no help to liberate women: • women were expected to quit their jobs after the war • most women earned only minimum wage • qualified women were not promoted • many jobs were unpleasant and did not actually require qualifications • unions made little effort on women’s behalf (not included in the stories)

The Armistice and Wilsons 14 Points Signed 11: 00 am November 11, 1918 Woodrow’s 14 point plan for peace which emphasized forgiveness, but French and Belgian leaders wanted compensation from Germany for the damage inflicted on their countries.

The Conclusion Sept. 1918: U. S. President Woodrow Wilson proposes his “Fourteen Points” 1. Improve trade, freedom of the seas, end secret diplomacy, arms races, . . . 2. Territorial settlements and national boundaries according to ethnic identities 3. The League of Nations: Collective Security in stead of secret alliances

Treaty of Versailles Germany had to agree to the war “guilt claus” Germany had to pay war reparations totaling 30 billion Map of Europe to be redrawn, reducing Germans territory and dividing it so Poland would have a corridor to the sea Germany disarmament- army of no more then 100, 000 men, nation not allowed U-boats or air force

League of Nations Made up of nations throughout the world and based on the principle of collective security. Proved to be more of an idealistic vision than a practical solution to world problems. Punish aggressive nations through sanctions Despite Woodrow Wilson (an american) creating the idea, the Unitied States did not join the league of nations which greatly undermined its effectiveness

The End November 11, 1918: The Armistice is signed Terms: Germany to 1. withdraw its army from the Rhineland 2. surrender its navy, air force, machine guns and artillery 3. renounce the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk