Canada in World War I 1914 - 1918

1. Social Studies 11 Sound Canada in World War I1914 - 1918

2. Brief Introduction • Robert Borden became prime minister of a peaceful and prosperous Canada in 1911. • On August 4, 1914 Britain declared war on Germany taking Canada into a long and bloody conflict. • Post-industrialization warfare was unknown to most, viewed war as a “glorious adventure… [with] cavalry attacks, glittering uniforms, and victory marches” • More than 60,000 Canadians died in World War I. • Gained worldwide respect due to their bravery and skill on the battlefields of Europe. • Canada emerged from the war with a strong sense of national identity. • Was Canada’s first step towards independence.

3. Causes of World War I

4. Causes of World War I • A war between the major European powers was, in the opinion of some historians, inevitable and long overdue. • The causes were many and complex but certain fundamental issues can be identified. • ISMs & established Alliances created the formula for what was to become WWI… “The War to End all Wars”

5. Fundamental Causes I: The “ISMs” • Imperialism • Definition: When one country extends their rule of authority/maintains their empire through the establishment of colonies. • This came to be as a direct result of Industrialization… • Countries needed access to raw materials to manufacture goods. • This often led to conflict, with Africa and South East Asia usually under contention.

6. Imperialism Kaiser William II of Germany • The European powers had large colonial empires which reached around the world. • Colonies were a means to sustain a country’s survival, but also a way to establish a “sphere of influence” • Britain had one of the largest Empires in the world, but Germany was a very young nation and also wanted a “place in the sun.”

7. “The sun never sets…” • Britain • “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire” • Britain had numerous land holdings world-wide. • Along with this came the distribution of military and naval bases globally. • Britain was very wealthy and extremely powerful as a result of her colonies.

8. “Vive la France” • France • Colonies were more of a headache than anything. • Land-holdings in the Western Hemisphere & Central Africa. • Caused France trouble  Germany wanted what France had. • Turn of 20th century, Germany was France’s primary rival. • France feared Germany was going to target their empire, taking over their colonies was a step in this direction.

9. The ‘other’ Imperialist Nations • Belgium, Holland, Spain, Portugal, and Italy • Had minimal land holdings, were for the most part a small player in this type of philosophy. • Russia • Wanted control of PAN-SLAVISM region, to unite the Slavic people of the Balkans (SE Europe – see next slide). • Other motives… • Warm water sea port, 200 year goal.

10. The Balkans The Balkans • This region on Europe’s southern flank was aptly named the “powder keg of Europe.” • It was dominated by the small but intensely nationalist state of Serbia. • Austria-Hungary, a deeply dividedmulti- ethnic nation, feared the influence of Serbia on her southern border. • After the war, the Balkan states would consist of Yugoslavia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, and Turkey

11. Dual Interest in the Balkans • Austria-Hungary • Also wanted control of the Balkans • Saw the region, and the constant cries for independence, as a threat to their existence. • The Slavs were looking for independence (nationalism) • This “ramshackle” empire was much like Austria-Hungary – filled with a multitude of ethnic groups • More focused on their backyard than outside of the continent. • Pan-Slavism = End of Austro-Hungarian Empire

12. German interest • Germany • Initially Germany was not a fan of colonization • Had colonies in Southwestern and Eastern Africa • This changed – decided to try a British model. • Fueled by the need for sources of raw materials for the expansion of German industries. • Germany decided that it could never become a great power unless it expanded its imperial holdings. • This was a reason for conflict and concern, with the likes of Britain and France. • All countries mentioned seemed to be on a collision course in there desire for Imperialist ideals and lifestyles…

13. Another “ISM” • Militarism: • Definition: policy focused on the establishment of a strong armed forces. • Military interests dominate government and government policy: • Germany, Britain, France, Russia, & Italy had a standing army, ready to fight. (Males aged 18-60) • Felt that a prepared military was a means to protect a countries interests and settle any disputes.

14. Britain’s standard of Militarism • Onset of 1900s Britain had the world’s largest navy. • Prescribed to the TWO POWER STANDARD • Their navy must be equal or better than that of two navies combined. • The HMS Dreadnought was developed and built as a means to ensure British Naval supremacy.

15. Germany sought to meet & beat Britain's model MILITARISM INCREASED TENSIONS AS IT WAS CAUSE FOR THE ‘ARMS RACE’ THAT FUELLED THE ONSET OF THE WAR… • They felt to ensure their supremacy they required a similar, if not stronger navy  development of their own Dreadnought. • This lead to a naval arms race between Britain and Germany. • Further to their competition with Britain, Germany sought to beat Russia and France for the biggest Army. • They did not have the largest army but instead were most likely the: • Best trained (disciplined) • Best equipped

16. Another “ISM” of note… Nationalism: there are two main types… 1- Involves strong feelings of Patriotism and Pride for ones country i.e. (Modern day USA: “You’re either with us or againstus…”). Preserve own language & identity 1914 Europe Nationalism at an all time high 2 - Ethnic group in search of a country. Wants liberation from a dominant ruler: i.e. The events ongoing in the Balkans Balkans: Austria-Hungary took over Bosnia which was home to many ethnic groups – 11 Slavic groups were in search of their independence. The “Black Hand” grew from this… more on that later.