Canada in World War I1914 - 1918

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.

Causes of World War I

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”

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.

Imperialism• 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.”

“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.

“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.

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.

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

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

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…

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.

Britain’s standard of Militarism Onset of 1900s Britain

had the world’s largest navy.

Prescribed to the TWO POWER STANDARDTheir 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.

Germany sought to meet & beat Britain's model

• 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

MILITARISM INCREASED TENSIONS AS IT WAS CAUSE FOR THE ‘ARMS RACE’ THAT

FUELLED THE ONSET OF THE WAR…

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 against us…”).

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.

Another “ISM” of note…