Preparing for World War I

Preparing for World War I When Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, Canada was automatically at war as a part of the empire. 1. Mobilizing Forces -Canada responded to Britain’s call for help by establishing the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). More than 33,000 men volunteered to join. 2. Training Troops -Troops in the CEF were trained at Valcartier, Quebec. The training they received was nothing like what they would experience in Europe. 3. War Measures Act -This Act gave the government control over many aspects of everyday life. It controlled the economy, transportation, production and manufacture of goods. The focus turned entirely to supporting the war effort.

Canadian Battles in WWI 1. Second Battle of Ypres, April, 1915 -Canadian troops fought their first battle in the trenches in Belgium. The Germans subject them to a gas attack. The Canadians survive by covering their faces with urine soaked rags. 6000 Canadians die and Canada gains a reputation as a strong fighting force. 2. Battle of the Somme, July, 1916 -Canadians were led by British General Haig. He ordered troops openly into no-man’s land. Canadians lost over 24,000 troops during this battle. This was the first time tanks were used in battle. Over 1 million lives were lost on both sides making it the worst battle in modern history. 3. Vimy Ridge, April, 1917 -Canadian troops, led by General Arthur Currie, fought for the first time as a single unit. The Canadians won the battle in only four days. Allied countries applauded Canada’s success. This was a defining moment in Canadian independence. 4. Passchendaele, October, 1917 -Canadian troops were assigned this mud-filled ridge after three years of fighting here. General Currie took the operation over from General Haig and warned that there would be heavy casualties. Conditions were terrible and many lives were lost in this victory. The land had little significance. 5. The Last Hundred Days, August-November, 1918 -Canadian troops, led by Arthur Currie, fought in several battles forcing the Germans to retreat. They suffer 46,000 casualties in these battles but defeat a quarter of the entire German army. The fighting ends at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918. The war was over.