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Assasination of Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austrian throne, who was assassinated by a Serbian terrorist group known as the Black Hand. The death of Ferdinand provoked the Austrians to blame Serbia as a whole and make 3 demands which Serbia failed to meet. This ultimately started World War One, which Canada was later pulled into. this is a +2 because during world war I Canada got the chance to prove their worth of independence from Britain numerous times on the battlefield. Canada's war for independence -
Britain Declares War on Germany
When Germany failed to meet the ultimatum that British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith gave them, Asquith declared war in order to support Belgium. Since Britain was the mother country to many colonies (owning approximately 1/5 of the world), the war escalated rapidly from this declaration. Canada is a colony of Britain, and since this was prior to the Statute of Westminster, Canada was then a part of the war as well. This lead to Canada losing many men to the effort. Therefore, receiving a -1. -
The War Measures act
The War Measures Act gave the Canadian Government the ability to do anything it deemed essential during wartime. Although this was made for the protection of Canadians, it enabled the government to violate human rights- and it did just that. The Canadian Government used the War Measures Act to put "Enemy Aliens" in internment camps under horrible conditions. This left both emotional and physical scars on both the prisoners in these camps as well as Canada's past. Giving it the rating of -2. -
The Second Battle of Ypres
The Second Battle of Ypres was a fierce dispute fought by Canadians, and it marked the Canadian soldiers' first victory. Through this, they manifested their capabilities and perseverance. This battle also signified the first time poison gas was used in war, and although the Canadians were not prepared, they pushed through with what they had for the victory. I give this event a +2 on the progression scale as it helped with Canada's push for independence from Britain. -
The Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Battle at Vimy Ridge was the first battle Canadians attacked as a unit in, and from this they proved themselves to be great soldiers. They took over 4000 German prisoners, despite fighting in a sleet storm. This was also the most important victory at this point in time for the Triple Entente, which even further proved Canadian soldiers to be impressive. However, this battle was not all great for Canada because approximately 10 000 Canadian soldiers were killed or wounded. Therefore, It's a 1 -
Canada's 100 Day's
Canada's Hundred Days refers to Canada's participation in what was the final hundred days war. The Germans launched a major attack on August 8, 1918, so the Canadians fought and pushed the Germans back and away from the city of Amiens. The Canadian soldiers then continued to push the Germans back and relieved many places from German captivity. Despite many casualties, this proved Canada's soldiers to be strong and hardworking; subsequently, it proved Canada to be more independent. Receiving a +2 -
Agnes Macphail Elected to Parliament
Agnes Macphail decided to try for a seat in the House of Commons, and she got it. Despite many of her coworkers arguing against her, large masses of people continued to support her. she believed in social justice issues such as women's rights and prison reform, and being a part of parliament helped her voice be heard. Most importantly, she was the first woman in parliament and remained the only woman for quite some time. She inspired many Canadian women and broke a type of gender role. +2. -
The Chanak Affair
After the war ended, the British army stayed in Turkey and was eventually attacked by them. The British were outnumbered and couldn't defend the attack alone, the British Prime Minister called on Canada to help them fight. However, instead of agreeing as Canada had always done, Prime Minister Mackenzie King said that parliament was to decide. Ultimately, the crises had finished before Parliament could decide. This is symbolic of Canada beginning to become more of an independent country. +2. -
The Balfour Report
Prior to 1926, Canada and other colonies of Britain were seen as less important and under the ownership of Great Britain. Then, in 1926, Prime Minister King received a notice from the British that declared Canada to be independent and of equal means to Britain. The two countries remained bonded through the monarchy still. This meant that Canada could now completely make its own decisions and that it would not be pulled into any more wars just because of Britain's allegiances. +2. -
The Persons Case
The Persons Case established women as persons under Canadian law. This legal change was fought for many years by a group of women named "The Famous Five." This change meant that women would have the rights that the constitution laid out for people in Canada- whereas only men received these rights before. This set the groundwork for women all across Canada, and despite discrimination still existing, it was still a large step in a good direction for Canada and its citizens. Therefore receiving +2.
