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Canada joins the war
Britian declares war on Germany for invading Belgium. So Canada, as a British colony, is automatically at war with Germany as well. -
Period: to
WW1
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War measures act invoked
Prime Minister Borden introduced the War Measures Act to meet the demands of war. The federal government could intervene in the economy and control manufacturing, trade, agriculture, and transportation. It could also limit the freedom of Canadians, such as censoring mail, suspending habeas corpus, and deporting anyone suspected of being an "enemy alien". -
The battle of Somme
The Allies launched a massive attack against the German trenches near the Somme River in France. The attack failed because of poor planning and using tactics that didn't work. Despite all the losses, Canadian troops distinguished themselves during the battle and lead assaults in several battles in the course of the war. Also the first time tanks were used in war. -
Battle of Vimy Ridge
For more than two years the British and the French tried to capture Vimy Ridge from the Germans. Late in 1916, Canadian troops were chosen to lead an assault. Starting on April 9, and finishing on April 12 they captured the German's last position and won the battle. The Canadian's gained more ground, taken more prisoners, and captured more artillery than any previous British offensive in the whole war. It marked Canadians as an elite force and gave a sense of national pride to be a Canadian. -
Military Service Act
Was an act passed by Prime Minister Robert Borden, making conscription mandatory for all Candian men between ages 20 and 45. It was opposed by many in Canada, especially the French Canadiens. They felt no connection to Britain, so why should they have to fight Britain's battles. Passing this law, Borden wasn't likely to win the next election, so he passed two more laws. -
Halifax Explosion
During the war, Halifax was a valuable base for fixing and refueling warships. The SS Mont Blanc, a French vessel carrying over 2500 tons of explosives was accidentally hit by another ship. This caused an explosion so powerful that it destroyed Halifax's harbour and levelled much of the city. Seeing this explosion made people realize what was going on over in Europe, it kind of brought some of the war back over to Canada. -
Khaki election
Prime Minister Borden introduced the Military Voters Act, which allowed men and women fighting in the war to vote, and the Wartimes Elections Act, giving women related to servicmen the right to vote, but not for conscientious objectors or immigrants. He passed these laws hoping to get get enough votes from those involved in the war to win the elction and pass consription as law. In the end he won, with help from some Liberals and Independents. -
Canada's Hundred Day's
Russia, having signed a treaty with Germany, was out of the war. So the Germans sent all of their men to fight on the western front, pushing back the Allies almost to Paris. When the Americans arrived the Allies rallied and pushed back the Germans. Canada's offensives were among the most successful of all the Allies, pushing through German lines and winning battles at Arras, Cambrai, and Valenciennes. -
Paris Peace Conference
Meeting of the Allies after winning WW1 to discuss the terms of the peace agreement. Because Canada contributed so much into the war, Prime Minister Borden thought Canada deserved its own seat at the conference. After much debating, Canada received a seat at the conference and Borden was among the leaders to sign the Treaty of Versailles. Canada had gained the international recognition it deserved. -
Treaty of Versailles
A treaty between Germany and the Allies, that Germany had to sign or the Allies would continue their attack. Borden Borden was one of the leaders who got to sign the treaty. It gave Canada an enhancment to its national status. The world was starting to see Canada as not a Britsh colony, but as an individual country with a distinguished identity.