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Archduke Frans Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated
Franz Ferdinand and his wife were both killed in Austria-Hungary, by a 19 year old Serbian nationalist, who was a member of "Young Bosnia" and the "Black Hand". The two were targets of gunfire when a bullet pierced Franz' neck and his wife's abdomen. The couple were on their way to visit bomb victims in the nations capital. This event ultimately triggered World War I. -
Austria declares war on Serbia
After the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Austria sent Serbia a list of demands for the tragic event. The demands were extremely unacceptable, and no government would be able to meet the terms. Serbia then refused to comply and publicized their support from Russia. In response, Austria assured that they too had German support. -
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The Great War
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, dividing Europe into two "camps". The eastern side was the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. On the western side it was the Triple Entente, made up of France, Russia, and Great Britain. The outbreak caused many other countries to join forces, and the Triple Alliance became the Central Powers and the Triple Entente became known as the Allied Forces. This is known as the first World War, lasting approximately 4 years. -
Germany declares war on Russia
Four days after Austria declared war on Serbia, Germany declares war on Russia because of their support to Serbia. This births "The Great War". -
Germany declares war on France and invades Belgium
Germany declares war on France when they notice a French mobile unit moving towards Russia. The German army is the first to deploy offensive troops. They send troops though Belgium in hopes to circle Frances' defence, which was a threat to Belgium at the same time. Belgium then join's France, Russia, and Serbia in the war. -
Canadian Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden officially funds war in Canada
Hours before Germany's attack on France and Belgium, the British government agrees to lend their support if Belgium is caught in the crossfire. Canada never declared war on Germany, but its attachment with the British empire brought them in. With the help from Joseph Pope (a private political secretary), Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden officially funds war in Canada. -
Emergency Parliament session regarding Canadian war support
Sir Wilfried Laurier used this opportunity to promote his loyalty to the Empire. He states, "Canada, a daughter of old England, intends to stand by her in this great conflict..." (pg. 39). Canada is a proud contributor to the British Empire, and did not hesitate when taking on this wartime role. -
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German and Austrian immigrants flagged and processed into camps
The first Canadian prisoner of war camps were opened on August 18, 1914. Many Austria-Hungary and German immigrants came to Canada to seek land and distance themselves from the war. Almost immediately, many of the immigrants were arrested as they posed a potential threat to Canadian security. Male immigrants were the ones being targeted. There were "8,579 men at 24 camps across Canada, 5,954 were of Austro-Hungarian origin... 2,009 were German" (Carter, 2015). 1917 was when most camps closed. -
Canadian Government estimates a soldier will cost $1000 each
Most of this cost is to supply Canadian soldiers with the equipment they need. Sam Hughes, Canada's Minister of Militia organizes the Canadian-made equipment which also gives rise to Canadian production and manufacturing. Each soldier will be equipped with boots, a coat, helmet, Ross rifle, and or Canada's national rifle. -
Emergency War Measures Act is Passed
The act gave the federal Cabinet "censorship, trade restrictions, the arbitrary arrest of individuals without trial, and almost any other power that the government felt was necessary for the security, defence, peace, order and welfare of Canada" (pg. 39-40). It gave the government full control of citizenry, and with this, Prime Minister Borden stated that Canada's new army will be of volunteers. -
Eighteen thousand Canadian Soldiers head to the western front
In early 1915, approximately 32,000 volunteers assemble at Valcartier, Quebec. Days later, 18,000 soldiers known as the 1st Canadian division are sent to the western front to provide additional support. -
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Second battle of Ypres
This battle, in western Belgium was between the Allied forces and the German Empire. It was the first European battle for Canada's First Division. It was also the first time Germany employed a massive attack with poisonous gas. This was a substantial victory for the Allies as it was the last major town under their control. It allowed them to set up defences protecting the French ports as well as the English channel. -
Italy join's the allies
In 1882 there was a secret agreement that created the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. When WWI broke out, Italy announced themselves as neutral in the conflict. The Italian government strategically weighed their options and on this day they declared war on Austria, breaking the alliance. Italy then sign's the treaty of London, committing themselves to the Allies. -
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Battle of Festubert
Britain had sent both British and Canadian troops to northeastern France in hopes to take down the German frontline that was stationed just outside. It was one of the first largest attempted attacks in World War I. Little was gained for both sides, and 2,500 Canadian troops were killed/wounded. The battle ended with Germany holding their position. -
PM Borden makes first wartime trip to Britain
Borden wanted to personally support the troops that were positioned in the West. More importantly he wanted to consult with Herbert Asquith, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. They recently formed a coalition government to benefit the war. The meeting did not go as planned. Asquith was uninterested with Borden's political assistance, and would not include him in strategic decision making. After almost two months in Britain, Borden decides to travel back to Canada in early September. -
Imperial Munitions Board is created
Formed by the British War Cabinet but was headed by Canadian Joseph Flavelle. The IMB established national factories and constructed war ships, planes, shells, and explosives in Canada. It created a new sector that granted Canadians with a quarter million new job opportunities. -
Parliament Building burns down
The Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings caught fire, and seven people ended up dying. The rumours were that the fire was planned by enemy sabotage, but the Royal Commission of Canada ultimately deemed the event accidental. No one really knows how the fire actually started. -
Five thousand civilians protest Parliament
In late 1915, there was a significant recruitment decrease in Quebec. Language barriers made it hard for troops to communicate. At the same time the Ontario government was enforcing Regulation 17. This regulation was built to shut down French-language schools. It caused a small outbreak where approximately 5000 civilians marched onto parliament in disapproval. -
Imperial War Cabinet Meeting
The Imperial War Cabinet was the British Empire's wartime body. The meeting was held to continue to coordinate war strategies with the political powers of the Allied forces. The war was not going as planned and the meeting mainly talked about needing more troops. -
Minister of Militia accuses Borden of lying and betrayal
The Canadian Expeditionary Force that had been sent to help the British forces "would still serve as part of the British forces, but now.. would be administered by Canadians" (pg. 84). Sam Hughes (Canadian Militia Minister) was furious with this new overseas ministry. Borden and himself did not see eye to eye anymore, and Hughes accused the Prime Minister of lying and Betrayal. Borden demanded Hughes resignation. -
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Battle of Vimy Ridge
This battle is one of Canada's most prized war victories. Vimy Ridge, located just inside France's borders was seized by the Germans. It was the first time the four Canadian divisions would fight side-by-side. New artillery was used that allowed the Allies to have exploding bullet shells. The Germans were caught off guard, and the Allies were able to capture back Vimy Ridge. "It was the largest territorial advance of any Allied force to that point in the war" (Foot, 2006). -
Borden meets Laurier for a political union
With the continued rioting in French Canada, Borden met with Wilfrid Laurier to offer a political union. He would offer Laurier the position of 'deputy', and the cabinet would have an equal amount of Liberals and Conservatives. Laurier ultimately refused Borden's offer, as he was not willing to abandon French Canada. -
Military Service Bill enacted
The bill received royal assent on August 29th. "It called for 100,000 men to be drafted for overseas service". If you were unmarried, or childless between the ages of 20 - 24, you would be chosen first. -
Halifax Explosion
The Halifax Explosion was a maritime disaster. Two wartime ships collided in the cities harbour and one ship was loaded with explosive content. It was a extreme setback for the Canadian army, and was one of the largest human-made explosions in history. "The north end of Halifax was wiped out by the blast and subsequent tsunami. Nearly 2,000 people died, another 9,000 were maimed or blinded, and more than 25,000 were left without adequate shelter" (Kernaghan, Foot, 2011). -
Canadian Wartime Federal Election
The election of 1917 was extremely bitter. The two candidates, Laurier and Borden were ultimately fighting for military control rather then political. The election should have been held in 1916, but WWI factors caused it to be pushed back a year. The Unionist party beat the Liberals 153 seats to 82, which kept Sir Robert Borden Prime Minister of Canada. -
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Canada's Hundred Days
The Hundred days of attack was the final campaign of World War I. During this period, the Allied forces broke through German blockade's and made them retreat. It is classified as the "War Winning Campaign", where large battles were won by the Allies. The Battle of Scarpe (August 26 - 30) and the Battle of the Canal du Nord (Sep 27 - Oct 1) were two of the largest offensive victories in World War I. The fighting gave the Allies huge gains, and solidified Canada as a capable military force.
