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Since Canada was a dominion of the British empire, when Great Britain elected to partake in the war on August 4, 1914, Canada would be as well. From a population of just eight million, 619,000 Canadians enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Of those valiant individuals, 59,544 members of the CEF died during the war. Physical losses aside, the dehumanizing nature of World War One provoked traumatic distress for soldiers. In fact, nearly 10,000 Canadians were diagnosed with shellshock. -
The War Measures Act was a federal law that was enacted promptly following the start of World War One. This law authorized the government to have broader control over the country to prevent war invasion or insurrection. This enactment led to the severe exploitation of many immigrants through discriminatory laws, practices and propaganda used to mislead the public. Persecution and imbalance of equity resulted in hatred brewing and a complete linguistic divide. -
The formation of the Canadian Corpse was a gradual process that officially materialized in September, 1915. The Canadian Corps was a source of national pride and fueled nationalism as the unprecedented contributions and successes they provided in the war -- Battle of Vimy Ridge -- provoked international recognition and praise. In fact, France bestowed a large portion of Vimy Ridge as a memorial which is indicative of global recognition and respect. -
The Second Battle of Ypres signified the beginning of Canada’s consequential contribution to World War One. The battle was situated on the Western Front in Belgium, from April 22 to May 25, 1915. This inaugural, major Canadian contribution to the war established a reputation for having a formidable, elite fighting force. Fueled by nationalism, this victory initiated Canada’s path to gaining independence. However, it came at the loathsome expense of more than 6500 Canadian casualties. -
The Battle of Somme is one of the most contentious battles fought in World War One starting on July 1 to November 18, 1916. The battle quickly turned into an abhorrent and senseless bloodbath. Just after the first day, 60,000 casualties were sustained. However, after five long months of the attack, the battle came to an end with a pathetic advance of only 13 kilometres over a 25 km front at a revolting cost of more than 24,000 Canadian casualties. -
The Battle of Vimy Ridge is an integral part of Canadian history and is often heralded as a signature moment displaying Canadian contribution and strength on an international stage. This battle transpired on the Western Front from April 9-12, 1917. Many consider the feat as a symbol of the blossoming of Canadian nationalism. However, the victory came at an insurmountable cost as 10,000 Canadians lay dead or wounded on the ninth which was the most losses suffered in a single day for Canada. -
When the entire development of Canada entering the war ensued, the government advocated for enlistment. However, as the war dragged on the number of casualties escalated paired with a decline in voluntary enlistment. Consequently, on May 18, 1917, the Conscription Bill was introduced. This is when males of a certain age were forced to enlist for the war. This polarized certain linguistic groups/provinces and deepened the linguistic divide between the French and English within the country. -
The Battle of Passchendaele, often known as the “Third Battle of Ypres”, was fought from July 31 to November 1917. This battle unlike others was unique due to the desolated weather conditions and terrain. The unceasing rain downpour resulted in horrific conditions making the land a quagmire. This battle epitomizes the futility of war. Nearly 16,000 Canadians were killed or wounded with nearly no gain as later in 1918, all the ground gained was evacuated from a looming German assault. -
The Wartime Elections Act marked a significant moment in Canadian History. The implementation of this act granted women the right to vote. Consequently, Canadian feminism and women's rights achieved a sense of clarity and hope. It was a defining moment as it symbolized a gateway for women to have a voice in political events that would reflect their values. Voting brought a sense of independence, power and influence, instilling the hope for a complete societal shift in the depiction of women. -
Influenza is a disease that we often condone as innocuous. However, Influenza was a highly infectious disease beginning near the end of World War One (1918). Originating in China, the main culprit of this disease spreading to Canada was across Canada’s rail routes. World War One also played a major role, as many of the soldiers contracted the virus during battle and exacerbated the spread as they headed home from the war. Influenza was responsible for 50,000 perished lives in Canada.
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