UNIT 1 Flashcards
(80 cards)
What were the causes of WW1?
Imperialism, Nationalism, Militarism and Alliance System.
What was Imperialism?
the quest for empire and new sources of raw materials and markets. A source of international prestige and status.
What was Nationalism?
pride in one’s country. the idea that one country is stronger, better, and greater than any other.
What was Militariasm?
the need to keep large armies and navies to protect one’s territory and empire. resulted in a naval arms race between Germany and England and an army race between France and Russia against Germany.
What was the Alliance System?
the system of treaties designed to create allies and friends in the event of a war. the system in Europe resulted in the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) against the Dual Alliance of France and Russia. these were true military alliances and England later signed a non-aggression agreement with Fracne and Russia called the Triple Entente.
Who was in the Triple Entente?
Russia, Britain, and France.
Who was in the Triple Alliance?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
What were the events leading to WW1?
Assasination and The Schlieffen Plan
What was the Assasination?
on June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand was killed by a Serbian Nationalist who was a part of the Black Hand Terrorist group. Austria-Hungary demanded that Serbia submit to 8 demands but Serbia agreed to only 7. Austria-hungary declared war on August 1, 1914, Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary in support of Serbia-alliances kick in and all major powers are at war 2 days later (except England).
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany was convinced it could not win in a 2 front war so in 1905 they devised a plan to eliminate France quickly then swing east to face the Russians before the Russians before the Russians were fully prepared. The plan called for a quick encirclement of Paris and tehn rushing back to the French/German border, thus trapping the French allies. The plan failed because the Belgians held up the Germans for 2 weeks allowing the British to declare war on August 4, 1914. With this, Canada was at war.
Battle of Ypres
British halt Germany advance at Ypres (1st battle). In March 1915, Canadians arrive in Flanders area and take over British position at Ypres. April 1915 Canadians face their first battle.
Battle of the Somme
germany attacked the french town of Verdun as a way of getting teh french to commit to a major offensive. french had an overwhelming amount of causualties in te first week. Haig decided on a major assault along the somme to try and relieve some pressure on the French. The entire Newfoundland Regiment was almost all wiped out and the French casualities on the first day was a large amount. Pressure at Verdun was relieved but the cost was very high. canada’s performance at the somme earned Canada high honours.
Vimy Ridge
- in April 1917, Vimy ridge took place, the most famous Canadian battle. Many innovations were implemented which allowed the casualty rate to go down alot. Canadians accomplished in 6 hours what the French and British failed to do in 2.5 years of war.
- a battle that was very hard to fight because germany had taken over a ridge that could see almost all of the allies plans as they carried them out.
- It was significant because it was the first battle where all Canadians fought together and eventually took over Vimy.
- They also gained much ground that had been taken over by the Germans at the beginning of the war
- had the highest amount of prisoners, artillery and land captured.
Battle of Passchendale
Sir Arthur Currie, commander of the Canadian Corps, objected to the battle, fearing it could not be won without a terrible expenditure in lives, but Haig was desperate for a symbolic victory and insisted on the effort, believing that even a limited victory would help to salvage the campaign. Having no choice but to attack, Currie prepared carefully for the fight, understanding that deliberate preparation, especially for his artillery and engineers, was the key to advancing over this shattered landscape. The Germans atop Passchendaele ridge fired continuously on these efforts, killing or wounding hundreds. By mid-November, having captured the ridge, more than 15,000 Canadians were dead. .
How did technology change warfare?
- more dangerous as weapons were more powerful, had greater range, and could not always be seen.
- Aircraft and submarines also made war much more unpredictable.
What were some of the Vimy Ridge innovations?
- use of maps
- rehearsals
- vimy glide
- creeping barrage
- reorganizzation of platforms
- flash spotting and sound ranging for enemy artillery.
- indirect fire
What was the War Measures Act?
The War Measures Act was a policy that gave the government control over many aspects of the countries economy including transportation, imports, exports and production and manufacturing of goods. This is significant because it allows the government to have more control over its country and their use of goods during war time.
What were U-Boats?
- is a german submarine like ship that was used in WW1 as an attack vessel.
- were significant because they were one of the first ships that could sneak under the radar of most ships and attack unexpectedly.
- was special to the germans and were very hard to defend against.
what was a Naval Blockade?
A naval blockade is when the ports of a country are blocked off to prevent anything from entering or leaving the country.
What was the Canadian Expeditionary force?
The CEF was Canada’s contribution to the armed forces of the war. It brought Canadians from all different types of backgrounds to fight and work together. This is significant becasue it was the first time that Canadians worked together as one whole unit and it brought a sense of pride and unity to the diverse country.
What was the Halifax Explosion?
The Halifax Explosion was an explosion caused by the collision of 2 ships- the IMO and the Mont Blanc- creating an extremely devastating explosion. It was significant because it was the biggest man made explosion, it lead to the creation of the atomic bomb and it devastated Halifax which was a main port used during WW1 which made transporting goods, food and munitions hard.
What was the War Effort?
- The war effort was what people at home could do to help loved ones overseas. This included growing food, supplying food and clothes, donating, working in factories, etc.
- It was significant because it allowed for the war to continue. Without the war effort, Canada would not be able to support itself or help any of its allies which could have led to them losing the war.
What were the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
Land Transfer Clause, Military Reduction Clause, Reparations Clause, and War Guilt Clause.
What was the Wartime Elections Act?
The War Time Election Act was an act passed by the government which allowed all women with relatives serving in the war to vote.
