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Canada Joins War
Due to alliances, Canada finally joins ww1. This was good in a way, because lower class people could enlist to make some money, and businesses were starting to grow. This war isn't the best thing though, as many Canadians are killed and traumatized. Ranking: +1 Political and Economical Change -
War Measures Act
After Canada was officially a part of war, the government enforced the War Measures Act. This act resulted in Canada upping their security by extreme measures. For example, immigrants who came from enemy countries were treated horribly, and forced into camps with hardly any food or clothes. Ranking: -1, as it was quite terrifying and a decline in progression for Canada's racist system. Social change -
Battle of Ypres
This was the first battle Canadian troops fought in. This was also the first time chlorine gas was used, and that gas was very ineffective. It was a decline because over 6000 Canadian soldiers died and there were no good outcomes. Ranking: -2, no progression and lots of deaths Social Change -
No.2 Construction Battalion
This was a positive progression for people of colour back in ww1. This group consisted of segregated black soldiers who weren't allowed to partake in war due to the colour of their skin, but were permitted to do construction work such as digging trenches. Ranking: +2, black people were finally allowed to serve their country, a small step to minimizing systemic racism. Social change -
Vimy Ridge
This battle was very significant to Canada. It was the first time all 4 Canadian troops fought together, and in the end they won back Vimy Ridge. Altogether, I think this was a very unifying experience and a diamond in the rough. Ranking: +1 because it was a progression, but again it was only 1 battle and many people died. Social change -
Conscription
Conscription forced young men to enlist in war for some years. It was very controversial because francophones hated the idea, and anglophones supported the idea causing tension between the 2 groups. Conscription also allowed some women to vote, only if a close family member partook in the war. This act also expanded the troops which was needed at the time. Ranking: +1, it causes lots of anger, but in the end it enlarged the army which was needed at the time Social change -
Passchendaele Battle
This battle was a useless, decline in progression battle. Many Canadians were killed and this battle showed the world how pointless the slaughtering of soldiers was. Ranking: -2, so many lives were lost and overall useless battle. Social change -
Halifax Explosion
This was very damaging to the economy. There was a ship carrying a lot of fuel and explosives for the war and it hit another ship, causing a major explosion killing thousands of people and losing so many weapons. Ranking: -2, it was a decline because so much was lost so quickly Social and economical change -
World War 1 Officially Ends
World War 1 finally comes to an end. 4 years prior, Canada was a small part of the British Empire, and at the end of war they were now a Nation. During the Treaty Of Versailles, Canada was given 2 seats and conversed with as its own country. Additionally, Canadian grounds weren't used to battle, so other destroyed countries were asking for supplies which was great for the economy! Ranking: +2 Economical and social change. -
Nellie MCclung
Nellie MCclung accomplished a lot in her time. She was an advocate for Women's rights in Canada. After lots of campaigning, her hard work paid off and women were finally given the right to vote! Ranking: +2, big progression for Women Political and social change
