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Recruitment Discrimination (-1)
In 1914, during World War One, discrimination was common. For example, earlier in the war, Aboriginal people were neither expected nor encouraged to enlist in the war. However, amidst the combat, the number of volunteers began to drop to the point where the Canadian government had to welcome Aboriginal volunteers. Several black Canadians also attempted to enlist in the Canadian military but were denied service by white officers at recruiting stations. -
Canada Goes to War (-2)
In 1914, Canada was apart of the British Empire, and as a result of this, when Great Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, Canada was automatically at war. During the first World War of 1914-1918, nearly 61,000 Canadians had succumbed, and 172,000 were physically injuring. Furthermore, almost 10,000 Canadians were diagnosed with ''shellshock'', also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. -
Canada’s Recession (-2)
During World War One, Canada underwent a recession, a temporary period when the overall economy declines. Canada's economy began to plummet once the government started spending on food for the soldiers, resources and equipment for the war, etc. Due to this, the Canadian government resorted to borrowing money from its citizens, as well as other countries, by introducing victory bonds in 1915, making Canada's debt larger than it was before the war. -
The Second Battle of Ypres (+1)
The Second Battle of Ypres was fought during the First World War from April 22nd to May 25th, 1915. In April 1915, the Germans unleashed the horrific weapon of chlorine gas on Canadian troops. As the battle dragged on, six thousand soldiers were killed and severely wounded. However, they had beaten back a vastly bigger German army, holding their ground against lethal chlorine gas by wearing urine-soaked handkerchiefs over their noses. -
The Canadian Corps (+2)
In September of 1915, during World War One, the Canadian Expeditionary Force formed the Canadian Corps. Among the military formations on the Western Front, the Canadian Corps was one of the most well-known and respected. Sir Arthur Currie, the army’s commander, was known for his determination and skill. The general officers commanding his four divisions and brigades were also all proven leaders. -
The Battle of Somme (-1)
The Battle of the Somme was fought during the First World War from July 1st to November 18th, 1916. The British launched the battle on the Western Front against German lines. The attack was one of the bloodiest and perhaps least effective in human history, as well as a period of decline in Canada. Throughout the conflict, approximately twenty-four thousand Canadians were injured, and seven hundred Newfoundlanders were slaughtered, wounded, or went missing on the Somme. -
The Battle of Vimy Ridge (+1)
The Battle of Vimy Ridge, also known as Canada’s most celebrated military victory, was fought during World War One in 1917. At 5:30 am on April 9th, 1917, the four Canadian divisions assailed the ridge. The Canadian operation was a significant success and a period of progress as it shaped Canada’s identity by creating a sense of unification and nationhood. -
Conscription (-1)
Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of citizens in military service. In 1917, due to the falling numbers of voluntary recruitment, young men were conscripted for overseas military service by the federal government. However, The Military Service Act of 1917 bestowed terrible effects on families and the public. It created riots, sparking violence and conflicts between the English and the French citizens, causing the nation of Canada to divide into two. -
The Battle of Passchendaele (+1)
The Battle of Passchendaele was fought in 1917, from July 31st to November 10th. On July 31st, a new offence was launched by the British in an attempt to invade German lines. This is a period of progress in Canada as ''the Canadian victory at Passchendaele was truly impressive and added to our nation’s growing reputation as having the best offensive fighting force of the Western Front''. -
Influenza (-2)
Influenza is a common contagious respiratory illness that appeared during the First World War. At the time, doctors had very little knowledge about the disease and how to treat it. The epidemic brought not only death but social and economic disruption as well. Children were left parentless, and many families found themselves without their chief wage earner. Many believe that as many as fifty thousand Canadians succumbed to the pandemic.
