Before Nuclear Power: A Devastating, Man-Made Explosion The Halifax Explosion Before Nuclear Power: A Devastating, Man-Made Explosion Sarah, Paul, Meaghan, Allison

Facts December 6, 1917 (during WWI) Ships transported war supplies overseas to soldiers fighting in the war In 1917, approx. 2000 ships carrying various cargo came through the Halifax Harbour Richmond – a settlement of factory owners and workers found in North End of Halifax prior to the Halifax Explosion Some results of explosion: 1951 dead; 9000 injured 199 totally blinded; 100’s of other partially blinded ‘Freak’ injuries Loss of personal property (homes, buildings, possessions, etc.)

Why? Largest man-made explosion prior to dropping of atomic bomb (most devastating disaster that occurred in Canada) Shaped the face of modern-day Halifax

Artifact Piece of St. Joseph’s Church, built in 1867, destroyed by the Halifax Explosion

Film – City of Ruins: The Halifax Explosion CBC Documentary, 2003 Contains a reenactment of events prior to, during, and after the explosion as well as personal accounts from survivors Take notes during the film (will be useful during the activity)

Activity Form groups of five Discussion: Present statement to class Who or what was responsible for the Halifax Explosion? As a group, form a persuasive statement supporting your argument Present statement to class Comments

The Facts Imo – Belgian relief ship. Was stuck in the Halifax Harbour an extra night (U-boat nets were lifted before the ship could leave). Imo was in a hurry to leave. Was on the wrong side of the harbour at time of collision. Mont Blanc – French vessel carrying 3000 tones of munitions and explosives. Was customary to fly a red flag when carrying this sort of cargo, but the Captain did not want to call attention to the ship for fear of attack by German U-boats. Francis Mackey – Harbour Pilot. Job was to go aboard ships entering the Halifax Harbour and pilot them into port. Commander Frederick Wyatt – Canadian Navy. Job was to regulate harbour traffic. Prior to explosion, warned officials that it was impossible to regulate such high volumes of harbour traffic.

Tribunal Inquiry to determine who or what was at fault When the inquiry was finished, three men were arrested and charged: Francis Mackey, Aime Le Médec (Captain of the Mont Blanc), and Commander Frederick Wyatt Charges were dropped against all three men for lack of evidence British Privy Council and Supreme Court of Canada found both ships at fault No concrete answers for culpability, only speculation

Why? Largely ignored at an international level Solidified our relationship with Boston, reason for the yearly donation of a Nova Scotia tree

Journal Questions Do you believe the Halifax Explosion could have been prevented? If so, how? If the Halifax Explosion happened tomorrow, would Halifax be more prepared to handle the consequences? Would there be as much devastation, loss of life, and injury?