Canada’s Response to the War “Ready, Aye, Ready”

“A Chain of Friendship” – Brooklyn Eagle 1914 “If Austria attacks Serbia, Russia will fall upon Austria, Germany upon Russia, and France and England upon Germany.”

1914 Timeline Franz Ferdinand, Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is assassinated by a Serbian nationalist Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for death – declared War on Serbia Russia (as an Ally of Serbia) then mobilized its army Germany invades Belgium and France (the Schlieffen plan – surprise attack on France) Britain declares war on Germany (Canada is automatically at war as Britain still controlled the foreign policy of all of its dominions). War Measures Act is passed (granted Canadian gov. complete power to do as it wished “for the security, defence, peace, order and welfare of Canada”)

Schlieffen Plan Chief of the Imperial German General Staff - Alfred von Schlieffen’s plan for a designated attack on France once Russia, in response to international tension (devised in 1905). Schlieffen concluded that a massive and successful surprise attack against France would be enough to put off Britain becoming involved in a continental war. Wanted to avoid a war on two fronts (with Russia & France) Knew Germany would be outnumbered by 5 to 3 – needed to operate fast for success. Would allow Germany time (the six weeks that Schlieffen built into his plan) to transfer soldiers who had been fighting on the French front to Russia to take on the Russians Planned for attack on France to go through Belgium which had her neutrality guaranteed by Britain in 1839 – so his strategy for success depended on Britain not supporting Belgium. Risk that violating Belgium neutrality might bring Britain into the war.

August 1919 September 1919 Circumvent strong French defenses on the border of Germany and France by going through Belgium. They would draw some of the French army into battles at the south, but then outflank the French in the north through Belgium. After this swift success they could then send most of the troops to fight against Russia.

Schlieffen Plan - Weaknesses: It assumed that Russia would need six weeks to mobilize (Germany dismissed Russia as a fierce enemy because it had lost a recent war against Japan – however, Russia had modernized in the decade after) It assumed that Germany would defeat France in less than six weeks. Likely never enough German troops to successful drive through France (could not keep up with casualty losses – particularly in a six week period). Quick transportation of German troops was hindered– the French purposely destroyed train tracks as they retreated so additional German reserves could not easily replenish Germany advance stopped at the Battle of the Marne – they were also forced to send troops to Eastern front to fight Russia

Canada’s Response Assassination in Bosnia was front-page news, but few Canadians thought much about it (it had been a warm summer). Though Canada become a political union in 1867 – Britain still controlled its foreign policy – Thus when Britain declared war on Germany, Canada was automatically at war Most English-speaking Canadians were of British origin – they supported the war out of strong patriotic feeling for Great Britain.

Response from a Toronto newspaper at the time (Aug Response from a Toronto newspaper at the time (Aug. 5, 1914): Cheer after cheer from the crowds of people who had waited long and anxiously for the announcement of Great Britain’s position in the present conflict in Europe greeted the news that the Mother Country had declared war against Germany. Groups of men sang “Rule Britannia,” others joined in singing “God Save the King”; some showed their sense of the seriousness of the situation by singing “Onward Christian Soldiers”…

Colourful recruiting posters with urgent messages for volunteers appeared across Canada

Canadian Troops Wilfred Laurier, leader of the Liberals, joined English Canadians in pledging support for Britain… Laurier, quoting a famous naval song stated the Canadians were “Ready, Aye, Ready” to help. Prime Minister Borden initially offered Britain 25,000 troops but more than 30,000 volunteers from across Canada signed up within the first month. Many volunteered because the believed the war would be a short one – that they would be home by Christmas. A few months of fighting would be an exciting adventure – they might be heroes upon return Some signed up because they had no job Many had the strong urge to defend their mother country

Not all Canadians were welcome to participate in the war. Women were considered ”too frail” and “emotional” to take part in battle – they were encouraged to stay at home and support the men who did go Those women that did join the services were limited to activities as nurses and ambulance drivers behind the front lines.

Propaganda Techniques Emphasizing patriotism - making men feel like they should be proud to protect their country Creating an exaggeration of hatred and fear towards the enemy (Germany) Making those who were not enlisting feel cowardly Emphasizing the sense of masculinity and bravery Glorifying army life – that is was a great adventure