GERMANY’S INITIAL ADVANCES WWI GERMANY’S INITIAL ADVANCES

Germany’s Objectives avoid war on two fronts

Germany’s Objectives take Paris, France quickly

Germany’s Strategic Answer: The Schlieffen Plan Belgium is neutral (neutrality is guaranteed by Britain) Germany demands to be given safe passage through Belgium Why Belgium? Germany’s true objective is to take Paris, France (Schlieffen Plan) To pass through Belgium & Luxembourg would allow for surprise attack on France Belgium refuses August 4, 1914 - Germany invades Belgium

The Schlieffen Plan

Belgian Response Belgian military is roughly a tenth of Germany’s Belgian military & civilian militia try to fight back – buys time for France and England to prepare counter-offensive Any efforts by Belgian civilians to resist was dealt with severely: People shot on the spot Buildings burned to the ground

International Response August 4, 1914 - Britain declares war so Canada declares war August 6, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia August 12, 1914 – France & Britain declare war on Austria-Hungary October 1, 1914 – First troops from Canada leave to be trained in Britain

Results of Schlieffen Plan Germany was able to penetrate French territory quickly and on schedule with relatively few losses Belgian resistance bought time for France and Britain to mobilize – Germany did not expect this Russia mobilized quicker than Germany thought Germany struggled to get supplies to the front quick enough to maintain control in Belgium and France

France Mobilizes

The First Battle of Ypres October – November, 1914 Germany fails to reach the north sea

The Western Front is Created Almost 1000 km of trenches are built by both sides

The Deadlock on the Western Front 1914 – 1917, the two sides are in a deadlock Attack after attack from both sides results in little change in territory, but huge casualties Casualties = dead AND wounded Both sides seek help from allies

The Great War/The War to End All Wars

Italy: Whose side are you on anyway? Before WWI, they had a defensive pact with the Triple Alliance When G & A-H declared war on other countries, Italy declared itself “neutral” Italy negotiates an agreement of land with Britain & France if the Allies win the war May, 1915: Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary August, 1915: Italy declares war on Germany

The Sinking of the Lusitania Departs New York City, bound for Liverpool, England Carrying munitions and 1,198 passengers, mostly British and Canadian German U-boats sink her off the coast of Ireland Death of 128 Americans onboard caused uproar Helped turn public opinion against Germany

Battle of the Somme (July – November, 1916)

Battle of the Somme – July 1, 1916 Germans were capable of defending themselves well 60, 000 casualties on the first day for Allies No Canadians fought the first day but 1st Newfoundland Regiment fought at Beaumont Hamel Suffered devastating losses At roll call, only 68 men answered to their names of the 801 that fought

Battle of the Somme (July – November, 1916) Battle becomes synonymous with the horror of WWI The Germans call is “das Blutbad” (The Bloodbath) Devastation on both sides: Britain, France, + Commonwealth Canada Germany Casualties 650,000 24,000 600,000 Deaths 147,000 unknown 164,000 The Allies gained only 13 km

The U.S. Enters the War Germany launches all-out submarine warfare in North Atlantic Ocean in February, 1917 despite promise with U.S. not to Zimmerman telegram (Germany asks for Mexico’s support; promises lost territory in return) U.S. declares war on Germany in April, 1917 American troops arrive in France in June, 1917

April, 1917 - Vimy Ridge

April, 1917 - Vimy Ridge Germans were well defended and previous Allied attacks by British and French were unsuccessful all 4 Canadian divisions fought at the same time General Arthur Currie studied French tactics and employed the same strategies (ie. used air photos, rehearsed strategy) In 3 days, Canadians were able to take Hill 145 amid terrible weather and fierce defence by Germans 10,000 casualties 4 Canadians win the Victoria Cross

April, 1917 - Vimy Ridge 4 Canadians win the Victoria Cross Major-General Arthur Currie is knighted on the battlefield by King George V Seen as “the birth of the nation”

April, 1917 - Vimy Ridge In 1922, France ceded 100 hectare preserved battlefield park to Canada Memorial there to represent Canadian sacrifices and for the 11,285 presumed dead in France with no known grave

The Last Hundred Days August 4, 1918 – November 11, 1918 Previous successes at Vimy, France and Passchendaele, Belgium awarded Canadian soldiers with the reputation of being very effective shock troops Canadians were given the responsibility of being at the front during attacks in the last hundred days which lead to a series of successes

The Last Hundred Days August 4, 1918 – November 11, 1918 Overall objective is to take Hindenburg Line Canadians help take Amiens, Arras, Canal du Nord, Cambrais, and others In 100 days, 100,000 Canadians advanced 130 km, captured 32,000 prisoners, acquired 3,800 pieces of artillery, machine guns, mortars 30 Canadians & Newfoundlanders earned Victoria Cross 6,800 died, 39,000 wounded Last person of the Commonwealth to die in war was Canadian

November 11, 1918 – Armistice Day Germany signs an armistice agreement Celebration in major cities but not necessarily on the front