America joins the war with the Allies (April 1917). Why? Because Germans kept sinking American ships with U-boats from Germany also wanted Mexico to go to war with America in January America in the War By mid- 1918, there were over 1 Million American soldiers in Europe, and many more arriving.
These pictures shows the sinking of an American ship (called the “Lusitania”) in 1915.
The Russians revolted, demanding Land, Bread and Peace (Russian revolution) In March 1918 the Russians signed a separate peace treaty with Germany, the treaty of Brest-Litovsk and Germany turned all armies to the Western Front Germany began their last offensive in April They advanced 60km but were held back by Britain, Canada and France
The fighting continued on the Western Front in Belgium and France into 1918 Neither side could win decisive (important/big) battle that would guarantee victory Soldiers on all sides began to question the point of war
Starting in August 1918, the Allies used a series of attacks to push back the Germans Canadians were very important in helping with this. They successfully broke through the Hindenburg line General Arthur Currie considered it Canada’s greatest achievement in WWI.
LINK October 1918 – Austro-Hungarian Empire splits up; separate states negotiate peace with Allies November 1918 – revolution in Germany; Kaiser (King) steps down; republic declared
Riots/Protests began in Germany because of food shortages and protests against the war Some members of the German navy refused to go to sea. It was obvious that Germany had lost the war. An armistice (agreement / treaty) to end the war was signed on November 11, 1918
Paris Peace Conference, 1919 Allies discuss terms of peace agreement PM Robert Borden demands and gets his own seat at the peace conference. He wanted Canada to represent itself, instead of being represented by Britain. Borden also signed the treaty after the conference. Britain, France, and USA did most of the talking. The result was the Treaty of Versailles
Signed on June 28, 1919 This created the terms of peace with Germany. The world blamed Germany for starting the war. Foreign governments forced Germany to do the following:
1. Germany and its allies must accept full responsibility for the war.
2. All German business in other countries was taken away and given away
3. Germany was not allowed to build their army along the French- German border.
4. Germany needed to give up control of their coal mines to France
5. Germany had to give the land it took from France back to France
6. Germany could not make an alliance with new countries
7. Germany had to have a smaller army
8. Germany had to pay reparations to France, Britain, Russia and their friends Reparations = I’m sorry money
League of Nations is Created under the Treaty Similar to United Nations (UN) To make sure that every country is secure, and no country is attacked. Canada was an independent member of the League
Problems with League of Nations Required co-operation between countries No military force. Only economic force. America refused to Join, even though it was the President’s Ideas
Controlled by League of Nations Land given to other countries What remained of Germany
Question: Was the Treaty of Versailles Fair????
In Canada we observe Remembrance Day It is a day to remember the soldiers who fought for our freedom It is observed at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, we pause for a moment to remember our soldiers
Therefore, we observe Remembrance Day on November 11 th because the armistice was signed on November 11 th 1918
World War I ( ) 628,736 Canadians served 66,573 died 138,166 were wounded 2,818 were prisoners of war 175 merchant seamen died by enemy action World War II ( ) *1,031,902 male Canadians and 49,963 female Canadians served *44,927 died *53,145 were wounded *8,271 were taken prisoner of war *1,146 merchant seamen died by enemy action The Korean War ( ) *26,791 Canadians served *516 died *1,558 were wounded *33 were taken prisoner of war The Gulf War ( ) *3,837 male Canadians and 237 female Canadians served *there were a few Canadian casualties during the war *no Canadians were taken prisoner
16 Million People dead worldwide (10 million soldiers, 6 million civilians) 21 million wounded/injured Veterans did not have good pensions or special medical services. Not many jobs for veterans Spanish Influenza (disease) …..
Spanish Influenza (disease) spread by soldiers returning home. 21 million dead worldwide (55,000 Canadians) Many small aboriginal communities almost destroyed. Schools and public places closed for months. People had to wear breathing masks in some places
It had many effects Economy Women’s rights International reputation French-English Relations Racism Thousands Dead and Wounded Canadian Pride and independence