5.1 Canada's Entry into the War and Military Contributions
4 min read•august 6, 2024
Canada's entry into World War I was swift and decisive. As part of the British Empire, it joined the fight in August 1914 after Germany invaded Belgium. This marked a turning point in Canadian history, showcasing both loyalty and growing independence.
The Canadian Expeditionary Force quickly formed and deployed overseas. Under leaders like , Canadian troops gained a reputation for effectiveness, notably at Vimy Ridge in 1917. However, as the war dragged on, voluntary enlistment declined, leading to the controversial of 1917.
Outbreak of World War I
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
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- On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist
- The assassination triggered a chain of events that led to the outbreak of World War I
- Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination and issued an ultimatum with harsh demands
- Serbia, backed by Russia, refused to fully comply with the ultimatum, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia on July 28, 1914
Involvement of the British Empire
- Due to a complex system of alliances and international tensions, the conflict quickly escalated into a global war
- The British Empire, which included Canada, declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, following Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium
- As a dominion of the British Empire, Canada was automatically at war when Britain declared war on Germany
- Canada's involvement in the war was a defining moment in its history, as it demonstrated its loyalty to the British Empire and its growing independence on the world stage
Canadian Military Contributions
Formation and Deployment of the Canadian Expeditionary Force
- The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was the army raised by Canada for service overseas during World War I
- The CEF was a separate entity from the Permanent Active Militia (or Permanent Force) and the Non-Permanent Active Militia
- By the end of the war, the CEF had grown to include four divisions, which fought together as the
- The CEF participated in major battles such as the Second Battle of Ypres (1915), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the (1917)
Achievements of the Canadian Corps
- The Canadian Corps, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie, gained a reputation as one of the most effective fighting forces on the Western Front
- The Corps' success in capturing Vimy Ridge in April 1917, a position that had resisted previous Allied attacks, was a defining moment for Canada and a symbol of its growing military prowess
- The Canadian Corps played a significant role in the final Allied offensive of the war, known as the Hundred Days Offensive (August-November 1918), which ultimately led to the end of the war
Controversial Leadership of Sam Hughes
- Sir Sam Hughes served as Canada's Minister of Militia and Defence from 1911 to 1916
- Hughes was responsible for overseeing Canada's war effort, including recruitment, training, and equipping the CEF
- He was known for his unconventional and sometimes controversial decisions, such as the adoption of the Ross rifle, which proved to be unsuitable for the conditions of trench warfare
- Hughes' mismanagement and conflicts with military officials led to his dismissal from the cabinet in November 1916
Enlistment and Conscription
Voluntary Enlistment in the Early Years of the War
- At the outbreak of the war, Canada relied on voluntary enlistment to raise troops for the CEF
- Initial enthusiasm for the war led to a surge of volunteers, with over 30,000 men enlisting in the first six weeks
- By the end of 1914, the CEF had grown to over 100,000 men
- However, as the war dragged on and casualties mounted, voluntary enlistment began to decline, leading to the need for alternative measures
The Conscription Crisis of 1917
- By 1917, the number of volunteers had decreased significantly, while the demand for reinforcements remained high
- Prime Minister Robert Borden, facing pressure to maintain Canada's military commitments, introduced the in August 1917
- The Act introduced conscription, or mandatory military service, for men aged 20 to 45
- The issue of conscription divided the country along linguistic and regional lines, with French Canadians and some farmers and labor unions opposing the measure
Implementation and Impact of the Military Service Act
- The Military Service Act came into effect on January 1, 1918
- The Act required all male British subjects in Canada aged 20 to 45 to register for potential military service
- Exemptions were granted for essential occupations, conscientious objectors, and those with dependents
- The Act ultimately resulted in the conscription of approximately 125,000 men, of whom only about 24,000 were sent to the front lines before the end of the war
- The Conscription Crisis had lasting political and social consequences, deepening the divide between English and French Canada and contributing to the decline of the federal Conservative Party
Key Terms to Review (15)
Battle of Passchendaele: The Battle of Passchendaele, fought from July to November 1917, was one of the major battles of World War I, known for its horrific conditions and high casualties. This battle is significant as it highlighted Canada’s military contributions during the war, showcasing their bravery and resilience on the Western Front, while also exposing the challenges faced in trench warfare and poor planning by military leaders.
Battle of Vimy Ridge: The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a significant military engagement during World War I, fought from April 9 to April 12, 1917, where Canadian forces achieved a crucial victory against German troops. This battle is often regarded as a defining moment in Canadian history, as it showcased the effectiveness and bravery of the Canadian military, leading to a sense of national pride and identity. Vimy Ridge was pivotal not only for its strategic importance but also for solidifying Canada's reputation on the world stage, marking a turning point in both the war and Canadian national consciousness.
Black Battalion: The Black Battalion, formally known as the No. 2 Construction Battalion, was the first predominantly Black military unit in Canadian history, established during World War I. This battalion was created in 1916 in response to the racial discrimination that prevented Black Canadians from serving in combat roles, reflecting both the contributions of Black Canadians to the war effort and the ongoing struggles against racial inequality within the Canadian military system.
Borden's War Measures Act: Borden's War Measures Act was legislation enacted in Canada in 1914, granting the government extensive powers to maintain security and order during World War I. This act allowed for the suppression of civil liberties, control over the economy, and the mobilization of resources, reflecting the urgency and challenges faced by Canada as it entered the war and committed to significant military contributions.
Canada's Declaration of War on Germany: Canada's Declaration of War on Germany occurred on September 10, 1939, when Canada officially entered World War II, aligning itself with Britain after Germany invaded Poland. This decision marked a significant moment in Canadian history, showcasing the nation's growing autonomy in foreign policy and its willingness to contribute to the Allied war effort. The declaration also set the stage for Canada's substantial military contributions and active involvement in various campaigns throughout the war.
Canadian Corps: The Canadian Corps was a formation of the Canadian Army during World War I that played a pivotal role in key battles on the Western Front. Comprising multiple divisions, the Corps became known for its effectiveness, strategic importance, and contributions to military tactics, particularly during major confrontations such as Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. The success of the Canadian Corps helped to solidify Canada's identity and reputation on the world stage as a formidable military force.
Conscription Crisis: The Conscription Crisis refers to a significant political and social conflict in Canada during World War I, primarily between 1917 and 1918, when the government mandated military service through the Military Service Act. This act aimed to address the shortage of troops but led to widespread dissent, particularly in Quebec, where opposition was rooted in cultural and linguistic differences. The crisis deeply affected Canadian society and politics, reflecting tensions around nationalism, loyalty, and the war's impact on the home front.
Imperial War Conference: The Imperial War Conference was a series of meetings held during World War I between 1917 and 1918, involving representatives from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. These conferences aimed to coordinate military strategies and discuss the contributions of the dominions to the war effort, highlighting Canada's growing autonomy and military capabilities within the British Empire.
Military Service Act: The Military Service Act was legislation passed in Canada in 1917 that introduced conscription during World War I, requiring eligible men to serve in the armed forces. This act marked a significant shift in Canada's military policy, reflecting the demands of the war effort and increasing pressure to provide troops for overseas combat. It was highly controversial, leading to deep divisions within Canadian society, particularly between English and French Canadians.
National unity: National unity refers to the sense of collective belonging and solidarity among the citizens of a nation, which fosters cooperation and collaboration towards common goals. This concept plays a significant role in shaping the political, social, and cultural fabric of a country, especially in contexts where diverse regions and groups exist. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming divisions, whether they are based on language, ethnicity, or regional interests, to maintain a cohesive national identity and strengthen governance.
Siege of Vimy Ridge: The Siege of Vimy Ridge was a significant battle during World War I that took place from April 9 to April 12, 1917, where Canadian forces fought to capture a strategic high ground in northern France from German troops. This battle marked a defining moment for Canada, showcasing its military capabilities and contributing to a sense of national identity as Canadians fought together for the first time as a unified force under Canadian command. Vimy Ridge became emblematic of Canadian bravery and innovation in military tactics, as well as the profound sacrifices made during the war.
Sir Arthur Currie: Sir Arthur Currie was a Canadian military commander during World War I, known for his innovative tactics and leadership of the Canadian Corps. His ability to adapt and implement effective strategies contributed significantly to Canada’s military reputation on the world stage, especially during key battles such as Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Currie's leadership not only solidified Canada's military contributions but also fostered a sense of national identity and pride among Canadians.
Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. This treaty not only reshaped the map of Europe but also set the stage for future global conflicts, influencing Canada’s military contributions and its evolving international status in the years to come.
War Economy: A war economy is a system in which the government prioritizes the production and allocation of resources to support military efforts during times of conflict. This includes mobilizing industries to produce weapons, ammunition, and supplies, as well as controlling labor and resources to ensure that the military's needs are met. The shift to a war economy often leads to significant changes in the civilian workforce and the economy at large, influencing both social and political dynamics.
Women's Volunteer Reserve: The Women's Volunteer Reserve was an organization formed in Canada during World War I to enable women to contribute to the war effort by taking on various roles that supported military operations and civilian needs. This group allowed women to participate more actively in society and the workforce, filling gaps left by men who had gone off to fight, and marked a significant shift in gender roles during a time of national crisis.