Exams Flashcards
Did Canada make significant contributions to both world wars?
Things to Consider:
- Battle of Passchendaele, first use of poison gas (we were there, and mostly Canadian efforts won the battle)
- Vimy Ridge (Use of the creeping barrage, Canada’s first real impression on the world as a fighter)
- Battle of the Somme (largest battle on the western front, 1st use of tanks, started by France requesting aid)
Who was involved in WWI?
Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Russia, Germany, France, Britain, Canada, and the U.S.A
What does MAIN stand for, and in what context is it used?
MAIN stands for Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism. These are the MAIN (get it?) causes of WWI.
What is Militarism?
The belief that if your army is bigger, you can take what you want. You also should keep a big army. (keep in mind these are in layman’s terms)
What gave alliances the potential to be a cause of WWI?
Countries who went into battle could call upon the help of allies, and if those allies refused then their relations would suffer.
What is Imperialism?
The belief that your country should always try to expand (See: Nazi Germany).
What is Nationalism?
Pride in your own nation.
What was the “trigger” for WWI?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in front of the deli. (remember the story about the sandwich or whatever)
Describe trench warfare.
- Rum, liquid courage
- Muddy conditions described as hell
- Terrible food (monkey meat, rock hard biscuits)
- Trench foot, fleas, a whole rainbow of fevers
Name some technology from WWI and describe what it was used for.
- Ross Rifle (unreliable Canadian weapon, got jammed a lot)
- Machine guns (Highly effective, pretty much decided the war)
- The Telephone, although not really used much or effectively, was present
- Poison gas and gas masks
What was the war at sea like in WWI?
Canadian presence was a little lacking, as we only had two cruisers. The actual war was mostly comprised of both sides blocking the supply routes of the other.
What was the war at air like in WWI?
Planes were very unsafe, and pilots were regarded as chivalrous heroes, and were more distinguished than the regular soldier. Planes were however mostly used for surveillance, not fighting.
What was conscription?
A law that made it mandatory for able-bodied males above the age of 18 to join the war effort.
What was life on the home front like in WWI?
The Halifax explosion affected many people at the time, and was a major event (ie will be on the exam probably). Women went to work in factories in place of men, and people had to ration food in order to send the rest to the war front.
What ended the war?
The treaty of Versailles basically made Germany take responsibility for the damage done and lives lost during the first world war. Afterwards, the league of nations was formed.
