The Changes of 1917 Flashcards
What is conscription?
Conscription means that all able-bodied men (between prescribed ages) must join the army if they fit all the requirements (gender, age, health, etc).
Why did Canada implement conscription in 1917? Explain details…etc.
The war was going on much longer than expected and there were not enough new recruits to replace Canadian casualties.
Ex: In November 1917 there were 30 741 casualties and only 3588 new recruits
Prime Minister Robert Borden visited the Canadian troops on the Western Front and was convinced that the war could not be won without more Canadian soldiers.
So he implemented The Military Service Bill in 1917 which made conscription law…. all men, who met the requirements, between 20 and 45 were eligible for the draft
The election of 1917….What did Borden do?
In order to increase Borden’s chances of re-election he passed 2 laws before the election:
- The Military Voters Act: This allowed soldiers overseas to vote. It also gave female relatives of soldiers the right to vote.
2.The Wartime Elections Act: This took away the right to vote from people born in enemy countries.
The result of conscription:
Deep divisions in the nation over conscription
Violent French-Canadian protests
Only 45 000 conscripts ever reached European battlefields… so it wasn’t that helpful (took too long)
When was the Halifax Explosion?
December 6, 1917
What was the Halifax Explosion+what lead to it?
No battles took place on Canadian soil
And their was a Great fear of sabotage and spies which lead Britain to warn Canada to guard canals, bridges and railroads
Dec. 6 -The ships Mont Blanc and Imo collide (both had tonnes of explosive)
What was the aftermath of the explosion?
- Wooden buildings flattened
- 1/6 city destroyed
- 2000 people killed
- 9000 injured
- Biggest artificial explosion until atom bomb
Why was America isolated (American Isolationism)?
When war started in 1914 the USA was not interested in getting involved in European affairs.
They had a policy of isolationism or non-intervention in events that did not directly affect their nation.
This is all under President Woodrow Wilson
Why the USA join the war (hint: 3 reasons)
- Failure of Peace: In 1915 the US attempted get the two sides at the peace table, but failed.
- Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: The Germans pursued a policy of sinking any ship they saw as a threat. In result, they took down the Lusitania and Sussed were sunk carrying American passengers (innocent Americans)
- The Zimmerman Telegram: The Germans attempted to get Mexico to declare war on the USA
The Zimmerman telegram details
- A message sent by German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman to the German Ambassador to Mexico
- The telegram asked Mexico to declare war on the US
- Mexico would be rewarded by being given territory of the US, Texas
It would have worked if the Germans weren’t using a British cable during the telegram….allowing the British to interfere and get America on it’s side
Why did Russia leave the war?
In 1917, communism took root in Russia.
Vladimir Lenin led the communist to power which what was known as the Bolshevik Revolution.
Once in power Lenin agreed to peace terms at the Treaty of Brest-Litovosk.
The terms required Russia to give up Finland and parts of the Ukraine and Poland.
What was the impact of 1917? (main points)
The year 1917 was a very pivotal time in the war.
In Canada events on the home front reminded Canadians this was a total war.
In Europe the arrival of American troops and the exit of the Russians set the stage for 1918. (the alliance broke off too).
