world war 1 Flashcards
imperialism
the rule of one country over other countries or territories. There were conflicts over power and resources.
colonies
a group of people who leave their native country to form in a new land a settlement subject to, or connected with, the parent nation.
militarism
A policy of making a country’s armed forces strong. The allowance of political situation in which military interests dominate govt policy. Germany competed with Britain, France, Russia, to build the largest/best equipped army.
nationalism
intense feeling of loyalty to one’s own country & culture. Was powerful force throughout Europe, especially in the Balkans.
black hand
Serbian nationalist/terrorist group responsible for the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand which resulted in the start of World War I.
alliances
close associations of nations for the achievement of common objectives.
triple alliances (central powers)
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
triple entente (allied powers)
France, Russia, Britain
blank cheque
Germany’s decision to give Austria unconditional support
ultimatum
a demand or threat that is final
sir sam Hughes
Canada’s minister of Militia, also put in charge of armament industry. He was later dismissed from his post for the poor quality of the exploding shells and other military equipment. He also awarded large govt contracts to his friends, profiteers, who were more interested in making money than quality goods. also in charge of military training for Canada’s troops
ross rifle
A very inefficient rifle used by Canadian soldiers during the first two years of the First World War. The soldiers disliked the rifle as it frequently jammed in the mud of northern France. In 1916, it was replaced by the more durable Lee Enfield rifle.
lieutenant-general Arthur currie
Commanded the Canadian corps
- significant because this is the first time the British gave up command to a Canadian
no man’s land
A strip of land between the trenches of opposing armies along the Western Front during WW1 where you could not go because you would be killed. There was lots of barbed wire.
battle of attrition
a battle in which each side tries to wear down the other side with constant attacks. It was used on the eastern front and resulted in massive casualties
total war
A conflict in which the participating countries devote all their resources to the war effort
battle of Ypres
A World War One battle where poison gas was be used, by the Germans (and British later), for the first time. Canadians fought hard to close the gap in the trenches left by the fleeing of French-algerian and Canadian soldiers. April 22, 1915 – May 25, 1915
battle of somme
A 1916 WWI (1914-1918) battle between German and British forces. Ending in a stalemate, the bitter three-month conflict is notable for the high number of casualties- 1.25 million men killed or wounded - and the first use of tanks in warfare. July 1-november 18 1916
battle of vimy ridge
the first time the Canadians attacked together in WWI. They achieved a magnificent victory, sweeping the Germans off the ridge. April 9-12 1917.
shell shock
Medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to the distressing experiences of trench warfare. (PTSD)
battle of Passchendaele
General Haig commanded Arthur Currie to retake Passchendaele Ridge in Belgium. Currie warned Haig of the casualties but Haig was not persuaded. Allies won the battle, but 15 000 Canadian lives ended, and nearly half a million soldiers on both sides. July 31, 1917- nov 10, 1917
ace
military aviator who shot down 5 enemy aircrafts.
billy bishop
Canadian flying ace. He took down 72 planes. He was first Canadian pilot awarded the Victoria Cross.
u-boats
German submarines used in World War I. could travel underwater without being detected or seen.
halifax explosion
(December 6th 1917), French vessel Mont Blanc carrying over 2500 t of dynamite was accidentally hit by another ship. between 2000-3000 were killed, more than 10 000 injured.
enemy aliens
Immigrants in Canada from the central power nations who were considered a threat to the Canadian war effort in World War 1
war measures act
an Act that gives the federal government emergency powers during wartime. this act suspended the habeas corpus, which is the protection that citizens have against unlawful detention, in 1914
censorship
restriction on access to ideas and information
victory bonds
bonds issued by the Canadian government to support the war effort
military service act
enlistment for military became compulsory in 1917 except if you a) had a disability b)were member of clergy c)had an essential job/skill d) were conscientious objector (against war for religious reasons)
suffragettes
People who campaigned for women’s right to vote in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
wartime election act
Canadian women related to servicemen could vote. cancelled vote for conscientious objectors, immigrants of enemy countries from the last 15 years. 1917
propaganda
Ideas spread to influence public opinion for or against a cause.
president Woodrow Wilson
President of the United States during WWI. He proposed 14 point plan for peace
fourteen points
Plan for peace by Woodrow Wilson
treaty of versailles
treaty that ended World War One
Paris peace conference
terms of peace agreement in Paris. PM Borden of canada fought for a seat and insisted on signing treaty of versailles
2 main Events at end of World War One
Us joins war when ships are sunk within the war zone around Britain
Bolsheviks overthrow Russian govt and a treaty is signed with Germany
What happened after Germany signed treaty
Germany spent all their efforts on western front. After months of fighting the “hundred days,” the central powers (triple alliances) collapsed. War ended nov 11, 1918, at 11 am
What about after the war
Terms of peace agreement in Paris. Pm BORDEN fought for a seat at Paris peace conference and insisted on signing the treaty of Versailles.
Germany’s punishment
Even with 14 points plan, France and Belgium leaders wanted compensation from Germany. Germany had to agree to a “guilt clause,” accepting responsibility for the war. Payments of approx 30 bil, reduced territory, reduced army (100 000 max and no U-boats or Air Force)
League of Nations
PM Borden also fought for a spot in the League of Nations (established by the treaty of Versailles). Based on COLLECTIVE SECURITY- sort of like an alliance - if one member was attacked, all members would help suppress the aggressor. Was required cooperation of nations, which was difficult- US didn’t join
What about the people after WW1
1918-1919, crops were ruined and ppl went hungry in Europe. Flu swept across Europe, killing mils (22mil) worldwide, 50 000 Canadians. However, women in Canada gained recognition as workers. Canadian troops gained world recognition, Canada’s population increased
canada’s recession
economic degrade at beginning of war (1914)
rationing
process of controlling how much food is given to people. “Meatless Mondays,” “fuelless Sundays”
why were schools and factories closed in the prairies
no heating
cost of war
1 mil a day (Canada). 400 bil in 1919 values approx 6 tril today
income tax
first instated as temporary but has remained active ever since WW1!A tax on people’s earnings
other costs of war
1 in 7 men died (9 mil). 1 in 3 left with disability (22 mil). future financial and social issues and disruptions. shellshocked (PTSD). collapse of empires: Russian (1917), German (1918), Austro-Hungarian (1918), Ottoman (1922). influenza epidemic
conscription
compulsory service in the armed forces
opposition to conscription
French Canadians ofc. few French recruits spoke English and few officers spoke French. strain over debate for French school. they had no patriotic connection to war. also farmers cuz sons and hired workers were needed on the farms. also industrial workers cuz they were already contributing to war at home. they didn’t want to give up jobs
federal election 1917 (khaki election)
military voters act- allowed men and women in war overseas to vote. also union govt with opposition liberals was formed cuz the liberals were offered positions of power.
how did job of pilots change throughout WW1
well they started with flying alone in biplanes used for aerial reconnaissance, spying on enemy troop movements. soon they became armed and fired pistols and rifles at enemies below. machine guns became mounted on planes. aerial dogfights took place.
ave life expectancy of someone in royal fighting corps (RFC)
3 weeks
why was Halifax strategic location during war
its a protected harbour on the Atlantic coast, meaning it was closer to Europe than any on the pacific coast.
how did Canada’s economy move from recession to booming success
imperial munitions board was formed where ships and airplanes and shells were built. hundreds of people were employed here and production and export of Canadian goods reached an all time high
how did role of women change in workplace during WW1
organized committees to send food and letters overseas, became involved in volunteer organizations such as Red Cross. contributed more to labour force; before, they were only employed at low skill low paying jobs in food and clothing industries. when demand for labour increased, women were hired for all types of work
how did changing role of women lead to the right to vote
women of Manitoba were at forefront of women’s struggle to win right to vote. 1915, liberals of Manitoba campaigned in election with promise that women would receive right to vote, and other provinces followed their lead. they received right to vote in 1918 in recognition of their patriotic efforts during war
how was propaganda used in WW1 and what was the effect
used to sway Canadians to support war by buying savings bonds, using less fuel, eating less meat, supporting Govs in any way necessary. aroused prejudice against all germans
balance of power
the situation in which strong nations of Europe attempted to remain of equal strength militarily and in their alliances
merchant marine
civilian ships and sailors. in wartime, they transport food, weapons, and munitions
armistice
agreement by warring parties to end hostilities
sanctions
penalties such as restricting trade, appleid by a group of nations to try to force an offending nation to end aggression or an offensive policy
schlieffen plan
Germany’s bold strategy for a two-front war. It involved its invasion of Belgium, then France, capturing Paris. Then it would turn onto Russia.
what was the name of the British passenger liner sunk by a German u-boat, when 1200 people were killed
the lusitania.
