The End of the WWI [and the] Beginnings of a New Canadian Identity

The End of the WWI [and the] Beginnings of a New Canadian Identity

Key Themes The European political landscape is changed Lasting Peace VS Reparation **Canada gains international autonomy from Britain** **Overarching Course Theme

Change in the War Two important events changed the direction of the war in 1917 Russian revolution USA enters the war

Russian Revolution Czar Nicholas abdicated in March 1917 Oct 1917 the Russian provisional government was overthrown by the Bolsheviks Led by Lenin The Bolsheviks signed a peace treaty with Germany

Impact on the War? Russia s political move weakened the Allies on the Eastern Front German troops could now move to battle on Western Front Over on the Allies side, however

USA Enters the War Why now? US responding to unrestricted U- boat attacks. Germany did not only torpedo the Allies when sinking ships around the war zone Germany wanted to strangle Britain off from supplies (and end the war) US entered the war April 2 nd, 1917

Operation Michael As the Germans get reinforced by soldiers from the Eastern Front, they are able to push through into France. Using this momentum, Germany keeps pushing and drives through to within 75km of Paris. But they were unable to continue as they ran out of supplies The British naval blockades strangled Germany s war machine

The Hundred Days Campaign The final months of war: The Canadians, led by General Arthur Currie helped force the Germans east As the Germans fled, they destroyed much of the French countryside further angered the French Canadian troops won important battles at Arras, Cambrais, and Valenciennes General Currie

Central Powers Collapse The Hundred Days campaign succeeded in breaking the Powers troops and supply chains. November 1918: Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated and fled to Holland. Austria-Hungary agreed to a ceasefire Armistice signed November 11 th, 1918

Aftermath of War Starvation across Europe Crops and transportation routes were ruined Spanish Flu: Swept across Europe and came home to Canada with the soldiers 22 million died worldwide (more than in WWI itself)

Paris Peace Conference 1919, the winners of the war met in Paris to discuss terms of the peace agreement Meeting lasted 6 months

Results of the Conference? Treaty of Versailles set the terms of Germany s surrender and set the scene for the next 20 years in Europe USA (President Woodrow Wilson) wanted the plan to emphasize forgiveness but France and Belgium wanted payback.

Wilson s Fourteen Points January 8 th, 1918, President Wilson gave a speech with fourteen points that outlined an international policy for a just and lasting peace. Woodrow s points were logical but pacifist the European nations devastated by war were not interested in forgiveness. Fourteen Points promoted: forgiveness, demilitarization & disarmament, free trade, adjustment of borders to represent the independence of people living there.

Terms of the Treaty of Versailles (WARML) W. War Guilt Germany had to assume guilt for starting war A. Armed Forces German army restricted to 100 000 men / No U- boats/ No airforce R. Reparations Germany had to pay about 30 Billion dollars M. Map Redrawn Territories Lost / new country of Poland created/ Saar Coal Fields and Alsace and Lorraine given (back) to France L. League of Nations Brainchild of Wilson ( USA didn t join) Germany was not invited

Setting up for WWII The harsh punishment of the treaty would eventually lead Germany to seek revenge under the Nazi Party

League of Nations (LoN) Britain, France, Canada and other smaller nations join Many feared that the LoN would hamper imperialism Alliance system No military capacity Economic sanctions only

LoN Destined to Fail? Wilson had stroke and was unable to push for the League in US Congress Congress did not agree with Wilson s goals, and the LoN was weakened without American presence Woodrow Wilson

Canada s Increasing Autonomy Canada participates as a full member at the Paris Peace Conference Not represented by Britain PM Borden was among the world leaders that signed the Treaty of Versailles Canada gained international recognition for their efforts at war and, for the first time, as an independent nation.