History of Canada

Canada is a nation of 33 million inhabitants, occupying almost all of the northern half of the North American continent, and being the second largest country in the world. Canada has evolved in four hundred years from a group of European colonies into a federation of ten provinces and three territories, having been granted its sovereignty peacefully from its last colonial possessor, the United Kingdom.

The Great War

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated, setting off a chain of events leading to World War I. By August 4, Britain had declared war on Germany and, as part of the Empire, Canada was automatically entered in the fray.

Related Topics:
1914 - Archduke Franz Ferdinand - Austria-Hungary - World War I - August 4 - Britain - Germany - Canada

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At first the war brought Canadians together. Canada was suffering from an economic downturn and the war effort helped to revitalize the economy. The unemployed gladly volunteered for the war, expecting it to be a quick and exciting adventure. However, the soldiers were poorly equipped and the war lasted for four years.

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Important events with regard to Canadian history and World War I include: Second Battle of Ypres, Battle of Somme, Battle of Vimy Ridge, and Battle of Passchendaele. Despite heavy losses, the Canadian forces distinguished themselves as a superb fighting unit with celebrated commanders such as Arthur Currie.

Related Topics:
Second Battle of Ypres - Battle of Somme - Battle of Vimy Ridge - Battle of Passchendaele - Arthur Currie

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The Parliament of Canada passed several important pieces of legislation during World War I: War Measures Act (1914), Income Tax (1917), Military Service Act (1917), Military Voters Act (1917), and the Wartime Elections Act (1917).

Related Topics:
Parliament of Canada - War Measures Act - 1914 - Income Tax - 1917 - Military Service Act - Military Voters Act - Wartime Elections Act

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On November 11, 1918, Germany surrendered, and as of June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war. At Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden's insistence, Canada signed the treaty, an important symbolic recognition of Canadian sovereignty.

Related Topics:
November 11 - 1918 - June 28 - 1919 - Treaty of Versailles - Robert Borden

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More than 620,000 Canadians served in the war. Of these, more than 60,000 died and more than 155,000 were wounded.

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See also: WWI Military History of Canada

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