Social Studies 10 Lessons

By: Gen L

Lesson 2.1: Canada's Army

Canada's Army at Onset of WWI

• Poorly trained soldiers, tiny navy, no artillery.
• Most used Ross Rifle, which was laughably awful:
  • Jammed under field conditions
  • Replaced with Lee-Enfield
• Some regiments even wore kilts
  • Many Canadians were of Scottish Heritage.

The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF)

• strong, first overseas expeditionary force.
  • The people were very naive,
  • "Home by Christmas"
    • British statement, belief it was a short, decisive victory.
  • Many were afraid the war was over by the time they got overseas.

Propaganda

• A message "designed to encourage the recipient to alter their attitudes / behaviour to coincide with that of the sender."
  • Often used in times of war, campaigns for elections,
  • Most common form: Advertising

Lesson 2.2: Canada's Response

The Response

• August 4, 1914 - PM Borden's Government drafted a War Measures Act
  • Gave them stronger powers to act
  • Only used twice, before rebranding as the Emergencies Act
• Liberals pledged a political truce
• Many hoped this would unite the English and French.
• By September, there were volunteers

The Response, cont.

• Everyone expected the war to be over by Christmas.
• It sounded like a great adventure to many young men.
• Soon, enthusiasm faded. The war would obviously last past Christmas.
• French Canadians were opposed to fighting a war for the British.

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