1. World War One: Canada Prepares to Defend the Empire B. Hergott R.C.S.S. History

2. Canada’s Reaction ► Former Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier stated, “Let the friends and foes of Britain know that there is in Canada but one mind and one heart, and that all Canadians stand behind the mother country, conscious and proud that she has engaged in this war to save civilization from the uncontrolled lust of conquest and power.” ► The Great War was under way – known as the “war to end all wars” ► When Britain declared war on Germany on Aug. 4, 1914, Canada and the rest of the British Empire were automatically at war, too--Canada pledged 25000 soldiers – both French and English Canada seemed supportive

3. Early Stages of Preparation ► Canada was caught unprepared to fight a war so Prime Minister Robert Borden acted quickly ► Borden appointed Sam Hughes as Minister of the Militia to establish, organize and train a Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) ► Hughes created a training base at Valcartier, Que. Sam Hughes

4. Sam Hughes: An Overview ► A general in Canada’s reserve army ► An energetic, determined organizer ► A very stubborn man  Had a narrow-minded attitude towards black, native and French-Canadian soldiers  Insisted that Can. soldiers be equipped with Ross Rifles which ended up being unsuitable for the wet, muddy battlefront  Gave military supply contracts to friends – faulty equipment received (ie. Sir Sham Boots)  Insisted on Macadam shovels for soldiers – didn’t work for soldiers – didn’t work

5. War Measures Act ► By passing this act, the government gave itself increased powers to:  Censor publications, communications, photos  Arrest, detain, exclude, deport persons  Control harbours and movements of vessels  Control transport of persons/things by land, air or water  Control trade, production and manufacturing  Seize and dispose of property

6. Combat Readiness ► October 1914 first troops of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) left for Britain for further training on 32 ships ► Early 1915 Canadians ready for action in Europe The officers and members of the 26th Battalion of the Second Canadian Expeditionary Force prior to embarking for Europe,Canadian Expeditionary Force

7. Marching down King St., Berlin (Kitchener) Training in Victoria Park, Berlin (Kitchener)