August to November 1918
Canadian troops led by Arthur Currie, fought several battles forcing the Germans to retreat. Canadians suffered 46,000 casualties in these battles but defeated a quarter of the entire German army.
The tide had turned in the Allies’ favour The anti-submarine campaign was successful British blockade of Germany was effective August 8, 1918, Canadian forces, with tanks and air support smashed into German lines Canadians drove ahead 13 kms and for 6 weeks, the Canadians led the attack.
Canada seized 31,527 POWs, 623 artillery pieces and 2842 machine guns. A total of Canadians served in the First World War and gave their lives. The exploits of Canadian and Newfoundland troops are remembered at 13 memorials spread across Belgium and France.
When Canada entered the war they essentially had no choice. By the end of the war Prime Minister Borden argued that since Canada had played such an important role in the war, with 600,000 soldiers fighting, our country deserved to be an independent nation.
On August 8 th, a massive British – Canadian – Australian attack, led by 600 tanks, was launched on the German lines in front of Amiens. At Amiens, the German lines gave way, allowing the Allies to advance 11km by dusk. Thousands of men surrendered, many more fled to the east. Morale collapsed as six entire divisions gave up the fight.
When German General Ludendorff studied the reports from Amiens, he declared “August 8 th was the Black Day of the German Army.” He lost all hope for winning the war. Ludendorff conferred with Kaiser Wilhelm. They agreed that the war must end, but negotiations should only begin if Germany were doing well in a battle so that they could negotiate a favorable peace.
With the help of U.S. forces, the Allies were successful to force the German army into total retreat Meaning, they were no longer fighting offensively German citizens began to revolt against the government because of the food shortages. The Navy refused to go to sea anymore, it was clear the war was a loss.
On November 7, 1918 after 4 years of intense battle, Prince Max, the leader of Germany sent a delegation to agree to an armistice. He asked the Allies to suspend fighting. French General Foch refused.
On November 9 th, representatives of Britain, France and the USA met with the German delegation. At 1 a.m. on November 11 th, Prince Max replied that the German government agreed to the armistice terms. At 5 a.m. the armistice was signed. It stated that all fighting would cease everywhere at 11 a.m.
The last man to be killed was Canadian Private George Price. He was shot by a German sniper at 10:58 a.m. on November 11 th, 1918.
More than 170,000 soldiers returned to Canada with injuries and disabilities. Many were unable to work and received government pensions. Some went to university or into trades with government support. Soldier Settlement Act – Received free land and money to start farms
Aboriginal veterans were excluded from standard benefits. The Royal Canadian Legion fought and suggested resolutions that they be recognized and receive the same benefits as their other Canadian comrades.
The victorious Allied countries met to discuss the settlement of WWI. Some of the issues that needed to be resolved included: How to punish the losing countries? Who was “guilty” for causing the war? How would peace be maintained?
Canada participated at the Paris Peace Conference as an independent nation and became a member of the League of Nations.
The treaty was the result of the Paris Peace Conference and it formally ended the war.
Accept blame for the war (War Guilt Clause) Significantly reduce the army and navy Relinquish control of its railroads Give back the land it had conquered Pay reparations amounting to approximately $30 billion Allow Allied troops to be stationed on its territory.
This treaty was extremely harsh on Germany and many acknowledged that it would simply lead to the outbreak of another war. Germany signed it under protest. Borden publically acknowledged that these terms were harsh. The drafters of the peace terms hoped that the Treaty of Versailles would make the First World War the “war to end all wars.”
Germany would be burdened by the terms of this treaty until Hitler takes power in the 1930’s.