1. Before Nuclear Power: A Devastating, Man-Made Explosion
The Halifax Explosion
Before Nuclear Power: A Devastating, Man-Made Explosion
Sarah, Paul, Meaghan, Allison

2. Facts December 6, 1917 (during WWI)
Ships transported war supplies overseas to soldiers fighting in the war
In 1917, approx ships carrying various cargo came through the Halifax Harbour
Richmond – a settlement of factory owners and workers found in North End of Halifax prior to the Halifax Explosion
Some results of explosion:
1951 dead; 9000 injured
199 totally blinded; 100’s of other partially blinded
‘Freak’ injuries
Loss of personal property (homes, buildings, possessions, etc.)

3. Why?
Largest man-made explosion prior to dropping of atomic bomb (most devastating disaster that occurred in Canada)
Shaped the face of modern-day Halifax

4. Artifact
Piece of St. Joseph’s Church, built in 1867, destroyed by the Halifax Explosion

5. Film – City of Ruins: The Halifax Explosion
CBC Documentary, 2003
Contains a reenactment of events prior to, during, and after the explosion as well as personal accounts from survivors
Take notes during the film (will be useful during the activity)

6. Activity Form groups of five Discussion: Present statement to class
Who or what was responsible for the Halifax Explosion?
As a group, form a persuasive statement supporting your argument
Present statement to class
Comments

7. The Facts
Imo – Belgian relief ship. Was stuck in the Halifax Harbour an extra night (U-boat nets were lifted before the ship could leave). Imo was in a hurry to leave. Was on the wrong side of the harbour at time of collision.
Mont Blanc – French vessel carrying 3000 tones of munitions and explosives. Was customary to fly a red flag when carrying this sort of cargo, but the Captain did not want to call attention to the ship for fear of attack by German U-boats.
Francis Mackey – Harbour Pilot. Job was to go aboard ships entering the Halifax Harbour and pilot them into port.
Commander Frederick Wyatt – Canadian Navy. Job was to regulate harbour traffic. Prior to explosion, warned officials that it was impossible to regulate such high volumes of harbour traffic.

8. Tribunal Inquiry to determine who or what was at fault
When the inquiry was finished, three men were arrested and charged:
Francis Mackey, Aime Le Médec (Captain of the Mont Blanc), and Commander Frederick Wyatt
Charges were dropped against all three men for lack of evidence
British Privy Council and Supreme Court of Canada found both ships at fault
No concrete answers for culpability, only speculation

9. Why? Largely ignored at an international level
Solidified our relationship with Boston, reason for the yearly donation of a Nova Scotia tree

10. Journal Questions
Do you believe the Halifax Explosion could have been prevented? If so, how?
If the Halifax Explosion happened tomorrow, would Halifax be more prepared to handle the consequences? Would there be as much devastation, loss of life, and injury?