1. Canadian Soldiers in Battle
Lesson 3

2. The Schlieffen Plan
Designed to quickly move through Belgium and into France
Cut the French and English off from the English Channel
Surround and capture Paris

3. Definition Casualties
The total number of soldiers killed or wounded in a battle

4. Jigsaw activity Get in groups of three
Conduct your own research to complete the hand out TLS Canadian Soldiers in Battle
On the back explain the significance of the battle for Canada

5. Primary or Secondary Source?
In the textbook copies you read there was a number of different sources of information.
What are some of the sources of information shown?
For each source identify if it is a Primary source or a secondary source
Textbook information
Photographs
Letters
Maps
Quotes

6. 2nd Battle of Ypres

7. 2nd Battle of Ypres Location and Date
April 22 – May 25, near Ypres, Belgium
Specific Goals
Fill the gap in the lines caused by the use of poison gas, and stop the German advance
Combatants
French Colonials, Canadians, British, Germans

8. 2nd Battle of Ypres Battle Details First use of poison gas in war.
First major battle for Canadian troops
Results
Germans were stopped, but not pushed back
About 6000 Canadians died
Consequences
Stalemate reached again
Canadians proved they were battle worthy

9. 2nd Battle of Ypres
The Canadian Division’s trial-by-fire at Ypres earned the Canadians a reputation as tough and dependable troops, but they had paid a high price: some 6,000 casualties over the four-day battle.
Second Battle of Ypres (3:55)

10. Battle of the Somme Colour the Somme rive blue
Highlight the Allies lines on July 1st in Red
Highlight the German Line on November 20th in Green
Shade the area in side these lines a light yellow

11. Battle of the Somme Location and Date
July 1 – November 18, 1916 – near the Somme river in France
Specific Goals
Relieve pressure on the city of Verdun, France by pulling Germans from the attack there to defend the Somme
Combatants
Canadians, British, Germans, Newfoundlanders

12. Battle of the Somme Battle Details
German defenses were not destroyed in the initial barrage
Outdated tactics cost hundreds of thousands of lives
Results
Germans pushed back, 525 sq/km were gained
Canadians fought. More than Canadians died Allies killed in 5 months
Consequences
Stalemate reached again, Canadian soldiers showed they could endure a long battle.
New tactics were initiated

13. Battle of the Somme War Horse – Calvary Charge (49:37-1:00:23)
The Battle of the Somme (6:14)

14. Battle of Vimy Ridge Location and Date
April , 1917– Northern France
Specific Goals
Capture the German position at the top of the ridge
Combatants
Canadians, British, French, Germans

15. Battle of Vimy Ridge Battle Details Strong German defenses
British and French unable to take the ridge in weeks of battle
First time Canadians fought as all Canadian units
Soldiers well informed and trained
Creeping barrage was used.
Results
Canadians took the ridge in three days

16. Battle of Vimy Ridge Consequences Gave the Allies hope for victory
Proved Canadians could handle battle on their own
Why the Battle of Vimy Ride Matters (14:40)

17. Battle of Vimy Ridge
Over four days of bloody fighting, the Canadians had overrun Vimy Ridge at the cost of more than 10,600 killed and wounded.
The battle has since become an important symbol for Canada, the place where Canadians from across the country delivered an unprecedented victory, all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fighting together for the first time in the war.

18. Show You Know Question #2 p. 17
Answer in your notes
Which battle – the 2nd Battle of Ypres, the Battle of the Somme, or the Battle of Vimy Ridge – do you think had the most lasting effect on Canada? Explain your choice
This question is open-ended and there is no wrong answer as long as your responses are well-thought-out and justified.
Textbook p. 23 Questions 2-5