### Causes of World War One: A Canadian Perspective

**Worksheet Answers**

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### Part 1: Understanding the Causes

1. **Mutual Defence Alliances**

**Answer 1:**

The two main alliance systems were the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) and the Triple
Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy).

**Answer 2:**

The alliances created a domino effect because if one country was attacked, its allies were bound by
treaty to defend it. This pulled more countries into the conflict, as was the case when Austria-Hungary
declared war on Serbia, bringing in Russia, and then Germany, France, and Britain.

**Answer 3:**

The Triple Entente included France, Russia, and Britain. Canada, as a British dominion, was part of the
British Empire and thus indirectly part of the Triple Entente. When Britain declared war on Germany,
Canada was automatically involved.

**Answer 4:**

Alliances contributed to the global scale of the war because many countries had colonies and territories
outside of Europe. When European powers went to war, their colonies and dominions (like Canada,
Australia, and India for Britain) were also drawn into the conflict.

2. **Imperialism**

**Answer 5:**

The competition for colonies created tensions between European powers, as countries like Britain,
France, and Germany competed for dominance in Africa and Asia. This rivalry increased mistrust and
hostility.
**Answer 6:**

Imperialism contributed to rivalries, particularly between Britain and Germany. Germany felt it was
lagging behind in colonial possessions, and its desire for a "place in the sun" led to conflicts of interest,
especially in Africa.

**Answer 7:**

Canada benefited economically from being part of the British Empire through trade but also suffered
from being pulled into Britain's conflicts, such as World War One. Imperialism meant Canada had to
support Britain, even when the war was not directly in Canada's national interest.

**Answer 8:**

Imperialism extended the war beyond Europe, as European powers used their colonies to provide
soldiers, resources, and strategic bases. For example, British and French colonies in Africa contributed
troops to the war effort.

3. **Militarism**

**Answer 9:**

Militarism contributed to the arms race, particularly between Britain and Germany, as they expanded
their armies and navies. This arms buildup created a climate of fear and readiness for war.

**Answer 10:**

The naval rivalry between Britain and Germany was a key factor in the rise of tensions. Germany's efforts
to build a navy that could rival Britain's threatened British control of the seas, increasing tensions.

**Answer 11:**

Canada had a small, relatively unprepared military before the war but rapidly expanded its forces after
Britain entered the conflict. It sent over 600,000 troops to Europe during the war, significantly
contributing to the British war effort.

**Answer 12:**
Compared to other countries, Canada’s military preparation before the war was minimal. However, once
the war started, Canada quickly mobilized its forces, and its contributions were significant, especially
given its smaller population.

4. **Nationalism**

**Answer 13:**

Serbian nationalism led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand because many Serbians
wanted independence for Slavic peoples under Austro-Hungarian rule. Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb
nationalist, carried out the assassination to further this cause.

**Answer 14:**

Nationalism in Germany and France fueled tensions, as both nations had a strong sense of pride and
sought to assert their dominance. France, in particular, wanted revenge for its defeat in the Franco-
Prussian War (1870-71) and the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany.

**Answer 15:**

Canada’s national identity evolved during the war as it began to assert itself on the world stage. The
bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in battles like Vimy Ridge helped foster a sense of national
pride and independence from Britain.

**Answer 16:**

French-Canadian nationalism differed from English-Canadian nationalism in that many French Canadians
were opposed to Canada’s involvement in the war. They felt less loyalty to Britain and saw the war as a
conflict that did not serve their interests, while English Canadians tended to support the war effort more
strongly.

5. **Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand**

**Answer 17:**

Austria-Hungary saw the assassination as an opportunity to punish Serbia and suppress the rising tide of
Slavic nationalism in the Balkans, which threatened its empire.

**Answer 18:**
Russia, which saw itself as a protector of Slavic nations like Serbia, mobilized in response to Austria-
Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia. Germany, allied with Austria-Hungary, then declared war on
Russia, which brought France into the conflict because of its alliance with Russia.

**Answer 19:**

The assassination led to a series of ultimatums and declarations of war. Austria-Hungary’s attack on
Serbia triggered Russia’s mobilization, Germany’s support of Austria-Hungary, and the eventual
involvement of Britain and France, making it a global conflict.

**Answer 20:**

Canada responded to the outbreak of war by supporting Britain, as it was part of the British Empire.
Although Canada had no independent foreign policy at the time, it entered the war as part of Britain’s
declaration. Many Canadians, particularly English Canadians, felt a strong sense of duty to support the
Empire.

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These answers provide a thorough understanding of the complex factors that led to World War One and
Canada’s involvement as a British dominion. The interconnectedness of these causes highlights the
global scope of the war and Canada’s unique position within the British Empire.