Canada’s last 100 Days

• • Thousands of soldiers and tonnes of artillery were secretly gathered at the French railway city of Amiens
  • When forces attacked they surprised the enemy and recaptured 13km of territory in a day
  • Canadian soldiers broke through German Hindenburg line defence, winning important battles at Arras, Cambari, and Valenciennes
  • The armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918
• The Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles

  • The war ended formally with the Paris Peace Conference held in 1919 at the Palace of Versailles
  • Military success had won Canada new status on the world stage, Borden gained a reputation for standing firm with the british
  • Canada had sent 4 delegates to Paris, including Borden, even when the US and Britain said they shouldn’t
• • The Treaty was officially signed on June 28,1919 (5 years after the Archduke’s death)
  • Meant to set out peace in Europe and set regulations for rebuilding and repairing damages
• France

  • The main battlefield for war, wanted revenge on Germany
  • Wanted to rebuild their country

  Britain

  • Wanted to pleace France, punish Germany (but not as harshly)
  • Turn attention back home and away from Europe

  US

  • Wanted to introduce a 14 piece plan for sustained peace in Europe (League of Nations)

  Germany

  • Establish a fair, democratic government
• • Germany signed a War Guilt Clause, placing all blame on German Soldiers
  • Had to give Rhineland back to France for 15 years, pay for all the damages, restricted navy and no air force was permitted, lost overseas colonies
• • The harshness of the treaty was thought to lead to determination of Germany to seek revenge on the Allies
  • Brought conditions that lead to Nazi germany and WW2