GREAT WAR TIMELINE

JUNE 28, 1914 SPARK IGNITED

Long-simmering conflicts between the European powers boil over after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.

AUGUST 4, 1914 WAR DECLARED

When Britain declares war, all of its colonies and dominions, including Canada, are automatically drawn in to the conflict.

APRIL 22, 1915 SECOND BATTLE OF YPRES

In Canada’s first major battle, soldiers hold the line while facing the first use of chlorine gas as a battlefield weapon.

JULY 1, 1916 BEAUMONT-HAMEL

The Newfoundland Regiment suffers a devastating loss — of 801 soldiers, 324 are dead or missing and 386 are wounded.

APRIL 9 TO 12, 1917 BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE

The Canadians capture the German-held strongpoint. The victory becomes a symbol of Canadian identity.

OCT. 26 TO NOV. 10, 1917 SECOND BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE

The Canadians fight in horribly muddy conditions, suffering sixteen thousand casualties.

AUG.8 TONOV.11,1918 THE HUNDRED DAYS

Canadians play a key role in a series of battles that drive back and defeat German forces, leading to the armistice on November 11.

JUNE 28, 1919 TREATY OF VERSAILLES

Canada is a signatory to the controversial treaty that forces Germany to disarm, concede territory, and pay reparations.