Canada's Involvement in the First World War The events of July and early August 1914 are known as the sparks that set off the explosion of the First World War. For many years Europe exploded early and with this several alliances that had formed over the last few decades were invoked, so within a few weeks the major powers were at war; across their colonies, the conflict progressed rapidly. When war officially broke out in 1914, Britain joined in the defense of Belgium and in reaction to Germany's violation of the treaty in which the country's neutrality was to be respected by all other nations. On this Britain demanded that all dominions of the British Empire, including Canada, fight on its behalf. Canada's involvement in the war changed history, deepening our independence, strengthening our right to self-government, and opening a divide between the French- and English-speaking populations. The Canadians were a great asset during the First World War and marked the beginning of independent Canadian forces fighting under a Canadian-born commander. On August 5, 1914, the Governor General declared war between Canada and Germany. Battles such as Vimy Ridge, the Second Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of the Somme were some of the worst Canadian battles the world can find. Our northern nation boasted more than 600,000 soldiers on the battlefield, while providing vital manufacturing facilities and training soldiers from around the world. The strong imperial connection between Canada and the "Homeland" was a major factor in Canada's decision to participate wholeheartedly in the First World War and influenced many in their decision to join the army. Most Canadians felt a strong connection to the British Empire... middle of paper... History of the First World War. Np, nd Web. March 3, 2011. "First World War.com - Feature Articles - Life in the Trenches." First World War.com - A multimedia history of the First World War. Np, nd Web. March 3, 2011. "GUNNER BERTRAM Howard Cox." Machine gunner BERTRAM Howard COX. Np, nd Web. March 3, 2011.1917", Philip. All Vimy Ridge cleared by Germans ''New York Times" April 11. "Military history of Canada during the First World War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Np, 2 Web. March 3, 2011. Yancey, C. Arthur and 2001. “World War I: The War to End All Wars,” March 3. 2011. .