First World War

The nations of Europe were at war soon after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. The First World War was fought from 1914 to 1918. More than 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in this war, then called The Great War. More than 66,000 of our service members gave their lives and more than 172,000 were wounded. Their contributions and sacrifices earned Canada a separate signature on the Treaty of Versailles. This Treaty formally ended the war. These wartime efforts helped Canada gain new respect on the international stage as an independent country.

First World War battles

First World War stories

Classroom materials

Lesson plan: Ages 5-11

Forget me Not

To increase youth awareness of the 100th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel in the First World War, and in particular, remember the sacrifices and achievements made by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lesson plan: Ages 12-17

Remembrance Dog Tags - Fallen Canadians in the Battle of the Somme

To increase youth awareness of Canadians who served in the Battle of the Somme and died in service.

Lesson plan: Ages 12-17

Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel Fact Quest

To provide a general overview of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel during the First World War, as well as the sacrifices and achievements made by the people of Canada and Newfoundland.

First World War memorials

First World War medals