Historical Events tagged with "canada"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Massive Explosion in Halifax Harbor

December 6th, 1917 107 years ago

A massive explosion occurred in Halifax, Nova Scotia, when the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship carrying high-explosives, caught fire and detonated in the harbor. This explosion was the largest man-made explosion at that time, leading to extensive destruction across the city. Over 1,900 people lost their lives, and thousands more were injured due to the blast and subsequent fires. The incident highlighted the dangers of wartime logistics and munitions transportation, as Halifax was a critical base for supplying troops during World War I.

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Sports & Recreation

Formation of the National Hockey League

November 26th, 1917 107 years ago

The National Hockey League (NHL) was established in a meeting in Montreal, with the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and Toronto Arenas as its founding teams. The formation was prompted by issues within the National Hockey Association (NHA), seeking a more stable and organized structure for professional ice hockey. The league aimed to enhance the game's popularity across North America and provide a long-lasting platform for the sport.

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Politics & Government

Canada's First Income Tax Introduced

July 25th, 1917 107 years ago

Sir Robert Borden introduced Canada's first income tax as a measure to fund military efforts during World War I. Set at a minimum of 4% and a maximum of 25%, it was originally intended to be a temporary solution. This tax aimed to support Canada’s war expenditures and align with similar measures in other allied nations.

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Military & Warfare

Canadian Forces Capture Vimy Ridge

April 12th, 1917 107 years ago

Canadian forces achieved a significant victory at Vimy Ridge, a pivotal confrontation during World War I. The battle took place in April 1917, where Canadian troops executed a meticulously planned assault against the German positions atop the strategic ridge in northern France. This was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together, showcasing their commitment and cohesiveness. The battle's preparation included extensive artillery bombardments, which played a crucial role in overcoming German defenses. The success at Vimy Ridge marked a turning point for Canadian military identity and is celebrated for its importance in the Canadian narrative of the Great War.

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Military & Warfare

Canadian Corps Launches Assault on Vimy Ridge

April 9th, 1917 107 years ago

The Battle of Arras began when the Canadian Corps executed a significant assault on Vimy Ridge, a strategic high ground on the Western Front. This battle aimed to capture the ridge from German forces, who had held it since 1914. The Canadian soldiers were tasked with a well-planned offensive bolstered by meticulous preparation, including tunneling and artillery bombardments. The success at Vimy Ridge was pivotal, representing the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together, symbolizing national unity and military prowess.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Quebec Bridge Central Span Collapse

September 11th, 1916 108 years ago

The central span of the Quebec Bridge collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 11 construction workers. The Quebec Bridge, designed by the Montreal engineering firm of Hutchison, McMillan and McCulloch, had previously suffered a total collapse in 1907 during its construction. This incident took place while the bridge was being completed, and the failure occurred due to issues in the design and construction process, leading to significant scrutiny of engineering practices at the time.

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Politics & Government

Canada and US Sign Migratory Bird Treaty

August 16th, 1916 108 years ago

The Migratory Bird Treaty was signed by Canada and the United States to protect migratory bird species that travel between the two nations. This landmark agreement aimed to conserve bird populations, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in wildlife protection. By addressing hunting regulations and habitats, the treaty established a framework for managing migratory birds sustainably, ensuring their conservation for future generations.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fire destroys Centre Block of Parliament

February 3rd, 1916 109 years ago

The Centre Block of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa caught fire and was severely damaged, resulting in the loss of seven lives. The blaze started in the early hours, leading to intense efforts by firefighters to contain the flames. The structure, an important symbol of Canadian governance, was ultimately destroyed. This devastating event highlighted the vulnerabilities in fire safety of significant buildings at the time, prompting changes in fire management protocols.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Manitoba Grants Women Voting Rights

January 28th, 1916 109 years ago

In Manitoba, women gained the right to vote and run for office in provincial elections, representing a significant advancement in women's rights in Canada. This landmark decision allowed women to influence political landscapes actively, although it still excluded women of Indigenous and Asian heritage, highlighting ongoing inequalities. The move indicated a shift toward greater gender equality in the political realm.

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