Grade 10 Canadian History
This week, Mr. Gilfillan’s Grade 10 Canadian History class examined a case study that looked at the following scenario:
The war on the Western Front has been mired in a bloody stalemate since January of 1915. It is now 1917 and while Canada saw notable success at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the larger Arras offensive failed to break through German lines. The war is entering its fourth year. There is no end in sight.
American President Woodrow Wilson, whose country remains neutral, has proposed, “peace without victory” to both the Entente and Central Powers. However, most of Belgium and part of France remain occupied by German forces.
Any peace settlement will likely cede part, if not all, of these areas. However, it is also clear that Canadian casualties are rapidly outpacing voluntary enlistment and Conscription, particularly in Quebec, is not only divisive but also incendiary.
Our closest ally, Great Britain, is demanding that we send more troops immediately.
With the help of graphs and essays, students were then asked to discuss the facts and consider the following questions:
- What do you feel is Canada’s responsibility to Europe and to the world? Do we have a moral obligation to fight against injustice even if it is far away?
- What do you think people owe their country? Does being a citizen mean that sometimes you have to risk and possibly lose your life?
- During the First World War, we were allied with Great Britain. In the Second World War we will be allied with Great Britain and the United States. Today, we are still allied with these countries. What sort of obligations do we have to these countries?
But the main question is this:
As the Prime Minister, based on what you have read and what you have learned in this class to date, what should you do? How will you explain and justify your decision to the Canadian people?
Students were then asked to present a claim to their peers, provide evidence for their claim, and then question why they might be wrong. This exercise helped students to learn more about Canadian history, the role of citizenship in Canada’s past and present, and the strategies and techniques that can help to build a sound argument.
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4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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