Learning ModuleWhat are the origins of Remembrance Day in Canada?

What are the origins of Remembrance Day in Canada?

Introduction

Throughout the year, Canadians mark days that commemorate important events, people, religious observances, movements, and experiences. These commemorations can help communities remember the past and consider its meaning in the present.

Think

What are some historically significant events that have happened in your lifetime? What made them significant?

In this learning module, you will learn about the origins of Remembrance Day in Canada. In 1919, King George V, the monarch of the British Empire, made an appeal to people throughout the Empire to honour those who had served and died in the First World War. You will explore how this appeal contributed to the origins of Remembrance Day in Canada and reflect on its meaning using the historical thinking concepts of historical significance, cause and consequence, continuity and change, and historical perspective.

Historical thinking concepts

Historical thinking concepts are tools that historians use to understand and interpret the past. They will help you develop the skills and abilities you need to think like a historian. The historical thinking concepts are historical significance, cause and consequence, continuity and change, and historical perspective.

Once we learn how to use these concepts, we will be able to:

  • establish historical significance – examine why we care today about certain events, trends, and issues in history
  • analyze cause and consequence – examine how and why certain conditions and actions led to others
  • identify continuity and change – describe what has changed and what has remained the same over time
  • explore a variety of historical perspectives – understand the past from the perspective of the people who lived at the time. Consider the different social, cultural, intellectual, and emotional contexts that shaped how people understood their world, made decisions, and acted.

When you can apply historical thinking concepts to real events, you will become more actively engaged in the study, practice, and interpretation of history.

Check out the following video to learn more about historical thinking concepts.

These historical thinking concepts will support your approach to the study of history. Instead of accepting or compiling what others have to say about history, you’ll be able to form your own opinions and to assess the claims of others based on evidence.

Canada and the First World War

Before learning about how Remembrance Day became a holiday in Canada, take a moment to see what you already know about Canada’s contribution to the First World War.

Complete the following activity and be sure to review the correct answer feedback for any incorrect responses.

Self-check opportunity

The first Remembrance Day

George V was King of England and English Dominions from 1910 to 1936. Remembrance Day was announced in Canada in 1919 by King George V, a year after the end of World War I.

At that time, Canada was still part of the British Empire and joined Britain in the war.

The King’s letter was read in Parliament by acting Prime Minister Sir George Foster.

King George V of England

Letter from King George V

To all my people:

Tuesday next, November 11th, is the first anniversary of the armistice which stayed the world-wide carnage of the four proceeding years, and marked the victory of right and freedom. I believe that my people in every part of the Empire fervently wish to perpetuate the memory of that great deliverance and of those who laid down their lives to achieve it.

To afford an opportunity for the universal expression of this feeling it is my desire and hope that at the hour when the Armistice came into force, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, there may be for the brief space of two minutes, a complete suspension of all our normal activities. During that time, except in rare cases where this may be impractical, all work, all sound and all locomotion should cease, so that in perfect stillness the thoughts of every one may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.

Source:

Canada. Parliament. House of Commons. House of Commons Debates. 13th Parliament, 3rd Session, November 6, 1919. (Online). https://www.lipad.ca/full/1919/11/06/1/ 

Using primary sources

Every student of history explores or gathers content to learn about historical events and assess their significance. Source documents can be classified into two categories: primary sources and secondary sources.

The previous letter from the King is a primary source. A primary source is a document or object created during the time you are studying. These sources offer an inside view of a particular event, and can include:

  • original documents, such as diaries, speeches, manuscripts, footage, or letters
  • creative works, such as poetry, drama, music, or art
  • objects or artifacts, such as clothing, buildings, and other everyday objects

Think

The King’s appeal is an example of what type of primary source?

It's important to remember that historical thinking concepts can be applied to a primary source.

Historical significance

Historical significance assesses why an event, person, or artefact is important. It may be important because it impacts many people, results in significant change, or was part of a larger trend that influences life today.

Cause and consequence

Cause and consequence explores how and why. An event can have many causes, and it’s the job of a historian to determine a cause by focusing on evidence.

Continuity and change

Continuity and change compares points in the past and the present. This historical thinking concepts asks us to consider how things have changed, and how they’ve stayed the same.

Historical perspective

Taking a historical perspective means trying to think like people in the past and trying to understand the emotional, social, and cultural factors that influenced people’s behaviours and decisions.

Demonstration of learning

Now, you will be presented with questions aligned with the historical thinking concepts as they relate to Remembrance Day in Canada.

Respond to TWO of the following questions in your notebook or another method of your choice:

  1. Historical significance: Why was King George V’s 1919 appeal historically significant to the development of Remembrance Day in Canada?
  2. Continuity and change: Which elements of the King’s 1919 appeal have remained part of Remembrance Day? What has changed about how Remembrance Day is observed in Canada since 1919?
  3. Cause and consequence: What circumstances following the First World War may have led King George V to send his letter throughout the British Empire?
  4. Historical perspective: What social attitudes were reflected in the King’s letter? How might different people in Canada have responded to the King’s appeal? What factors might have influenced how different people responded?

CHC2D - Canadian History from 1918-Present

A1.2 select and organize relevant evidence and information on aspects of Canadian history since 1914 from a variety of primary and secondary sources

A1.5 use the concepts of historical thinking

B2.1 explain the main causes of World War I and of Canada’s participation in the war and analyse some of the consequences of Canada’s military participation in the war

B3.2 describe some significant changes in the arts and popular culture in Canada during this period

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Elliott, Josh K. "Flashback Friday: King George Lays Foundation for Remembrance Day." CTV News. November 6, 2015. https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/flashback-friday-king-george-lays-foundation-for-remembrance-day/

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