World War I was believed at the time to be the war to end all wars. Therefore it was called the Great War and raged through Europe between 1914 and 1918. Canada entered the war under Britain's wing and exited a true nation with pride and promise. Canadians such as Jack Turner played an integral role in the outcome of the war and through their bravery and valour came out victorious.

There is no distinct element that started the Great War but several major occurrences together created an environment where war was imminent. In Europe, two alliances had established: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Great Britain). Rivalry and nationalism between these two alliances and the countries within them created a hostile situation. The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist was the spark that would light the fire and began the war that would last five long years and take millions of men's lives and injure many more.

After the assassination in Sarejevo, Austria-Hungary quickly declared war on Serbia. Because of their close alliances, the other countries in the Triple Alliance were quick to follow suit and support Serbia in the war. Turkey, fighting with the Triple Alliance, attacked Russia and therefore brought the Triple Alliance into the fray. On August 4, 1914 Britain declared war and joined in the battle. Canada was obliged to follow suit and began making preparations for war.

When war broke out, Canada had a very small military was completely under prepared and undermanned when war broke out. However, Canada was determined to do its part and Prime Minister Borden gave the call to arms and with overwhelming support Canadians came to his aid. Approximately 32,000 men volunteered in the first days and were sent to Valcartier Camp in Quebec for training. At the first the Great War brought Canada together as a nation and language disputes and other arguments were put aside for the time.

When Canadian soldiers arrived in Europe they realised they were in a battle like no other before it. Both sides fought from trenches and any gains were minimal at best. Many expected the war to last several months and thought it would be a quick glorious victory for the Allies (Great Britain and her allies). However, the war dragged on and the fighting became difficult and bloody.

As the excitement of war wore off and the casualty lists grew increasingly high, Borden was forced to use conscription (forced military service) to fill the need for soldiers at the front. Opinion on the subject of conscription was both varied and intense. French Quebecers especially objected conscription because they neither felt patriotic to Canada or to France. Most Canadians, however, supported the decision and showed their support by reelecting Borden in the next federal election.

Throughout the Great War Canadian soldiers fought valiantly and won many great battles. They endured the first poison gas attack at Ypres, fought through the mud at Passchendaele, and achieved glorious victory at Vimy Ridge. Many Canadian soldiers were decorated for their exception contribution and bravery. During this monumental conflict, 619,636 served for Canada and over 66,000 gave their lives.

In the end, the Allied forces won the war and achieved official victory on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the armistice. Canada received a separate signature on the Peace Treaty for its heroic involvement in the war. This small symbol set Canada apart as a nation and created a feeling of pride and patriotism at home.