1915

“My colleagues and I are deeply lament the long list of casualties,” Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden said, “and send our profound sympathy to every home which is plunged into sadness and sorrow by the tidings that reach us from hour to hour.”

Spring 1915 is consumed with two traumatic events.

Canada endures a trial by fire at the Second Battle of Ypres. While the Canadians are ultimately successful – to the pride of their countrymen – the battle marks the first widespread use of chlorine gas.  The gas moved across the ground like a yellow-green fog, damaged the mucus membranes and caused asphyxiation.

Meanwhile, Americans are rocked by the torpedoing of the Lusitania, an ocean liner that – like the Titanic – was thought to be unsinkable. The sinking cost the lives of nearly 1,200 people including women, children and babies, and split the United States into two camps – those who wanted war and those who still believed in neutrality.

This book is for anyone who has an interest in World War 1, the history of journalism, American history, Canadian history or 20^th century history.