The Sea Tales series provides an exploration into some of the most intriguing stories of the seven seas. Rich in history and folklore, these stories of the seas simultaneously captivate and educate, and offer detailed documentaries of some of the greatest maritime events in history.

Sea Tales would be useful for classes on World History, American History, History of Science and Technology, Culture, Maritime history, Military history and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

The Halifax Explosion

On December 6, 1917, the harbor town of Halifax was rocked by an explosion so great that the shocks were felt miles away. Loaded with munitions for use during the First World War, the French ship Mont Blanc collided with the Imo. The resulting explosion was the largest man-made explosion until the detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan in 1945. The explosion killed over 1600 people and injured over 9000, making it one of the worst maritime disasters in history.

• aghast
• carnage
• convalescent
• embalm
• enamored
• farcical
• imminent
• impromptu
• inevitable
• interminable
• jaded
• jeopardy
• marauding
• perish
• preposterous
• proximity
• reverence
• thwarted
• unabated
• volatile

1. Halifax, Nova Scotia is a harbor town. Why do residents of harbor towns have a special relationship with the sea? What is the nature of this “special relationship?”

2. Many great cities of the world began as small harbor towns and then grew into the metropolises of today. What are some examples of these great cities? How did their harbor location contribute to their growth?

3. How did the harbor town of Halifax, Nova Scotia benefit from World War I?

4. What are “neutral vessels?” How do these vessels survive in times of war?

5. The collision of the Mont Blanc and the Imo occurred because the Imo was off course. Why was the Imo off course?

6. Why weren’t the captains of the Mont Blanc and the Imo able to prevent the collision of the two ships?

7. The <i>Mont Blanc</i> was in full view of many of the residents of Halifax. Why did the residents of Halifax fail to see the danger posed by the Mont Blanc?

8. The explosion at Halifax was the largest man-made explosion up to its time. What damage did the explosion do to the town and residents of Halifax?

9. The explosion at Halifax occurred early in the 20th century, before the widespread use of antibiotics. How might have antibiotics made the explosion at Halifax less deadly?

10. How do events of terror and hardship, such as the explosion at Halifax, bring out the best in people? What recent events or hardships have done the same?

11. What is a “scapegoat?” Why was the French captain of the Mont Blanc made the scapegoat for the devastation caused by the explosion?

1. Imagine that you are a reporter for a newspaper and are an eyewitness to the explosion and aftermath at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Write an account for your readers that conveys the drama and magnitude of this event.

2. Write a short story that takes place during the aftermath of the explosion. You might want to create a hero/heroine who aids the injured, or a hero/heroine who overcomes the odds to survive the tragedy.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• January 15, 2004
• June 24, 2004