Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary reason for the introduction of conscription in Canada in 1917?
What was the primary reason for the introduction of conscription in Canada in 1917?
Which group strongly opposed the Conscription Bill passed in 1917?
Which group strongly opposed the Conscription Bill passed in 1917?
What were the voting rights implications of the Wartime Elections Act?
What were the voting rights implications of the Wartime Elections Act?
What was one consequence of the Conscription Bill on national unity in Canada?
What was one consequence of the Conscription Bill on national unity in Canada?
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Which of the following was NOT an exemption for conscription during WWI in Canada?
Which of the following was NOT an exemption for conscription during WWI in Canada?
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How did the 1917 general election results reflect national feelings in Canada?
How did the 1917 general election results reflect national feelings in Canada?
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What was Henri Bourassa's view regarding conscription?
What was Henri Bourassa's view regarding conscription?
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What percentage of conscripts reached the battlefield by November 1918?
What percentage of conscripts reached the battlefield by November 1918?
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Study Notes
Conscription in Canada
- Initially, the war was met with enthusiastic support in Canada and Britain.
- Volunteer numbers dwindled by 1916.
- In early 1917, the daily casualty count increased due to U-boat attacks.
- Borden wanted more Canadian troops.
- Parliament voted to pass the Conscription Bill.
- This required all able-bodied men to enlist in the armed forces.
- This led to protests from across Canada, especially French-Canadians, who felt little connection to Britain or France.
- Borden acknowledged the divisiveness of conscription.
- A bill passed in summer of 1917 introduced compulsory service for men age 20-45.
- Exceptions were granted for those in vital wartime jobs, the sick, and conscientious objectors.
- French Canadians opposed conscription, led by Henri Bourassa.
- They believed Canada should be independent from Britain.
- In 1917, Canada's prime minister proposed two further bills: The Military Voters Act and the Wartime Elections Act. This granted soldiers the right to vote and women who were relatives of soldiers the right to vote.
Political Impact
- A bitter election in 1917 resulted in a Union government with a strong majority.
- The conservative and liberal parties united around the idea of conscription, forming the Union government.
- The English-speaking majority gained the upper hand in the Canadian parliament, while French-speaking parts of Canada held fewer seats.
- After the war ended in 1918, Canada remained divided.
Failure of National Unity
- By November 1918, only 45,000 conscripts reached battlefields.
- National unity was destroyed by the conscription debates.
- Conflicts included: British versus French Canadians, city dwellers versus farmers, Protestants versus Catholics and civilians versus soldiers
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Description
Explore the complex issue of conscription in Canada during World War I. This quiz delves into the initial support, the motivations for the Conscription Bill, the ensuing protests, and the political ramifications faced by Prime Minister Borden. Test your knowledge on the events that shaped Canada's military policy and public sentiment.
