French Canadian Opposition to WWI

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of 1917 in the context of Canadian identity according to the passage?

1917 is often viewed as the 'birth of Canada' but this perspective overlooks the country's Indigenous roots and the achievements of Confederation in 1867.

How did the Borden government's treatment of French-speaking Canadians affect national unity by 1918?

The treatment led to increased divisions within Canada, contradicting claims that the war unified the country.

What role did military leadership play in the participation of different ethnic groups in the war?

Military leaders like Sam Hughes were dismissive of French-Canadians and other minorities, impacting their recruitment and participation.

How does Lucy's perspective on conscription reflect English Canadian sentiments during World War I?

Lucy views conscription as a familial duty to support the British Empire, highlighting a sense of loyalty among English Canadians. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism does Tony Keene provide regarding the perception of the Battle of Vimy Ridge?

Keene suggests that elevating Vimy Ridge as a defining moment ignores the complexities of Canada’s history and ongoing inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Imperial Conference have on public opinion and conscription debates in Canada?

The Imperial Conference emphasized loyalty to the British Empire and influenced public sentiments towards the necessity of conscription. Signup and view all the answers

What implications does the exclusion of Indigenous Canadians from the war effort have on the narrative of Canadian participation?

The exclusion illustrates the selective nature of participation and the overshadowed contributions of Indigenous Canadians. Signup and view all the answers

How did perceptions of military success differ from those of national victory during World War I?

Military success such as Vimy Ridge was celebrated, but national victory was undermined by significant social divisions and exclusions. Signup and view all the answers

What were the reasons many French Canadians opposed conscription during the war?

Many French Canadians viewed the war as a British war and felt a lack of strong ties to Great Britain or France. Signup and view all the answers

How did the treatment of French Canadians by the military leadership affect their participation in the war?

The lack of Quebec regiments and the appointment of few French Canadian officers alienated many French Canadians from the military. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the English Canadian perspectives on conscription?

Many English Canadians supported conscription as necessary, citing the need for more soldiers despite some opposition. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Sam Hughes play in shaping the military leadership during the war?

Sam Hughes, as the Minister of Militia and Defence, created few Quebec regiments and appointed minimal French Canadian officers. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Imperial Conference of 1917 affect Canada’s role in the British war effort?

The Imperial Conference of 1917 allowed Canada to sit as full members of the British War Cabinet, recognizing its contributions. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the opposition to conscription reflect broader tensions between English and French Canadians?

The opposition largely stemmed from feelings of inequality and lack of respect faced by French Canadians from English Canadians. Signup and view all the answers

What were the concerns of French Canadians regarding their identity during the war?

French Canadians were concerned that their culture was not respected and felt alienated within the broader Canadian war effort. Signup and view all the answers

How did public perception of the war effort affect enlistment from French Canada?

The perception that the war was primarily a British initiative led to lower volunteer enlistment from French Canadians. Signup and view all the answers

What were some reasons French Canadians opposed conscription during World War I?

French Canadians opposed conscription largely due to their lack of enthusiasm for the war, feeling disconnected from the war efforts, and viewing conscription as a betrayal of their rights. Signup and view all the answers

How did English Canadians generally view conscription compared to French Canadians?

English Canadians generally supported conscription as a necessary measure for military service, while French Canadians largely opposed it, seeing it as an imposition on their community. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Imperial Conference play in Borden's decision to introduce conscription?

The Imperial Conference emphasized the importance of dominion nations having a voice in foreign policy, influencing Borden's decision to ensure Canada contributed adequately through conscription. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did conscription impact military leadership and the Canadian Army during World War I?

Conscription aimed to address personnel shortages in the Canadian Army, allowing for a more robust military presence, but it also led to political fractures and dissent among the populace. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Military Service Act, and when did it become law?

The Military Service Act made military service compulsory for able-bodied male Canadians aged 20 to 34 and became law on August 28, 1917. Signup and view all the answers

What arguments did labour leaders present against conscription?

Labour leaders argued that conscription would deplete the workforce necessary for wartime production and contribute to a potential economic crisis, as factory workers were critical to the war effort. Signup and view all the answers

What exceptions were made within the Military Service Act concerning conscription?

Exceptions included those in essential war industries, conscientious objectors, and individuals whose families faced significant hardship if conscripted. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the public response in Quebec to the introduction of conscription.

The public response in Quebec included strong opposition manifested through anti-conscription riots and marches, reflecting deep-seated resistance to conscription. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reasons for French Canadian Opposition to the War

Many French Canadians didn't see the war as a British war and felt that Canada should not be involved.
Felt the Central Powers were not a threat to Canada.
French Canadians considered English Canada disrespected their culture and felt mistreated since Confederation.

Contributing Factors to French Canadian Opposition

Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defence, created few Quebec regiments and appointed few French Canadian officers to important leadership positions.
Hughes made English the official language of the army.
Protestant clergy were used to recruit French Canadians and provide religious services to Roman Catholic soldiers.

Wider Opposition to Conscription in Canada

Many English Canadians opposed conscription, but some felt it was necessary.
Many Canadians felt that Canada had already contributed more soldiers in proportion to its population than Great Britain or France, and therefore, no more should be sent.
Belief that food and material production was as important to the war effort as combat.
Awareness of high Canadian casualties in the European trenches.
Many Canadians believed the original reasons for war were still valid, including supporting Great Britain and opposition to aggression against free democracies.
Concerns that reducing Canada's commitment would endanger Canadian soldiers already fighting.
Resentment grew due to low French Canadian volunteer rates for the war effort.

The Imperial Conference of 1917

Great Britain's Prime Minister David Lloyd George invited dominion representatives to the Imperial Conference.
Invited dominions to join the British War Cabinet as full members.
Recognized the contributions of the dominions to the war effort.

Robert Borden's Proposals

Canada's Prime Minister, Sir Robert Borden, proposed that dominions be recognized as autonomous nations with a voice in British Foreign Policy.
Great Britain showed no objections to the proposal but declined to discuss it at the conference.

Military Service Act

Borden introduced the Military Service Act to the House of Commons in 1917.
Act passed by a vote of 102 to 44.
The act mandated compulsory military service for all physically able males aged 20-34.
Exemptions were made for those in essential war industries, conscientious objectors, and those whose families would face hardship due to conscription.

Opposition to Conscription

Divided the nation with staunch supporters and opponents.
Farmers opposed the act because the loss of sons or employees would negatively impact their farms.
Labour leaders opposed the act because it would reduce the labor force, hindering production of food and war supplies.
Labour leaders considered a general strike.
French Canadians represented the strongest opposition to conscription.
Anti-conscription riots occurred in Montreal and other parts of Quebec.

English Canadians Misunderstood

English-speaking Canadians generally did not understand French Canadian reluctance to participate in the war effort.

Conscientious objectors -

Refusal to join the military due to religious or moral beliefs.

The Debate on Conscription

The government of Canada introduced conscription.
The 1917 Conscription crisis divided Canadian society, particularly between French Canadians and English Canadians.
French Canadians saw it as a way to force them into a war they did not believe in while English Canadians felt it was necessary to ensure equal sacrifice and maintain the war effort.

Tony Keene’s Perspective

Highlights the impact of the conscription crisis on Canadian history.
Argues that marking the Battle of Vimy Ridge as “the birth of Canada” ignores the diverse and complex pre-existing Canadian history.
Highlights the exclusion of French-speaking Canadians by the Borden government.
Conscription deepened the existing divisions within Canada.

Lucy's Perspective

Represents the perspective of many individuals who supported the war effort and felt a moral obligation to aid Great Britain.
Believes that Canada, as part of the British Empire, should support its allies.
Recognizes the sacrifice involved but views it as necessary.

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Description

Explore the complex reasons behind the French Canadian opposition to World War I and conscription. This quiz delves into cultural disparities, military leadership, and broader Canadian sentiments regarding the war effort. Understand why many felt the war was not their own.