Prejudice, Minorities and Military Service

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School

Oregon State University, Corvallis *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

2210

Subject

History

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

doc

Pages

Uploaded by MasterRockOstrich29

Prejudice, Minorities and Military Service Canada's population in 1914 was still primarily British. The majority of volunteers who enlisted in Canada's armed forces first were of British heritage. But by the end of the war, Canadians from many different backgrounds had participated and distinguished themselves. Some, however, faced racism and resistance in their efforts. People of Asian, African, and Aboriginal heritage faced hostility and discrimination, even when they were offering to fight for Canada. In fact, attitudes of intolerance toward all "non-British" people were heightened during the war. This was the negative side of the patriotic fervour with which people greeted the war. Aboriginal nations considered themselves as separate nations independent of Canada. Most Aboriginal nations, however, did not discourage their members from joining the war effort if they wished. Over 4000 members of Aboriginal nations joined Canada's fighting forces in World War I. This was a significant number considering the total population of Aboriginal peoples at the time was around 100 000. Among the Métis who served was Patrick Riel, a grandson of Louis Riel. Patrick Riel was killed at Vimy Ridge. Francis Pegahamagabow, an Ojibway from Parry Island in Ontario, won a military medal and several bars for his skill and courage as a scout and expert shot. He was the most decorated Aboriginal soldier in World War I. "Ducky" Norwest, a Cree, also won recognition as an excellent sniper. Many members of the Six Nations also volunteered to fight for the British Empire. Since they saw themselves as independent nations, they requested that a call for their services come from the King, and not the Canadian government. Ukrainians, Germans, Austrians, and others from "enemy" countries were considered "enemy aliens" in Canada. It was feared they would still harbour sympathies for their home countries. Though they had been welcomed into Canada not many years before, many were deported (sent back) to their home countries or arrested and placed in internment camps during the war. Some, however, such as the Ukrainians, had come to Canada to get away from the oppression of the German and Austrian empires. They wanted to fight against militarism and oppression by enlisting in the army. An estimated 10 000 Ukrainians served with the Canadian forces in World War I, though some were arrested for their efforts. One Ukrainian recruit, Philip Konowal, won a Victoria Cross for destroying a machine-gun nest in France in 1917. Many other groups including people of Italian, Jewish, Chinese, and Japanese heritage also fought or worked in labour battalions for Canada during World War I. These were people Canada did not welcome into the country before the war. Some had lived in Canada for generations, but they were treated with increasing prejudice and hostility during the war. Though many showed their loyalty to the country and supported the war effort, their contributions were not recognized.

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