One of the enduring national issues that only intensified during the war was the divide between the French and English. Although war initially united the cultures in 1914, the stress of the deadliest conflict in human history quickly eroded the fragile bonds. The escalating infighting would peak in the Conscription Crisis of 1917. Had the war continued past 1918, the issues that arose could have threatened national unity. Task: Conduct research on the Conscription Crisis of 1917 and submit answers to the following questions for evaluation. In August 1914, Canadians rushed to enlist at local recruiting stations. By 1916, the recruits almost literally stopped coming. Explain at least 3 different reasons that affected the number of Canadian troops enlisting.
One of the enduring national issues that only intensified during the war was the divide between the French and English. Although war initially united the cultures in 1914, the stress of the deadliest conflict in human history quickly eroded the fragile bonds. The escalating infighting would peak in the Conscription Crisis of 1917. Had the war continued past 1918, the issues that arose could have threatened national unity.
Task:
Conduct research on the Conscription Crisis of 1917 and submit answers to the following questions for evaluation.
- In August 1914, Canadians rushed to enlist at local recruiting stations. By 1916, the recruits almost literally stopped coming. Explain at least 3 different reasons that affected the number of Canadian troops enlisting.
- What 3 sectors of Canadian society were putting pressure on the recruits to join their “Canadian brothers” overseas?
- There were a number of reasons why many French Canadians, in particular, failed to heed the call to arms. The resistance to enlistment stemmed from a number of incidents in Canada's short history. Explain at least three (3) different reasons why they were reluctant and decide which you believe to be their most compelling argument to avoid the war.
- As the war claimed its victims, Borden felt compelled to contribute more soldiers. He faced immediate opposition from the French and from English farmers who could not survive without their sons' assistance. Undeterred, Borden had the Military Service Act drafted in 1917. It would make all males of age 17 eligible for the military. French Canada, led by Henri Bourassa, was adamant that they would not blindly fight en masse for the Union Jack. In an attempt to silence his opposition, Borden basically put conscription to the vote when he declared a federal election in 1917. Borden won the election with an English majority in the House of Commons. To ensure the victory, Borden had taken three measures prior to the election. Define these 3 actions and explain how they solidified his victory:
Military Voters Act
Wartime Elections Act
Formation of the Union Government
5. What do you believe were the repercussions/consequences to the Conscription crisis?
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