From 1914-1917, the beginning of the Great War, Canada’s armed forces began to face conflicts. World War One was nothing like the North American Wars in the past, and that brought the question of preparation into play. As Canada prepared for a different style conflict, trench warfare took its role, and caused difficulties for trained soldiers. The Second battle of Ypres turned the First World War into a Canadian one, as their contributions were greatly noted in their casualties lost. This proved costly to volunteers, and at home, in the second half of 1915, citizens were becoming hesitant to volunteer due to the horrors of war. In April 1916, Borden and other civilian recruitment centers encourage the prime minister that conscription will be …show more content…
necessary if they wished to effectively contribute to the war effort. This led to a joint coalition government of Borden and Laurier in 1917, that wished to impose conscription through the Military Services Act.
These decisions caused controversy in Canada, as some still viewed the war as a European effort. The effects of conscription created a wider range of social classes based on class and ethnicity. Canadian forces following the war reorganized and rethought that military due to the actions of the First World War. Preparation was needed in peacetime, as problems ensued at the beginning of the war. By 1920, Canada and its citizens were exhausted by the war efforts, and conscription was in no desire. This led to lack of interest in the militia, as well as cutting of funds. The troubles that Canada faced were liberal values after a tremendous war, meaning that they thought that they could live peacefully and democratically. World War One split Canada from Britain, showing Canada was a strong, independent nation, even in tough times. As we faced that challenges of the war on our own means, Canadians felt patriotic to their country following the war, even though troubles still …show more content…
remained. The strengths of Militia Myths were the abundances of sources that helped contribute to the evidence that was displayed.
From excerpts from Canadian Newspapers, the book supplied accurate references, that included many primary sources. “Sources such as the Canadian Military Gazette, which Wood fully exploits for the first time, reveal that part-time officers took Canadian defense much more seriously than we have come to believe.” The method that Militia Myths took was factual conceptions on the Militia from both supporters and neglectors. With speeches and comments from military and political leaders, as well as the common soldier, we notice that there were many differences between the ideal conception of the Canadian militia. Andrew L. Brown’s Cutting its Coat according to the cloth: The Canadian Militia and Staff training before the Great War is a similar writing to that of Militia Myths, but with focus especially on the Militia Staff Course and how it contributed to the militia. While arguing that Canada needed a professional staff to train this militia, Brown strongly suggests the importance of training the militia, and the problems of a citizen’s army. With content, comparable to that of Militia Myths, we can see the similarities of the writings. Cutting its coat is focused on the basic training of the Militia Staff Course, from the period of 1909-1922. With references from the author and other outside sources, Brown focuses on the success of the MSC in contribution to
the militia and Canadian Army. It is a good comparison as much of the training involved cadets, and positives and negatives of the training of cadets. This article provides support to the accuracy of Militia Myths, and is a strong source on its own. The real difference that makes Militia Myths an excellent source is that amount of references used, and the length and detail that it provides. Militia Myths contributes historically correct information regarding Canada’s attitudes towards the military. This book contributes to the history of the Canadian military through primary sources and accurate portrayals of the life of militiamen. By showing the developments of the militia in comparison to the article by Brown, we can see that Militia Myths provides a sound background towards the Canadian militia, which contributes to the understanding of the history of the Canadian militia. In Conclusion, Militia Myths is an outstanding source with reliable information regarding the Canadian militia and the challenges that they faced. James Wood did an incredible job of detailing the transition of the Canadian militia from a small, spread out group of citizen soldiers, to a trained, armed force. Wood was able to describe the events accurately by referencing primary sources, such as newspapers and Prime minister speeches. The ability to confirm the facts that Wood presented created a detailed guide to the Canadian militia, and that separates this piece from others such as Andrew Brown’s.
The years since the Battle of Vimy Ridge may have passed quickly, but the legacy of the Canadians whose accomplishments were great in that pivotal First World War battle lives on. Many people claim to this day that Canada came of age as a country on those hard April days in 1917. At first, through the meticulous planning of the battle, the world saw a nation capable of working together and making decisions as a team. Afterwards, with the range of technical and tactical innovations involved in the attack, the world saw a strong nation unafraid to protect and defend. In the end, through great sacrifice the world bore witness to the birth of the Canadian legacy.
Justification of the Canadian Participation in the Boer War The storm of war never comes alone, as it bring along extreme tragedy. “In 1899, the whole country was electrified when heard about the Imperial request from Britain. ”[1] The Britain requested Canadians for help to defeat Boers in South Africa. This was the opportunity for Canada to demonstrate its importance in the British Empire and share in its military responsibilities but the “Canadian Prime Minister, Sir Wilfred Laurier, did not believe that Canada should be involved, but he faced growing agitation in English.
Before the General Strike, the Canadian government was fully invested in WWI, whereas most Canadian citizens were not; the dissonance urged industrial workers to unionize. From the beginning of Canada’s involvement in the Great War, their industrial complex mass-produced supplies and armaments for the Allied Powers. Most Canadian citizens had no qualms with the shift in the job market until there were not enough workers to produce the basic material goods necessary within Canada’s borders. The citizens began to form groups, seemingly in opposition of the government and its advocacy for war. To the Canadian government, this was incredibly concerning, presenting the possi...
Essentially, Conscription brought more harm than good and led to a divide between French and English Canadians. As proven in the past, the 'all volunteer' military is more effective than any draft or mandatory conscription for all parties concerned. The Country gets men in the military who truly want to be there. Canada was not in danger of an attack from Germany, and therefore, there was no desperate need to force young men to serve into the army. The Russian Revolution in 1917 meant the Russians would soon quit the war and Germany would be able to bring it’s complete force to bear in the west. Conscription affected Canada’s economy, national unity and resulted in the sheer loss of
One would have to admit that World War One did give Canada a reputation and Canadians pride. Canada’s accomplishments in the war, notably the victory at Vimy Ridge and Canadian troops holding against the German attack in the Second Battle of the Ypres, not only gave Canadians a reason to be proud of their country, but also let other countries to see that Canada was a very helpful and useful. Also, Canada representing itself in signing the Treaty of Versailles increased Canadian pride and further showed Canada’s contribution to the war. However, this increased Canadian pride and reputation came at a heavy price. As
Canada’s eligibility to participate on the world stage and its move towards independence was proven after the accomplishments at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Foremost, Canada’s first opportunity to partake on the world stage came soon after the end of World War I, during the Paris Peace Conference. The accomplishments of the Canadian Army in the Battle of Vimy Ridge helped to earn Canada a spot in the Paris Peace Conference, after long arguments made on behalf of Canada by Prime Minister Robert Broden. The Prime Minister argued that Canada’s wartime record had earned Canada a seat separate from Britain. Canada was granted the seat despite the disapproval of the American President, Woodrow Wilson’s, as they contributed greatly to the Allied forces, especially in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
An angry Trudeau replied: "There's a lot of bleeding hearts around who just don't like to see people with helmets and guns. All I can say is go on and bleed." "How far are you going to go?" Ralfe insisted."Just watch me!" said Trudeau. And Canadians across the country watched as, at 3 o'clock in the morning, Friday, October 16, Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act. The Press Gallery was packed. Trudeau was careful, cold, analytic - and brilliant. The invocation of the War Measures Act meant the suspension of traditional Canadian civil l...
Battles such as Vimy Ridge, the Second Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of the Somme were some of the worst battles that the world can find Canadian's. Our northern nation had boasted over 600,000 soldiers to the battlefields whilst also providing vital manufacturing facilities and training soldiers from across the world. The strong imperial bond between Canada and the 'Motherland' was an important factor in Canada's decision to participate wholeheartedly in World War I, and influenced many in their decision to join the army. Most Canadians felt a strong connection to the British Emp...
Because of Canada’s boost in the industrial economy and its status in World War II, job options were abundant. By 1942 there was a full employment as hundreds and thousands of Canadian men and women found work in war industries.
During the First World War, Canada suffered a great conscription crisis that divided the nation. The French-Canadian nationalists, led by Henri Bourassa, opposed conscription and felt that they were fighting an English war, and therefore felt no obligation to fight. The vast majority of those who enlisted during the age of voluntary recruitment were Anglophones; in contrast, very few Francophones volunteered to fight. On 17 May 1917, Prime Minister Robert Borden announced that military service was to become compulsory among men of fighting age of all classes. French-Canadians protested; however, despite their best efforts, the Military Service Bill came into effect. The protest eventually led to lengthy riots. Following this, Canada became
Canada's sacrifices and contributions to the war changed its history and enabled them to become more independent and they friendship with Britain grew stronger and stronger. Canada was first inducted into the World War 1 when Britain declared war on Germany, August 4, 1914. Canada being allies with Britain had to support those in the war even know they weren’t in there and fighting all on the front they were backup just in case the German soldiers broke through the trenches and head towards France. Later on the Governor General also declared war on Germany but the Canadians fought under the ruling of a Britain commander. The achievements of Canadian military during the First World War came during the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele battles and what later became known as "Canada's Hundred Days". They help fight for the freedom and peace for the small village of Passchendaele and however as it was a muddy hell, they still persevered throu...
Many obstacles have to be conquered in the struggle for freedom, one of which often includes war. It is human nature to strive for success and as a means to better themselves, countries often participate in war and put up arms to get what they believe will benefit them. But when sheer military power doesn’t match the strength of a government’s desire to win, trouble presents itself. It is in these times that alternative methods must be implemented in order to attain the results sought after. When regarding military size or lack thereof, governments can opt to enforce the policy of conscription to increase their participation in war and in turn, increase their post-war influence. Conscription, or compulsory service is the mandatory enlistment of citizens to serve the country militarily. In both the First and Second World Wars, Canada has enacted military service conscriptions to support the war efforts. The conscription debate drew attention to the underlying problems of the growing country such as the political rights of immigrants and women, language education needs and the divide between Anglophones and Francophones. Although they differed, the conscription crises in Canada’s past helped to define Canadian history and contributed to the shaping of our country as a whole.
However, war puts the lives sanity and physical condition of the soldiers at risk which is something Canada cannot afford especially after losing so many men in the battle of Somme (Copp). According to Concordia University’s Harold Kempher, since Canada was not under threat of an attack from Germany, conscription unnecessarily put the lives of thousands at risk. Kempher notes that the notion of conscription “is only effective when used in the correct certain circumstances”. For the population in France, for example, it was absolutely necessary to conscript men as the war was fought on their soil (Britannica). The entire nation felt the impact of the war and therefore the mandatory enlistment of soldiers was not really controversial among the population (Britannica). However, since the English were not directly being attacked and Canada was very far removed from the battlefield, many Canadians did not feel compelled towards the idea of conscription. The sheer number of deaths of Canadian soldiers before the implementation of conscription demonstrated Canada’s commitment to the war in it of itself (BBC). Canada’s sacrifice in the war was already very substantial and Britain would not have been displeased if conscription did not come into place (BBC). Furthermore, conscription would have minimal impact on Canada’s war effort. By the ceasefire in
Canada was a British colony and was therefore involved in the conflict; however, many Canadians believed that Britain was “ill provided for our defence.” The doubt in Britain as an allie manifested in the
Canada has played a vital role in international relations for the majority of its 144 year history since the signing of Confederation in 1867. Canada first participated in World War I, then World War II in 1939-1945. Following World War II, Canada was also involved in the Korean War. Canada has been primarily a peacekeeping nation. There are many questions people ask when a high income country goes to help a lower income nation such as Afghanistan.