Describe Canada's Relationship With Great Britain In The 1896-1911 Period

1. Briefly describe Canada’s relationship with Great Britain in the 1896-1911 period. Provide two historical examples.

Between 1896 and 1911, Britain held Canada as a dominion within their empire. Canadians feared that they were vulnerable to attack from the US due to Manifest Destiny, so they relied on Britain to protect them. However, some Canadians wanted more autonomy from the British. Canada’s lack of support to British during the Boer War, displays their desire for more autonomy. Also, Laurier asserted that the British head of the Canadian armed forces should be replaced with an actual Canadian.

2. In what ways did Canadian-US relations improve during the year of 1896-1911 period? In what ways did they deteriorate? Provide a specific historical example for each.

The debate over the Lynn Canal resulted in a deterioration of

Canadian-US relations. The canal eventually was given to US due to British support and resulted in Canadian distrust of Americans. However, the relations between the two nations improved as a result reciprocity agreement. The agreement resulted free trade of natural products and some manufactured goods between the US and Canada.
3. Why was the 1911 election unusual? What was the major issue of this election? Explain using one historical example.
The 1911 election was unusual because the Conservatives, who were close with Britain, and the French Canadians allied. Their unprecedented alliance was the result of a dislike for Laurier. English-speaking Canadians felt that Laurier’s Naval Service Act had betrayed Britain. It created an independent Canadian navy albeit with only two cruisers. The Conservatives felt that this navy was too small to have any impact and desired alternative support for the British. Meanwhile, French-speaking Canadians felt that he was a tool of Britain. So, the two opposing groups united over a mutual dislike for Laurier.
4. To what extent did Canada achieve more autonomy in decision-making due to World War I?
English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians were wholeheartedly patriotic towards the war because Britain was allied with France. Later in the war, Britain’s Prime Minister was replaced with David Lloyd George, who saw that British dominions should have more say in the war. Thus, the Imperial War Cabinet was set up and paved the way for the 1919 Peace Conference that declared the independent status of the dominions.
5. Provide one argument for and one argument against conscription used in Canada.
Borden believed that he would have to impose conscription in Canada or else he would lose influence in the Imperial War Cabinet.

However, French-speaking Canadians were very opposed to conscription. They were reluctant to fight because their interests were largely ignored. French-speakers noted that the providences of Manitoba and Ontario were opposing their language by eliminating bilingual school and restricting the use of French in state schools.

6. List and describe three specific economic developments that took place as a result of World War I.

During wartime the Canadian government flourished. Canada had made developments in taxation, and eventually caused taxes to account for only 3.4 percent of federal government revenue, while most Canadians remained untaxed. Also, Canada raised most of its money during the war from Victory Bonds and Loans. They also borrowed some money from the US, but $2 billion was raised from Victory Bonds. Furthermore, Canadian industry embraced wartime production and effectively caused not unemployment.

7. List and describe three specific social developments that took place as a result of World War

I.
Canada developed many social developments from WWI. Canada had made an effort to protect its returning veterans through the Canadian Patriotic Fund. This was set of to preserve the economic status of the families of those who had volunteered to fight. Furthermore, women gradually made social gains. They consisted of 12 percent of the workforce involved in war production. Female relatives of serving military personnel also gained the right to vote, and this later extended to all women. Also, prohibition was introduced to not waste grain during the war.
8. Provide one question you would like to discuss further in class.
What other dominions were in the Imperial War Cabinet and how influential were they in the 1919 Peace Conference?