The approach to conscription did adapt, but not in the way anyone would expect, as men still were drafted. Prime Minister King’s approach to conscription was adapted in many ways. In WWI, the Borden government introduced conscription and did damage control later on, figuratively and literally. However, in WWII politicians, slowly implemented conscription and made…
Soldiers in World War One fought under terrible conditions and were often slaughtered in useless attacks – yet millions volunteered to go. Why? 1) Patriotism and Nationalism A strong sense of national pride made men feel that it was their duty to fight. 2) Honor and Glory Many men saw the war as a…
On December 7, 1917, Canadian newspapers told the grim news of the Halifax Explosion “the dead piled high at morgues in Halifax”. 2000 dead because a ship carrying weapons and ammunition exploded in the Halifax harbour. This event brought the war to Canadian shores, but Canadians were all involved in the fight well before this.…
In 1917, Prime Minister Borden travelled to the frontlines in Europe to visit the soldiers. Here, he is informed that the war is expected to last until 1920. Like most British Canadians, Borden was committed to support the British Empire, and wanted to send more troops overseas to fight. PROBLEM: there were more casualties than…