100 likes | 206 Views
To conscript or not to conscript. What is conscription?. Conscription is being drafted into the armed forces 1914—Prime Minister Borden promised there would be no conscription 1917—Borden announced there would be conscription WHAT CHANGED?. 1914. Borden promises a volunteer army
E N D
What is conscription? • Conscription is being drafted into the armed forces • 1914—Prime Minister Borden promised there would be no conscription • 1917—Borden announced there would be conscription • WHAT CHANGED?
1914 • Borden promises a volunteer army • Most French- and English- Canadians in support • 1914—25% of volunteers are French-Canadian • 1917—only 4.5%
On the next slide is a chart with in rather interesting statistics. What patterns do you notice? How do you think this would relate to the introduction of conscription?
Losing Men • Borden was in England during this battle • While Vimy Ridge was a victory for Canada, we lost a lot of men • British PM convinced Borden that conscription was the way to go
1917 • Borden returned to Canada and introduced the Military Service Act • French-Canada not impressed? • Why?
1917 Election Those who can’t vote Those who can vote Women in armed forces or whose husbands were in the armed forces Soldiers could vote in whatever riding they wanted • Those who came to Canada from “enemy” countries • Conscientious objectors
Election Results • Borden—153 seats • Laurier—82 seats (62 of which were from Quebec)