Canada Joins the Great War. Why did we join? Strongly tied to the British Commonwealth

Canada Joins the Great War

Why did we join?

Strongly tied to the British Commonwealth

“There is in Canada but one mind and one heart… When

Britain is at war, Canada is at war also.”

-Wilfred Laurier

“It is Canada’s duty to contribute within the bounds of her strength… to the combined efforts of France and England.”

-Henri Bourassa

When Britain joined the War, WE joined the War…

Some men were without jobs, and this was seen as an

opportunity…

Everyone believed the War wouldn’t last long.

“I’ll be home by Christmas…”

It wouldn’t end for 4 years, involving over 400 000

Canadians

Borden passed the War Measures Act

•Suspended civil rights

•military took over as police force in Canada

•Enemy aliens could be arrested and deported

The government used propaganda to stir up

emotions among all Canadians

The C.E.F. (Canadian Expeditionary Force) was

formed…

Valcartier – military training camp in Quebec

Sam Hughes“Minister of Militia”

He also insisted that our soldiers carry Canadian-made

“Ross rifles” which often jammed during rapid fire…

Not only white Canadian men contributed to the war effort…

Patrick Riel (Louis’ grandson) was one of 4 000 Natives and Metis who served

Jerry Jones, an African Canadian, wiped out a machine gun post at Vimy Ridge.

These minority groups had to overcome resistance and racism to serve their country.

Women were encouraged to jointhe war effort too…

but at home.