canada joins the great war. why did we join? strongly tied to the british commonwealth
TRANSCRIPT
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.
