Canada Prepares for War

1. Canada Prepares for War

2. Sir Wilfred Laurier • Compromise • Problems in Canada: • English vs. French (Manitoba School issue) • Imperialism vs. autonomism (Boer War, Naval Bill) • Catholic vs. Protestant • “I am branded in Quebec as a traitor to the French, and in Ontario as a traitor to the English. In Quebec I am branded as a Jingo and in Ontario as a Separatist. In Quebec I am attacked as an Imperialist and in Ontario as an anti-Imperialist”

3. Henri Bourassa • Was a member of Laurier’s federal Liberals but quit • Refused to be a colonial • Was a Canadian Nationalist • Wanted Quebec to preserve a culture separate from that of English Canada.

4. Sir Robert Borden • Took himself seriously • Imperialist – strong ties to Britain. Thought Canada would achieve glory by giving Britain glory.

5. 1911 Election • Liberal leader: Laurier • Conservative leader: Borden • Issue: a navy for Canada or money for British Dreadnoughts • “tin pot navy” • Borden won

6. Sir Sam Hughes • Megalomaniac. Conceited lunatic • Was a civilian who acted like a general • Examples of cronyism: • Made friends honorary colonels • Wanted his son to be a commander • Made deals with Canadian suppliers (friends) • MacAdam spade • Ross Rifle – a target weapon that was delicate and jammed easily • Bigot • Treated new Canadians with contempt and French Canadians as if they didn’t exist • Training at Valcartier was in English. French soldiers were put in English regiments. Refused to make French regiments.

7. Valcartier, Quebec • Training ground put together quickly • Training was negligible and the troops had to be retrained in England on the Salisbury Plain