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The Shift to Conscription in Canada: From Volunteer Army to Military Service Act

Conscription, the mandatory enlistment in armed forces, marked a significant change in Canada during World War I. In 1914, Prime Minister Borden promised a volunteer army, gaining support from both English and French Canadians. By 1917, however, casualties and declining volunteer numbers led Borden to introduce the Military Service Act despite previous assurances. This shift ignited tensions, particularly in Quebec, as many opposed conscription fueled by the loss of life at battles like Vimy Ridge. The 1917 election highlighted divisions, with Borden's Conservatives securing victory amidst growing dissent.

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The Shift to Conscription in Canada: From Volunteer Army to Military Service Act

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Presentation Transcript

  1. To conscript or not to conscript...

  2. 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?

  3. 1914 • Borden promises a volunteer army • Most French- and English- Canadians in support • 1914—25% of volunteers are French-Canadian • 1917—only 4.5%

  4. What problems would this cause?

  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?

  6. 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

  7. 1917 • Borden returned to Canada and introduced the Military Service Act • French-Canada not impressed? • Why?

  8. 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

  9. Election Results • Borden—153 seats • Laurier—82 seats (62 of which were from Quebec)

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