Conscription Crisis

Question 1

What is conscription?

Answer 1

Compulsory/forced recruitment of someone for the war

Question 2

Did Robert Borden support conscription in his speech on May 18, 1917?

Answer 2

Yeah

Question 3

What evidence was present to support conscription?

Answer 3

Enlistment rate declining, high death rate, heavy casualties…

Question 4

Military Voters Act:

1. The vote was granted to all _____ ______ serving in the ______ _____.
2. _____ were made to conduct voting overseas.

Answer 4

1. British subjects, Canadian Forces

2. Provisions

Question 5

What is significant about making provisions to conduct the vote overseas?

Answer 5

It would be a hassle to send the ballots to and from Canada. Soldiers may not even be informed of events back in Canada.

Question 6

For whom would the soldiers probably vote? Why?

Answer 6

For Borden, because they support conscription. They wanted more support and they wanted to get the war over with and go home

Question 7

Why might some soldiers vote against the government and reject conscription?

Answer 7

They didn’t want to fight with people who didn’t want to be there. Family members could potentially have to come fight.

Question 8

Why would only 235 000 men of a potential 500 000 vote?

Answer 8

Fighting, wounded, couldn’t be bothered, too young

Question 9

Who was granted the vote by the War Time Elections Act? For whom would they probably vote? Why might some vote for the opposite stance?

Answer 9

All female relatives of soldiers serving overseas. Would probably vote for the Borden government–wanted support for their loved one. Some would vote against because they thought it wasn’t fair for anyone to have to go to war.

Question 10

What is a conscientious objector?

Answer 10

Someone who refuses to go to war because it would conflict with deeply held beliefs (religion, moral, ethical…)

Question 11

Who was compelled to register for military service by the Military Service Act?

Answer 11

All men aged 18-45

Question 12

Who could be qualified for exemption from military service by the Military Service Act? What were some examples?

Answer 12

Conscientious objectors, those working in essential war occupations. E.g., those who made weapons/war equipment, farmers

Question 13

What is a union government?

Answer 13

Government consisting of Conservatives and Liberals all supporting conscription

Question 14

Which party was split because of the union government?

Answer 14

Liberal Party.

Question 15

Who won the election of December 17, 1917? Percentage of popular vote?

Answer 15

Union Government. 57%

Question 16

Which province predominantly voted against the government in the election of December 17, 1917?

Answer 16

Quebec