Canada Prepares for War

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”

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.

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

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

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.

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