1. Discrimination in Canada During World War I
Were members of minority groups treated unfairly during World War I?
Is the government ever justified in taking away or limiting people’s rights?

2. Discrimination During World War I
What is Discrimination?
What is Prejudice?
Who is discriminated against?
Native Canadians
Black Canadians
German Canadians
Women

3. Racism - Native Canadians
At first, barred from joining the army
Recruiters disguised this prejudice as concern for their welfare
“enemy will think you’re a savage and mistreat you!”
When we needed more troops, Native Canadians were allowed to join – many fought bravely
35% of Ontario’s Aboriginal men of military age had enlisted in the army by 1918 (equal to % of enlistments from across Canada)

4. Racism - Black Canadians
Would not be accepted by white soldiers?
A “White Man’s War”?
No. 2 Construction Battalion
Jerry Jones (from Nova Scotia)
Lied about age (said he was 35, but really 58!)
Fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, he threw a grenade into the machine gun nest – captured the machine gun nest and several Germans
His commander recommended him for the Distinguished Conduct Medal – but this was never received – ignored by army officials

5. Racism - German Canadians
In 1914, more than 1 million people from Germany and Austria-Hungary lived in Canada
Many Canadians were afraid that they were spies
Enemy Aliens – had to carry identification papers and report movement to police, and many lost the right to vote
Government forces 8000 Germans and Ukrainians into Internment Camps which were like prisons – all based on FEAR!
10,000 enlistments – lied about name or background

6. Sexism - Women aren’t equal?
2400 Canadian women nurses
Front line dangers faced head-on
Ambulance drivers, volunteers with the British Red Cross
Women fight for suffrage = the right to vote
1917 Women win the right to vote in Canada
Women hired to fill in for men who had left for war
Working in munitions factories, hospitals, and offices = A BIG CHANGE FOR CANADA
Worked the same jobs as men but for less pay
Clear message: once the war was over…