1. Mind’s On – Think/Share
With your partner very quickly discuss reasons you would sign up for war and reasons against signing up
Discuss as a class

2. Canada Goes to War

3. Canada’s Response To WWI
Great Britain still controlled our foreign policy
This meant that when Britain went to war Canada and the rest of the British Empire also went to war.

4. Get to the Source Analysis
In the awful dawn of the greatest war the world has ever known, in the hour when peril confronts us such as this Empire has not faced for a hundred years, every vain or unnecessary word seems a discord. As to our duty, all are agreed: we stand shoulder to shoulder with Britain and the other British dominions in this quarrel. And that duty we shall not fail to fulfil as the honour of Canada demands. Not for love of battle, not for lust of conquest, not for greed of possessions, but for the cause of honour, to maintain solemn pledges, to uphold principles of liberty, to withstand forces that would convert the world into an armed camp; yea, in the very name of the peace that we sought at any cost save that of dishonour, we have entered into this war; and, while gravely conscious of the tremendous issues involved and of all the sacrifices that they may entail, we do not shrink from them, but with firm hearts we abide the event.
A) What are the main reasons for entering war?
B) How are Canada’s reasons for entering different than those of European nations?
C) Any contradiction in his words?
D) How do you feel about these reasons? Would you accept these reasons if we were to enter into a conflict that is guaranteed to have a huge impact on you?

5. Support
Support for going to war in Europe was widespread; people were excited
Canada offered Britain a force of 25,000 trained and equipped soldiers despite only having an army of 3000

6. Why Did People Enlist? 10,000 people joined the first week
They thought it was going to be an adventure and that the war was going to over quickly
A strong sense of patriotism to Canada
A sense of loyalty to Britain
A stable job - $1 a day guaranteed
10,000 people joined the first week

7. War For Everyone?
Women could not join but were expected to support their men
Hundreds of women joined as nurses and ambulance drivers to serve overseas
Originally no Aboriginal males were allowed to enlist but many still volunteered

8. War Profiteers War is often said to help economies.
War Profiteers are those who make a large profit making goods for war (shells, outfits, artillery, guns, etc.)
This was a negative aspect of the excitement for war

9. Activity – Analyzing Recruitment Posters
With your group look at your poster
Discuss the slogans and images on your poster
If you saw this poster at the outbreak of war what would make you want to go? Why would you not volunteer?