World War I and Prime Minister Borden Essay

Submitted By Chenfrank1
Words: 624
Pages: 3

Explain how World War 1 affected Canada politically, economically and socially

World War 1 one of the first war that Canada was involved in. the war has impacted Canada in many ways. For example, Canada’s politics, economy and society. How? In this essay I will discuss how the World War affected Canada politically, economically and socially.

First of all, Canada’s politics was greatly affected. Starting with Prime Minister Borden introducing the War Measure Act in 1914. It gave the government the authority to do everything necessary “for the security, defence, peace, order and welfare of Canada.” Before the 1917 federal elections, Prime Minister Borden tried to ensure his victory by introducing two Acts, the Military Voters Act and the Wartime Elections Act. Borden passed these two acts was because the Liberals leader Wilfrid Laurier would not support him. These two acts gave all Canadian women related to the war a time to vote. In addition, before the elections, Borden swayed some Liberals and independents who favoured the conscription and forming the first Canadian Union Government. As for the Liberals, Laurier lost much support outside Quebec because of his position on the conscription and lost the election. As the war ended, Canada and other countries attended the Paris Peace Conference. Prime Minister Borden requested a seat in the Conference and was granted. Also, Borden were one of those leaders who signed the Treaty of Versailles and Canada gained international recognition as an independent nation. All and all, the world war helped Canada be a more well known nation.

Secondly, economy in Canada was greatly affected as well. Canada was a main supplier for Europe during the war. Because of necessity in supplies for the war, Canada mass produced munitions, accessories and food for the soldiers. As a result, the country was using large amount of money, therefore the government had to tax people, wage reduction on workers, Victory Bonds, honour rationing and loans to pay off debts and to support the war. In addition, due to large exports of good to Europe, prices of goods in Canada rose and the workers aren’t happy about it because they can’t afford them. During that period some Canadian businesses made enormous profits from the inflated price. As a result workers’ demanding a better working conditions became a major issue after the war. All and all, because of the war, Canadian goods helped its economy boom during the war.

Lastly, World War 1