What did Robert Borden do during the war?
What did Robert Borden do during the war?
As prime minister, Borden led Canada through World War I and its immediate aftermath. His government passed the War Measures Act, created the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and eventually introduced compulsory military service, which sparked the 1917 conscription crisis.
Why was the Military Service Act important?
The Military Service Act became law on 29 August 1917. It was a politically explosive and controversial law that bitterly divided the country along French-English lines. It made all male citizens aged 20 to 45 subject to conscription for military service, through the end of the First World War.
Who was against conscription in Australia?
The referendum was narrowly defeated, with 1,160,033 votes against and 1,087,557 votes in favour. On a state basis, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia voted a majority against conscription, while Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Federal Territories voted in favour of conscription.
What is conscription ww1?
Conscription introduced In January 1916 the Military Service Act was passed. This imposed conscription on all single men aged between 18 and 41, but exempted the medically unfit, clergymen, teachers and certain classes of industrial worker.
What is the act of conscription?
In 1863, the United States government implemented the Conscription Act, which was also known as the Enrollment Act. The Conscription Act required states to draft men to serve in the American Civil War if individual states did not meet their enlistment quotas through volunteers.
Why did ww1 need conscription?
The government saw no alternative but to increase numbers by conscription – compulsory active service. Parliament was deeply divided but recognised that because of the imminent collapse of the morale of the French army, immediate action was essential. In January 1916 the Military Service Act was passed.
Who introduced conscription in Australia?
Alfred Deakin
In 1909, the federal government of prime minister, Alfred Deakin, introduced legislation for a form of conscription for boys from 12 to 14 years of age and for youths from 18 to 20 years of age for the purposes of home defence.