Conscription Crisis of 1917

The Conscription Crisis of 1917 was Canada’s political conflict over compulsory military service during the First World War, culminating in the Military Service Act and a divisive federal election.

Canadian Expeditionary Force: Canada’s overseas military force in the First World War, composed mainly of volunteers before conscription took effect. Its heavy casualties and need for replacements drove the federal government toward compulsory service.
Robert Borden: Canada’s prime minister from 1911 to 1920 and leader of the Conservative government during the First World War. He made conscription government policy and built a coalition to secure its passage.
Military Service Council: A Canadian wartime body created to administer conscription and oversee military service tribunals. Its tribunals assessed exemption claims under the act.
Canadian federal election, 1917: A Canadian federal election held in December 1917 amid the debate over conscription and wartime unity. Borden’s Union government won, while the Liberals opposing conscription dominated Quebec.
Battle of the Somme: A major 1916 First World War offensive in France in which British-led forces suffered enormous casualties. Its losses intensified Canadian fears that voluntary enlistment could not sustain the army.
Wilfrid Laurier: Canada’s prime minister from 1896 to 1911 and Liberal opposition leader during the First World War. He rejected Borden’s proposed coalition, fearing conscription would divide the Liberal Party and country.
Military service tribunal: A Canadian local body that heard claims for exemption from compulsory military service during the First World War. Tribunals applied the act’s exemptions and became sites of local conflict.
Unionist Party: A Canadian wartime coalition of Conservatives and pro-conscription Liberals formed to support Robert Borden’s government. Its formation split the Liberal Party and organized electoral support for conscription.
Military Service Act, 1917: Canadian federal legislation that made eligible men liable for compulsory military service overseas. The act converted the manpower debate into an enforceable conscription policy.
Arthur Meighen: A Conservative politician who served as Canada’s solicitor general and minister of the interior during the First World War. He defended conscription in Parliament and helped administer the government’s wartime policy.

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