What controversial policy in Canada mandated military service during WW1 and WW2?

What controversial policy in Canada mandated military service during WW1 and WW2?

• A. Voluntary enlistment
• B. Mandatory service
• C. Conscription
• D. Selective service

Answer: (C)

The policy that mandated military service during both World War I and World War II in Canada is known as conscription. During these conflicts, the Canadian government faced significant manpower shortages as volunteers were unable to meet the demands of the military. As a result, laws were enacted to draft eligible men into military service. Conscription was a highly contentious issue, particularly during World War I when the Military Service Act of 1917 made military service compulsory for men aged 20 to 45. This legislation led to protests, particularly in Quebec, and caused deep divisions within Canadian society, as many opposed conscription based on beliefs around nationalism, language, and regional loyalties. In World War II, conscription was again introduced with the National Resources Mobilization Act, initially intended for home defense. However, as the war progressed, the government expanded conscription by passing the National Mobilization Act in 1944, which allowed for overseas service. This policy faced skepticism and resistance, particularly from those who felt that it contradicted earlier promises of voluntary service. In summary, conscription directly relates to the mandatory military service implemented in Canada during both world wars and was a significant factor in shaping the social and political landscape of the country during those periods.

The policy that mandated military service during both World War I and World War II in Canada is known as conscription. During these conflicts, the Canadian government faced significant manpower shortages as volunteers were unable to meet the demands of the military. As a result, laws were enacted to draft eligible men into military service.

Conscription was a highly contentious issue, particularly during World War I when the Military Service Act of 1917 made military service compulsory for men aged 20 to 45. This legislation led to protests, particularly in Quebec, and caused deep divisions within Canadian society, as many opposed conscription based on beliefs around nationalism, language, and regional loyalties.

In World War II, conscription was again introduced with the National Resources Mobilization Act, initially intended for home defense. However, as the war progressed, the government expanded conscription by passing the National Mobilization Act in 1944, which allowed for overseas service. This policy faced skepticism and resistance, particularly from those who felt that it contradicted earlier promises of voluntary service.

In summary, conscription directly relates to the mandatory military service implemented in Canada during both world wars and was a significant factor in shaping the social and political landscape of the country during those periods.