WW1 The Home Front

Question Sheet 3
p. 45 -51

1. The demand for Canadian goods helped Canada’s economy boom during WW1. What
was in demand? p. 45
Resources such as wood, nickel, copper and lead are in high demand. Canadian farmers
produced as much wheat and beef as possible to feed troops overseas. Most products are
also exported to Europe, and many goods are becoming scarce within Canada.
2. The war was very expensive – costing Canada over $2.5 million a day. What four
things did the government introduce to help pay for the war? p. 45
- Canadians were urged to buy Victory Bonds, which they could cash in at a profit after
the war was over.
- Honorary rationing was introduced to help address shortages in the country,
-Income tax, where wealthy individuals and families must pay between 1% and 15% of
their income.
-Corporate tax, which charges businesses four percent of their income.

3.Propaganda is information presented in such a way as to inspire and spread particular beliefs or
opinions. How did the Canadian government use propaganda during the war? p. 46

During World War I, Canadians were bombarded with propaganda encouraging people to join the
military. Use movies, magazine articles, radio programs, political speeches, and posters to spread
the word. Propaganda also distorted the facts, minimizing Allied casualties and exaggerating
enemy casualties.

4. Prior to 1914 there weren’t many job opportunities for women in Canada. With so many men
away in Europe, demand for female workers rose. What kinds of jobs did women do during the
war? p. 46

During the war, increased industrial production created a demand for labor. Women are required
to perform various types of jobs from operating fishing boats to working on farms.

5.Conscription means forcing people, in this case men, to enlist in the armed forces. Which
province had the lowest volunteer rates for the war? Which other groups of people were against
conscription? p. 49

Quebec has the lowest levels of volunteer recruitment. Quebec nationalist Henri Bourassa was
one of the most outspoken critics of the draft, and violent clashes broke out in Quebec between
draft protesters and those who supported the war.

6. Conscription was the central issue of the 1917 “Khaki Election”. What two pieces of
legislation did Prime Minister Borden pass prior to the election to ensure his victory?
Explain how these two laws would generate more voters for Prime Minister Borden. (2
 marks) p. 50
• Wartime elections act
• - give the vote to women related to take vote away from enemy aliens
+conscientious objects
• Military voters act
• -Sliders overseas fighting in or with Canadian army the vote

7.How many men were eventually conscripted? How many of these men actually reached
France? p. 51

Of the 401,882 men who enlisted across Canada, only 125,000 enlisted, and before the
war ended, 25,000 conscripts reached in France.

8. Summarize the Halifax Explosion. P. 47

-Flattens 2kms
-1600 ppl die immediately -400 die later
-Largest human made explosion in history up to aug 1945
-10 meter high ware of water
-then massive fires spread throwout Halifax
-25000 left homeless