Conscription and the Election of 1917

- The brutal war left many soldiers dead and wounded.

- Borden didn't want conscription, but went to France and decided it was necessary.

- Many Canadians disagreed (farmers, workers, French Canadians)

- Borden had to convince Canadians conscription was right.

- He rigged the election of 1917 by creating new laws that gave special voting rights to people who would agree with him (ie. soldiers, wives of soldiers).

- He denied voting rights to those would disagree.

- He convinced some Liberal MPs to support him.

- This issue left Canadians divided during a time of war.

Lasting Effects of the Conscription Crisis

- English and French Canada entered a period of cold relationships. 

- Farmers and workers did not trust the government

- The relationship between government and the public began to unravel due to...
	- mistrust
	- cheating
	- name-calling
	- aggressive politics