-
Canada's Wartime Leader
Unbeknownst at the time, Canada's wartime leader, Robert Borden, was born on June 26th 1854 in Nova Scotia (Cook 7). Although this date is not directly connected to Canada's entrance into the war, it is important to acknowledge the importance of Borden, as he was to become the Canadian Prime Minister, and lead during the war. -
Professionalization of the Canadian Army
After fighting in the South African War, Canada's army had evolved into a professional service (Cook 21). Permanent branches were created, and a militia council was created, which reported to the minister of militia and defence (Cook 21). -
Introduction of the HMS Dreadnought
In 1906, the HMS Dreadnought was created, and launched. It has superior power, and was incomparable to any other battleship at the time (Cook 19). In result, all other war ships were deemed obsolete, including Canada's sub par navy. This was dangerous, as Canada relied on Great Britain for their protection, and the naval arms race was creating problems from both Great Britain, and Canada. -
Borden Gaining Support
As Robert Borden continued to gain political support, he embarked on a Canada wide tour (Cook 17). This was yet another way for Borden to bolster his image, and become more popular amongst voters. -
The Halifax Platform
After multiple unsuccessful campaigns, Borden needed to take more drastic measures to defeat Laurier's liberals. In response, Borden created a new manifesto, which was coined the "Halifax Manifesto" (Cook 16). It received mixed reviews, but ultimately called for honest elections, and brought about other positive changes (Cook 17). The introduction of the Halifax Platform was Borden's attempt to garner support away from Laurier's Liberals; it was only a small start, but he was gaining support. -
Public Service Commission
Laurier retained the role of Prime Minister for an extended period of time, and he was becoming increasingly comfortable. It was very important for Laurier to evolve, and for his position to reflect the political situation in Canada. His willingness to reform was exemplified in the creation of a Public Service Commission, in 1908 (Dutil and MacKenzie 31). -
Laurier's Popularity Prevails
Laurier still remained confident that his Liberals would remain in power, boldly stating "We have been twelve years in office", to a crowd in 1908 (Cook 17). Rightly so, as Laurier's Liberals were re-elected in 1908 (Cook 17). But, support was beginning to waver, as Laurier only won with 50.4% of the vote (Cook 17). -
German acceleration...
December 8th provided a turning point on the road towards the war, as Great Britain learned that the German fleet had accelerated its shipbuilding (Dutil and MacKenzie 39). This acceleration would push Germany towards sea supremacy by 1912 (Dutil and MacKenzie 39). This raised fear in the dominions, as Great Britain began rapidly creating dreadnoughts. -
The Department of External Affairs
Laurier continued to increase Canada's military autonomy, by creating the department of External Affairs (Cook 21). -
The Naval Threat looms...
As Germany began stepping onto the scene, the threat of a naval attack increased. This was not assisted by the media, as they increased nervous sentiment across the country (Cook 20). Canada was forced to decide, would they create their own navy? Or provide Great Britain with funds to protect them? (Cook 20). -
The Naval Threat Looms...
As Germany became increasingly powerful, it was becoming more likely that they would attack on the seas. Coupled with increasing media coverage, Laurier was forced to address the problem, and decide how Canada would proceed (Cook 20). Were they going to make their own Navy? Or provide Great Britain with funds to continue defending them? (Cook 20) Laurier continued to delay the decision, which became increasingly problematic. -
Secretariat for External Affairs
As the political situation grew increasingly worse in Canada, Laurier created the Secretariat for External Affairs. The Secretariat was created in an attempt to improve the affairs between Canada, the United States, and Great Britain (Dutil and MacKenzie 33). -
Conference on Imperial Defence
The Conference on Imperial Defence was called in response to the German threat, and was held in London (Dutil and MacKenzie 47). But, instead of Laurier attending, he sent Fredrick Borden and Louis-Phillipe Brodeur to participate (Dutil and MacKenzie 47). -
George Foster
After Great Britain began accelerating their shipbuilding, George Foster brought this debate to Canada (Dutil and MacKenzie 41,42). This sparked a naval debate on the Canadian front, and created a problem for Laurier. -
The Rainbow and Niobe
In addition to the creation of their own navy, Canada also appropriated 2 ships from the Royal Navy (Dutil and MacKenzie 65). These ships were called the Rainbow, and the Niboe, with the Niobe arriving in October (Dutil and MacKenzie 65). -
Naval Service Act
Instead of paying Great Britain to build their battleships, Laurier decided to introduce the Naval Service Act (Cook 21). This act introduced five cruisers, and six destroyers to the Canadian Naval Force (Cook 21). The Naval Service Act was Laurier's formal introduction of a Canadian Navy (Dutil and MacKenzie 53). -
Borden becomes Prime Minister
On October 15th, 1911, Robert Borden became Canada's eight prime minister (Cook 25). -
Changes to the Naval Program
Laurier's ineffective policy surrounding the navy was becoming increasingly problematic, and Borden was forced to act. In March 1912, he decided to stop Laurier's shipbuilding program (Cook 29). At this time, Borden devised a new plan, but it was not yet publicly released. This plan focused on a $35 million donation to Britain, which would be used towards Canada's defence (Cook 29). -
French Representation in Borden's Cabinet
After Borden's election, he struggled to create a cabinet which encompassed both French, and British interests. In an attempt to ensure French interests were represented, Fredrick Monk was put on the cabinet. As the only French representative, he struggled to voice his opinions, and ultimately resigned (Cook 29-30). His resignation symbolized a growing divide between French, and English. With Monk leaving Cabinet, there was nothing stopping Borden from passing the Naval Aid Bill (Cook 30) -
Naval Aid Bill
The Naval Aid Bill was Borden's formal publication of the $35 million donation to Britain, which would in turn be used to protect the Canadian waters (Cook 30). This was controversial, as it stopped the production of Canadian warships, as introduced by Laurier (Cook 30). Debates ensued, and there was unrest because of the introduction of this bill. The debate over Borden's Naval Aid Bill was one of the largest debates in Canadian Parliamentary history (Wilson 15). -
Forced Closure to end the Naval Debate
In order to stop the debate surrounding the Naval Aid Bill, Borden was forced to enact closure (Cook 31). -
Canada's Forced Entrance
After Germany forcefully entered Belgium, Britain was at war. Canada had no choice in the matter, and was automatically dragged into the conflict. Borden returned from vacation to find his country at war (Cook 35). Canada's entrance into the war would create further conflict in the country, and the divide between French and English would continue to grow.