Conscription 1917 is compulsory military service for Canadian men between the ages of 20 and 35 provided by the Military Service Act introduced in 1917. Prime Minister Borden decided on the need to have mandatory conscription to help the Allies after visiting England and France.
The event significantly influenced the history of Canada, as the decision caused a fierce debate between politicians and influenced the election. The study of conscription in the course is critical since its consequences reflect the tension that existed in society. The English-Canadians and French-Canadians split into two opposing camps.
While the English Canadians supported the law, the volunteers in the war were mainly French Canadians, who felt disadvantaged in the ranks of the English-speaking army and, therefore, no longer wanted to go to war. In opposition to the conservative Borden, the position of the liberals strengthened, which then led to its long leadership as a governing party.