The Homefront World War I

Changes to Society The role of women changed Women took over men’s jobs when they volunteered for war duty Factory workers Ran businesses Ran farms

Changes to Society After the war, women were expected to return to their more traditional roles, which they did, but with a greater sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Changes to Society Power of the workers increased Production had to be maintained Strikes would slow down production, therefore management was more ready to negotiate with unions

Personal economics declined Changes to Society Personal economics declined Cost of goods rose (supply and demand) Wages stayed the same Therefore people were actually poorer Profiteering by many companies – hording necessities until people are desperate, then charging obscene prices for them.

Changes to Society Ethnic tensions rose “Enemy aliens” had to register with police Anyone who had emigrated to Canada from an enemy country within the last 15 years was considered an enemy alien They were treated with suspicion and hatred Over 8,000 enemy aliens were placed in detainee camps with armed guards – despite having done nothing of a threatening nature Many of the detainees were Ukrainian

Political Games Prime Minister Robert Borden ran what has been called “the most shameful election in Canadian history”.

Political Games Prior to the election Borden stripped the vote from anyone who had emigrated from an enemy state within the last 15 years Also removed the right to vote from all conscientious objectors (Mennonites, Doukhobors, etc.)

Political Games Borden split the Liberal party by asking the English speaking candidates to join him (Conservative) in a coalition government. This left the French speaking members, who opposed the war, without a full party. He granted the right to vote in a federal election to any woman whose husband was serving overseas.

Political Games Although Borden was soundly defeated in Quebec, he won in English Canada, thereby retaining his position as Prime Minister.

Political Games Unrest continued Several worker’ organizations walked off the job (postal workers, civic employees, longshoremen, etc.)

Political Games Borden worried that the radical ideas from the Russian Revolution would filter into Canada He outlawed foreign-language newspapers, radical political parties, and made certain types of strikes illegal

When the Men Came Home Despite the heroism the men showed on the battlefield, and despite the propaganda that depicted all the soldiers as clean-cut, brave Canadian boys, the men returned home to a very grim welcome.

When the Men Came Home There were no benefits, no medical coverage for those who needed continued care, no jobs, and a great deal of classism. This classism meant that many communities did not want returning soldiers settling in their neighbourhoods, or working in certain higher level jobs.

When the Men Came Home In short, most of the men fought for a country that didn’t respect them once they were out of uniform.