CHC 2D1
Learning Portfolio
Robert Borden
Identify: 8th Prime Minister of Canada, elected into office right before 1st world war.
Historical Significance: Robert Borden was the prime minister of Canada when Great Britain declared war on Germany, he knew that Canada was ill-prepared for war, yet he raised a fighting force of nearly 600,000 at the end of the war and Canadians were feared on the front lines, he was the prime minister who had conscription which caused a rift between Quebec and the rest of Canada, he also passed the Wartime Elections Act in 1917 to get more supporters by allowing women to vote after the war.
References: 12, 68, 75, 94, 97
Billy Bishop
Identify: The greatest Canadian pilot in World War 1, aka “Flying Ace”.
Historical Significance: He was a part of more than 200 dog fights and was known for taking down a record of 72 enemy aircrafts which made him the greatest ace in the British Empire, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his incredible courage, he snuck out and attacked the enemy deep behind their lines and shot down 3 enemy air crafts.
References: 27, 114
Victory Bonds
Identify: A tool used to get the people of Canada to give more money to their government for the war effort.
Historical Significance: Canada was running extremely short on funds despite the new taxes they had introduced to the public; it still wasn’t enough to feed the war. Ottawa created the victory bonds which brought in nearly triple the amount of money they were expecting. They allowed the government to completely re-energize the troops and continue the battle in Europe.
References: 102, 30
Wartime Elections Act
Identify: An act which Robert Borden used to gain more supporters for his election.
Historical Significance: This bill was passed as an attempt to soften up the Liberals and have them side with Robert Borden during the conscription crisis. Although it was clearly an attempt to gain more votes for the conservatives, it was the first act...