Canadian Conscription Activity

Lesson Plan:
1. Separate students into 6 different stakeholders (PM Borden and Canadian
Government, Anglophones, Farmers, Francophones, The British
Government, FNMI)
2. Each group will get two worksheets to help research and take notes
regarding the position of their stakeholder regarding conscription.
3. The “emergency meeting” regarding conscription will take place with the
following order of speakers:
a) PM Borden and Canadian Government
b) British Government
c) Francophones
d) Anglophones
e) Farmers
f) FNMI
4. Each group will have a chance to present their case of defending their
standpoint and rationale regarding conscription. Students in their own
books with create a chart that separates the stakeholders and fill out the
pros column that the group talks about while thinking of flaws to put in the
cons category.
5. After every stakeholder has spoken, give a 5 minute recess for groups to
begin figuring out points to attack for their debate with other groups.
6. Allow students to have miniature debate on the conscription issue.
7. Conclude class but highlighting different key points from each stakeholder
and the importance of this issue in Canadian history. A couple hints on
Vimy Ridge lesson for following day can be used as well.
Canadian Conscription Worksheet

At the start of the war in 1914, many had eagerly volunteered to participate in the First World
War. Now in 1917, however, the number of war dead has reached approx. 30,000, and is
increasing steadily, and there is no end to the war in sight. Fewer and fewer Canadians are
willing to enlist voluntarily. As a result, Prime Minister Borden has enacted the Military Service
Act, which essentially requires all able-bodied men aged 20-45 to join the military. The
implementation of conscription is very controversial.

Goal:

1. Using your teacher-given stakeholder option, complete the following worksheet as a

group that highlights aspects of YOUR stakeholders thoughts on Canadian Conscription
2. Following your research create a paragraph or two long stance defending your rationale
on Canadian Conscription. Use examples and thorough research to support your
position. REMEMBER IT IS 1917, DO NOT MENTION THE FUTURE!
3. As the groups present, create a chart that highlights the pros of each stakeholder while
also thinking of flaws and faults in their rationale.
4. After a small break, you will debate with the other groups to convince your teacher/the
judge on who presents the best case.

Note: The following websites can be searched or googled on your phone/computer to help
research and compile information. Other websites not listed are accepted but be sure the
information is correct :

a) Canadian Encyclopedia: Conscription

b) Canadian War Museum: Canada and The First World War
c) McCord Museum: Wanted! 500 000 Canadians for WWI
d) Library and Archives Canada: Serving the World from our Shores.
Group
Members:

Stakeholder:

Public
Figures
Involved In
Your
Standpoint:
Main Points
Of your
Argument
(Bullet
Form)

Your
rationale
paragraph/s