The Great Coalition was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, formed in 1917 during World War I. It was led by Prime Minister Robert Borden, who brought together members from both the Liberal and Conservative parties to form a unified government. This alliance was crucial for implementing conscription and prosecuting the war effort.
Understanding the Great Coalition: A Unifying Force in World War I
The Great Coalition stands as a significant turning point in Canada’s political landscape. Formed during the tumultuous years of World War I, it represented an unprecedented alliance between the nation’s two dominant political parties. This union was not merely a political maneuver; it was a strategic necessity driven by the profound challenges Canada faced on the global stage and at home.
Why Was the Great Coalition Formed?
The primary catalyst for the Great Coalition was the deeply divisive issue of conscription. As Canada’s involvement in World War I intensified, the need for more soldiers became critical. However, public opinion was sharply divided, particularly between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians.
English Canada largely supported conscription, viewing it as a patriotic duty to contribute more to the war effort. Conversely, many French Canadians felt a weaker connection to the British Empire and were less inclined to fight in a war perceived as distant. This schism threatened to tear the country apart.
Prime Minister Robert Borden, leader of the Conservative Party, recognized the urgent need for national unity to pass and implement conscription. He proposed a coalition government, inviting Liberals who supported conscription to join his administration. This move aimed to create a government that could speak with a single voice on this critical issue.
Key Figures and Their Roles
While Prime Minister Robert Borden was the architect and leader of the Great Coalition, other prominent figures played vital roles. The inclusion of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the former Liberal Prime Minister, was initially sought but ultimately unsuccessful. Laurier, while personally supporting the war effort, could not bring his entire party along on the issue of conscription due to the deep divisions within it.
However, a significant faction of Liberals, led by Sir Arthur Meighen, did join Borden’s government. Meighen, a staunch supporter of conscription and a powerful orator, became a key minister within the coalition. His presence helped to solidify the union and lend it broader political support.
The coalition government was officially formed in October 1917. It comprised Borden’s Conservatives and a substantial bloc of pro-conscription Liberals. This unified front was instrumental in passing the Military Service Act of 1917, which introduced compulsory military service.
The Impact and Legacy of the Great Coalition
The Great Coalition had a profound and lasting impact on Canada. Its most immediate achievement was the passage of conscription, which, while deeply controversial and failing to meet all military needs, did provide a significant number of draftees for the war.
Politically, the coalition led to the formation of the Unionist government. This government went on to win the 1917 federal election by a considerable margin, largely on the platform of "Win the War." The election itself was marked by controversy, with the government passing legislation that disenfranchised many recent immigrants and granted the vote to women related to soldiers.
The coalition’s formation and actions highlighted the growing assertiveness of Canada on the world stage. It demonstrated the country’s willingness to bear its own burdens and make its own decisions, even on contentious matters. However, it also exposed and exacerbated the deep-seated divisions between French and English Canada, the repercussions of which would be felt for decades.
The Great Coalition ultimately dissolved after the war, as the unifying issue that brought it together faded. However, its legacy as a period of unprecedented political cooperation and national crisis management remains a crucial chapter in Canadian history.
The Road to Unity: Challenges and Compromises
Forming the Great Coalition was not without its significant hurdles. The political climate was highly charged, with strong emotions on both sides of the conscription debate. Borden’s efforts to reach across the aisle were met with both support and fierce opposition.
Laurier’s Dilemma
Sir Wilfrid Laurier faced an unenviable position. As the leader of the Liberal Party, he was deeply concerned about national unity. He personally believed in Canada’s commitment to the war and understood the need for increased manpower.
However, his party was deeply fractured. Many French-Canadian Liberals vehemently opposed conscription, viewing it as a betrayal of their community’s interests and historical ties. Laurier ultimately decided that he could not lead a coalition that would alienate a significant portion of his own traditional base. His refusal to join the coalition meant that the Liberal support for the Unionist government came from a dissenting faction.
Meighen’s Crucial Role
Sir Arthur Meighen emerged as a pivotal figure in the coalition. He was a strong advocate for conscription and a powerful voice for English Canada’s commitment to the war. His willingness to join Borden’s government provided a crucial element of Liberal support, giving the coalition a more national character.
Meighen’s leadership within the Unionist government was instrumental in navigating the political complexities of implementing conscription and managing the war effort. He would later go on to become Prime Minister himself.
The Great Coalition in Action: Policy and Politics
Once formed, the Great Coalition, operating as the Unionist government, moved swiftly to enact its agenda. The Military Service Act of 1917 was its flagship legislation.
The Military Service Act
This act made single men between the ages of 20 and 45 liable for military service. Exemptions were granted for essential war work and other specific circumstances. The implementation of the act was met with protests and resistance in some parts of the country, particularly in Quebec.
Despite the opposition, the government pressed forward, believing it was essential for Canada’s contribution to the Allied victory. The act did provide a substantial number of recruits, although not as many as initially hoped.
The 1917 Election
The Unionist government called a federal election in December 1917. The election campaign was dominated by the war and conscription. The government benefited from the Wartime Elections Act, which granted the vote to women who were relatives of serving soldiers and disenfranchised many recent immigrants from enemy countries.
This controversial legislation helped the Unionist Party secure a decisive victory, largely shutting out the anti-conscriptionist Liberals led by Laurier. The election underscored the deep divisions within the country but also demonstrated a mandate for the government’s war policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Coalition
### What was the main goal of the Great Coalition?
The primary objective of the Great Coalition was to create a unified national government capable of implementing conscription during World War I. This alliance aimed to overcome the deep political divisions surrounding the issue and ensure Canada’s full commitment to the war effort.
### Who were the key leaders of the Great Coalition?
The Great Coalition was led by Prime Minister Robert Borden of the Conservative Party. While former Liberal Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier was invited to join, he declined.