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Essay On Conscription In Canada

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The military service act that was passed in 1917 and legalized conscription truly revolutionized Canada’s future. It resulted in the increase of the Canadian economy and respect for women in our society. Additionally, it gave women more political rights.

The Canadian economy increased drastically due to conscription. As more and more Canadians joined the war the demand for Canadian resources increased and new industries were formed. Our wheat, cheese, pork, and beef export triples as shortages increased. Additionally, there was a boom in steel and munitions industries and by 1917 Canada was making one-third of all shells used by the British. Most importantly income and business profit taxes were implemented to pay for war expenses. These taxes still exist today and pay for our schools, hospital and other public benefits. Every individual during this period, who wanted a job was able to attain one. In fact, many Canadians had excess income that they could invest in victory bonds. Due to conscription, every Canadian had a personal connection, so they were willing to work hard and sacrifice some of their income to help the war efforts and in turn helping the …show more content…

However, after the Military Service Act was passed and men were beginning to leave to fight overseas, there was a shortage of men for the workplace. This helped women to integrate into the workforce and transform social norms of traditional women responibilites. Women played a key role in the war efforts by working as farmers, bankers, bus drivers, police officer and working in munitions factories. In fact, 30000 worked in a munitions factory, 1000 for the royal air force and 6000 in the civil services. They also united to start a suffragist movement to fight for their rights to vote, fair wages and gender equality. Eventually, women almost had all rights as men would and they were allowed to do as they wish without anyone's

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