Canada Prepares to Defend the Empire

• Sam Hughes: a general in Canada’s reserve army

  • Stubborn, energetic and determined
  • Had a narrow attitude towards black, native, and French-Canadian soldiers (racism)
  • Insisted that Canadian soldiers be equipped with Ross Rifles (didn’t work well in muddy environment)
  • Gave military supply contracts to friends (faulty equipment received)
  • Created a training base at Valcartier in Quebec
• Problems With the Ross Rifle

  • Difficult to use in the trenches confined spaces, frequently jammed as well
• Problems with the MacAdam Shovels

  • Intended to be used as both shield and shovel but was a complete failure
  • Handle was too short, too dull to dig with, blade too low to shoot through, and not bulletproof
• The War Measures Act

  • Government gave itself powers to:
  • Censor publications, communications, and photos
  • Arrest, detain, exclude, and deport people
  • Control harbours and movements of vessels
  • Control transpower of persons/things by land, air, or sea
  • Control trade, production, and manufacturing
  • Seize and dispose of property