Artifact #1: Prime Minister Robert Borden Speech
Citation:
Borden, R. L. (1917). Speeches delivered by Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Laird Borden, K.C., P.C., C.C.M.C. in Canada and the United Kingdom, December 1916-May 1917 (p. 13). Canada at War.
Label:
Speeches are a common way to reinforce national unity and rally support from the nation. Prime Minister Robert Borden presented a speech to the United Kingdom Branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association that did such. In his speech, he proudly explains the results of the numerous recruitment campaigns nationwide: "Our total enlistments exceed four hundred thousand, and in the Canadian Expeditionary Force alone, more than three hundred thousand men have left the shores of our Dominion.” While proud, he calls for more support by mentioning the "tremendous task which still lay before us in this war." He frames his speech in a way that celebrates the efforts so far but further reminds us that the job is not over and that we should continue supporting the war efforts. His speech strengthened national unity by celebrating the courage, sacrifice, and unity that those in the war have faced so far. The wartime propagandistic speech uses emotional appeal and strategic messaging to help unite the nation during a time of need.