Artifact 3: Borden's Wartime Leadership

This photo depicts Robert Borden giving a speech to a Canadian infantry brigade during The Great War. Canada had a large part in the First World War because of Borden’s strength in fighting for more Canadian autonomy and contributing strongly to the British Commonwealth’s fighting power. Borden devoted many Canadian troops to the war effort to show his support for the British and while doing so, discussed with Britain the case for more Canadian autonomy. At the time, many argued that Borden was too tied to Britain, but these accounts fail to recognize his ability to create more opportunities for Canada through this relationship. It is through this support and closening of the relationship between Britain and Canada that more autonomy and freedom was granted to Canada. The Canadian military grew from being only one single division to becoming a full Canadian Corps during The Great War. Canada’s commitment to the war through Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele is still seen today as the first signs of Canadian nationalism that signified Canada’s difference and autonomy from Britain. This photograph showcases how Borden was directly involved in the war and therefore his commitment to securing Canadian freedom and supporting the military in their ongoing war effort.

Bibliography:

Brown, R. (2015). Sir Robert Borden. In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-robert-borden