Imperial War Conference

Definition

The Imperial War Conference was a series of meetings held during World War I between 1917 and 1918, involving representatives from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. These conferences aimed to coordinate military strategies and discuss the contributions of the dominions to the war effort, highlighting Canada's growing autonomy and military capabilities within the British Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first Imperial War Conference took place in London in 1917 and marked a significant step in recognizing the military contributions of the dominions.
2. At these conferences, Canada was represented by Prime Minister Robert Borden, who advocated for greater recognition of Canadian military efforts.
3. The discussions at the conferences included issues such as troop deployments, resource allocation, and strategies for offensives on the Western Front.
4. The Imperial War Conference contributed to Canada's push for more independence and paved the way for future diplomatic relations separate from Britain.
5. The outcomes of the conference influenced Canada's role in subsequent international organizations, helping establish its identity as a nation with its own military capabilities.

Review Questions

• How did the Imperial War Conference reflect Canada's growing autonomy within the British Empire during World War I?
  • The Imperial War Conference showcased Canada's growing autonomy as it allowed Canadian leaders to participate in high-level discussions about military strategy and resource allocation. Prime Minister Robert Borden's advocacy for Canada's contributions highlighted that Canada was no longer just a subordinate colony but an important player in the war effort. This shift was significant because it laid the groundwork for Canada to assert its independence in future international affairs.
• Discuss the impact of decisions made during the Imperial War Conference on Canadian military contributions and public opinion regarding conscription.
  • Decisions made at the Imperial War Conference directly influenced Canadian military contributions by determining troop deployments and resource allocations. The emphasis on increasing Canadian forces led to a push for conscription back home. This sparked intense debate and division within Canadian society, particularly between English and French Canadians, as many opposed mandatory service. The resulting Conscription Crisis highlighted how war efforts could polarize public opinion.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Imperial War Conference contributed to Canada's evolving identity on the world stage post-World War I.
  • The outcomes of the Imperial War Conference played a pivotal role in shaping Canada's evolving identity by emphasizing its military contributions and autonomy within the British Empire. As Canada emerged from World War I with a more defined role in international affairs, it began to assert itself as an independent nation capable of making decisions separate from Britain. This transformation set the stage for Canada to participate more actively in global organizations like the League of Nations, further solidifying its status as a recognized player on the world stage.

Related terms

Balfour Declaration: A statement issued by the British government in 1926 that recognized the legislative independence of the dominions and affirmed their status as autonomous communities within the British Empire.

Conscription Crisis: A political and social conflict in Canada during World War I over the introduction of conscription, which led to deep divisions between English and French Canadians.

War Measures Act: A Canadian law enacted in 1914 that gave the government broad powers to maintain security and order during wartime, including restrictions on civil liberties.