The Nations of Canada

Summer-Fall 1918.  The Canadian Corps completes a three-month-long marathon of battles until Germany finally sues for peace.  The end of the war brings a mixture of joy, relief, and bewilderment.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1918.  After months of speculation, the Canadian government begins forcibly enlisting young men in earnest, sparking resistance in expected and unexpected corners of the country. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

December 1917.  Disaster strikes Halifax, one of the busiest ports in the world due to the trans-Atlantic convoy system, as a collision between two ships creates the largest manmade explosion to that point in history. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

December 1917.  Canada holds its most contentious federal election yet, as both sides (Union vs. Laurier Liberals) see the outcome as setting the country down an irrevocable path. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

Summer/Fall 1917.  Arthur Currie takes command of the Canadian Corps, but finds it difficult to replicate the success of Vimy Ridge in the mud of Passchendaele. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1917. As Quebec roils with anger over the Military Service Act, French Canadians in Ottawa and Windsor clash with police over French language rights in Ontario's schools and churches. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1917.  On the prairies, the war reinvigorates the politics of minority rights, as Anglophone majorities restrict the use of other languages in schools, and Francophone and Ukrainian communities organize politically. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1917.  Prime Minister Robert Borden uses every instrument at his disposal to undermine Liberal party cohesion and form a Union government ahead of Canada's first war-time election. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1917.  A revolution in China (partially funded by contributions from British Columbia) upends life for Chinese-Canadians. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1917.  With Black Canadians rejected at recruiting offices in suspiciously high numbers, a campaign emerges to form a distinctly black unit within the Canadian Expeditionary Force.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1917. After touring the battlefield at Vimy, Prime Minister Robert Borden determines that conscription is necessary to maintain the Canadian Corps, sparking Canada's most divisive debate since Confederation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

Spring 1917.  All four divisions of the Canadian Corps work together for the first time, demonstrating a distinctively Canadian approach to the conundrum of trench warfare at Vimy Ridge. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1916  Faced with war-time budget cuts, the Commissioner of Canada's National Parks system, James Harkin, sees an opportunity in labour provided by interned enemy aliens. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1916.  The residents of Berlin, Ontario face the challenge of being German-Canadians in a nation mobilized for war against Germany.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1916.  After two years (and intense study of battlefield conditions), the Canadian Expeditionary Force begins its evolution from colonial auxiliary to vanguard of the British Imperial Army. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1916. The Newfoundland Regiment finds itself at the centre of the worst day in the history of the British Army. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1916.  As the Canadian Expeditionary Force matures, its soldiers, officers, and (eventually) the politicians back in Ottawa come to realize it has outgrown its erratic creator, Militia Minister Sam Hughes.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1915. A group of writers, journalists and activists based in Winnipeg, score the first victory for Canada's women's suffrage movement. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

The Canadian economy, still reeling from a post-war recession, struggles to meet the production total war demands. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

Spring 1915.  The Canadian government grapples with the fact that over 100,000 residents in the country are foreign nationals, native to countries Canada is now at war with. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

Spring 1915.  The Canadian Expeditionary Force prepares for its first battle outside the Belgian city of Ypres, where, unbeknownst to the Canadians, the Germans make their own preparations to unleash a terrifying new weapon.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

Summer 1914.  Canadians prepare for a war far from their shores, that will nevertheless change their lives forever.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1867-1914.  How did we get here?  Where are we going next? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

Summer 1914.  Ireland teeters on the brink of civil war, re-opening old sectarian divisions in Canada. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .

1914. A Sikh businessman charters a Japanese passenger liner to test Canada's anti-Asian immigration laws, while anxious British officials and Indian nationalists look on.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support .