'England, Canada and the Great War' Summary

'England, Canada and the Great War' by Louis-Georges Desjardins, seeks to dispel a misleading portrayal of French Canadians during the First World War. The book tackles the accusations levied by Henri Bourassa, a prominent nationalist figure, who asserted that French Canadians lacked patriotic fervor in their contributions to the war effort. Desjardins meticulously examines historical records, exploring the various ways in which French Canadians participated in the war, from enlisting in the military to providing vital support on the home front. He delves into the political and social climate of the time, analyzing the public discourse surrounding the war, the complexities of national identity, and the nuanced perspectives of French Canadians. Desjardins argues that the war effort was a defining moment for Canada, bringing with it a sense of national unity amidst the divisions that were evident in the Quebec society. The book unveils the multifaceted nature of French Canadian contributions and sheds light on the unique position they occupied within the broader context of the war.