The conscription crisis is undoubtedly one of the most significant events in Quebec’s history and this activity will help students to better understand the debate around conscription during World War II. By analyzing and comparing different points of view and researching the various players in the debate, students will be better equipped to understand this episode in the province’s history.

This activity was first designed to accompany our exhibition Through Vines and Mines: The Canadian Army in Italy. The exhibition is also available for free to your school by completing our reservation form.

Activity content

First, students will compare the points of view of three leading politicians, using original documents found in the student guide: Montreal Mayor Camillien Houde, Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King, and Quebec Premier Adélard Godbout. Then, students will research those same politicians to better understand how they formed the opinions they expressed during World War II.

The teacher’s guide describes the educational objectives of the activity and provides the necessary corrections.

Activity objectives

The goal of these activities is to allow secondary cycle two students to have a greater understanding of World War II and Canada’s role in the Italian Campaign. Students will also learn to appreciate the contributions of Canadian Armed Forces personnel from Quebec.

These activities were created as educational tools to complement the Quebec Education Program of secondary 4 History and secondary 5 History of the 20th and Contemporary World courses. In addition, these activities can also be used as language tools in the following courses: Francais langue maternelle (in secondary 3, 4 and 5), Français, secondary language, English, secondary language (in secondary 3, 4 and 5) and English Language Arts. 

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