Borden might have been a great Conservative prime minister. He was smart and upright and decisive, but had the horrible luck of finding himself having to lead Canada through the Great War of 1914-18. The whole country and its economy had to be mobilized for war, a job which put an enormous weight on Borden's shoulders. Then the issue of conscription terribly divided the country along ethnic lines. To do his duty to our fighting men, Borden created our only coalition government, won a bitter 1917 election on conscription, and saw the war through to victory. It was good leadership by a good man, but the divisiveness led to lasting backlash.
Commentary by: Michael Bliss
Graphics in order of appearance: WWI Soldiers NA PA-130112; Borden Inspects Troops NA PA-871; Borden, ca. 1930 NA RD-2076
