Sir Sam Hughes.

Essay by divHigh School, 10th gradeA-, March 2004

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1914 was a drastic year not only for Canada, but also for the entire world as it experienced the beginning of the Great War. Economies fell drastically, lives were lost, families were separated, cities and towns were destroyed etc The war lasted for four years and these were four important years for Canada for towards the lapse of the fourth year, Canada had gained recognition all over the world. Canada had started emerging as a much stronger nation. When the First World War broke out in 1914, Canada was a much different country than it is today. At that time, Canada had a small population of eight million people. Still, more than 620,000 men served in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Within the first two days of the war, the Canadian forces had started organizing themselves under Sir Sam Hughes, the Minister of Militia and Defense. He appealed to the people of Canada, "I call for volunteers - volunteers, mark you.

I have insisted that it be a purely volunteer contingent."

Sir Sam Hughes was Minister of Militia and Defense from October 1911 to November 1916. His decisive attitude strongly influenced the organization of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Over confident about himself, he led his department in a manner that often brought controversies. Some of the actions he took were successful while others were substantial failures. In the long run, Sir Sam Hughes was compelled to tender his resignation. However, in spite of the negatives, his war efforts did lay the foundation of a stronger Canada. His abrasive character and judgments alienated many people and caused a great deal of administrative chaos. Although his army was poorly supported, it comprised of superior, well trained, and effectively organized troops. Still that wasn't it; the decisions he made showed prejudice towards his...