What was the
Naval Question ?
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By 1909, Great Britain and Germany were involved in a naval-buiding
race. Great Britain wanted her colonies to contribute financially
in building up the Royal Navy to counter Germany's growing strength. The
choice for Prime Minister Laurier was whether to make financial contributions
or to build a Canadian navy.
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In the Naval Service Bill, Laurier proposed to use the money to build
a Canadian navy.
Reactions to
Laurier's policy
-
English Canadians felt Laurier's "tin pot navy" was insufficient help
and they accused him of being lukewarm toward Great Britain.
-
French Canadians, led by Henri Bourassa, objected because they felt
the new Canadian navy would only draw Canada into a European war.
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In the 1911 election, the Naval issue
helped defeat the Laurier government.
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