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The Patriotic Zeal of Sam Hughes
There is perhaps no more controversial figure in the history of Canada's involvement
in the Great War than Sam Hughes. Hughes was the Minister of the Militia in Borden's
government when war was declared. He was responsible for harnessing the moral
outrage and patriotic fervour of Canadians into a nation-wide recruitment drive
of volunteer soldiers. But, he was also an egocentric loose cannon with little
respect for the British or for professional armies. Hughes was a constant thorn
in the side of Borden, who often had to clean up after the Minister's diplomatic
gaffes. While Hughes had visions of leading "his boys" in battle, Borden
made sure that never happened.
Hughes had served in the South African War (for which he felt he had earned two
Victoria Crosses) and was an adamant imperialist and Orangeman. His vocal anti-Catholic
sentiments won him few friends in Quebec. |
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And, his insistence on using locally made supplies, especially the Canadian-made
Ross rifle (which jammed when hot or gritty) put him under suspicion of getting
kickbacks from weapons manufacturers.
Borden grew increasingly weary of Hughes' insubordination. In 1916, on learning
that Hughes had set up a sub-militia council in London without the approval of
Cabinet, Borden created a Ministry of Overseas Forces that superseded Hughes'
authority. After Hughes took Borden to task for the decision, Borden fired him
from Cabinet. Hughes died in 1921 as a backbencher, his political and military
power drained.
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Colonel the Hon. Sam Hughes.
Sam Hughes was an energetic, egocentric and controversial organizer who was responsible for recruiting and training thousands of Canadians. |
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