WWI Trilogy

Navigating the Heartache WWI Brings

Henri Bourassa

Henri Bourassa: Early 20th Century Political Influencer

March 11, 2020 By Melina Druga Off

Any discussion of Canada during the early 20th century would not be complete without including Henri Bourassa. Bourassa was outspoken and not afraid to fight for his beliefs.

Bourassa was born in Quebec in 1868, a little more than a year after the formation of Canada.  He entered politics in his early 20s and was elected to the House of Commons in 1896.  Bourassa was often at odds with fellow Québécois Wilfred Laurier whom Bourassa believed catered too much to Britain.

The animosity was so great, Bourassa resigned from office when he disagreed over Laurier’s compromise concerning the Boer War.  Britain had requested Canada’s involvement, but many at home were opposed.  Laurier suggested that Canadian men could serve voluntarily.

Bourassa returned to public office in 1900 but remained an advocate for Canadian autonomy.  Despite being Catholic, he opposed the church having any involvement in government or policy.

Bourassa left public office once again, but remained a thorn in Laurier’s side for years. He continued to believe Laurier was too English and opposed most of the prime minister’s decisions.  This potentially contributed to Laurier’s defeat in 1911.

During World War I, Bourassa opposed both Canadian participation in the conflict and conscription.

He returned to federal office for a 10-year period starting in 1925.  He advocated for isolationism during the 1930s and was against conscription during World War II.

Bourassa died in 1952.

Where to Purchase the WWI Trilogy

This post is a companion piece to Melina Druga’s WWI Trilogy: Angel of Mercy, Those Left Behind and Adjustment Year.  The trilogy focuses on Hettie and her family as they navigate the challenges and heartbreak World War I brings.

Angel of Mercy:  A nurse reluctantly sacrifices her career for marriage. An impending war will change her, and her husband’s, life forever.  Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover.  Click here for a full list of retailers.

Those Left Behind:  The brewing winds of war will soon rip the family apart. Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover.  Click here for a full list of retailers.

Adjustment Year:  A war nurse returns home. Society expects her to carry on as if the Great War never happened. But how can she?  Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover.  Click here for a full list of retailers.

CategoryPoliticians and Soldiers
Tagspoliticians

About The Author

Melina Druga writes about the past because although school history classes may have been boring, the past was not.  Her era of expertise, and obsession, is 1890-1920 with a particular focus on the Great War and how it affected the lives of ordinary people.  Druga is the author of the WWI Trilogy.