Booze, Temperance, and Soldiers on the Home Front: The Unraveling of the Image of the Idealised Soldier in Canada

Authors

Fay Wilson

Abstract

In 1916, Canadians were swept up in the rhetoric of a purifying Holy War. The citizen soldier became the embodiment of Christ in the ultimate fight against evil. As the mirror for the nation, he reflected the moral character and aspirations of purity. The behaviour of soldiers stationed in Calgary were publically scrutinised, especially as to their use of alcohol. The evils of alcohol galvanised various groups to move towards Prohibition as the ultimate war measure. This directly affected military recruitment efforts and served to alienate the soldier and the reality of his experiences from the home front.

Recommended Citation

Wilson, Fay "Booze, Temperance, and Soldiers on the Home Front: The Unraveling of the Image of the Idealised Soldier in Canada." Canadian Military History 25, 1 (2016)