Fight or Pay: Soldiers' Families in the Great War (Studies in Canadian Military History)

"In the collective memory of Canadians, the Great War exists as a tragedy. Characterized by the brutality of trench warfare, the First World War is remembered largely for the immense sacrifice of life and limb that Canadian soldiers made. In Fight or Pay, Desmond Morton turns to the stories of those who paid in other ways: the wives, mothers, and families left behind when soldiers went to war." "Fight or Pay brings to light the lives of thousands of valiant women whose sacrifices have been overlooked. It is an incisive, humane look at the beginning of a social welfare system that Canadians have come to think of as intrinsic to citizenship. This is a compelling addition to the landscape of Canadian history."--BOOK JACKET. "In the collective memory of Canadians, the Great War exists as a tragedy. Characterized by the brutality of trench warfare, the First World War is remembered largely for the immense sacrifice of life and limb that Canadian soldiers made. In Fight or Pay, Desmond Morton turns to the stories of those who paid in other ways: the wives, mothers, and families left behind when soldiers went to war." "Fight or Pay brings to light the lives of thousands of valiant women whose sacrifices have been overlooked. It is an incisive, humane look at the beginning of a social welfare system that Canadians have come to think of as intrinsic to citizenship. This is a compelling addition to the landscape of Canadian history."--Résumé de l'éditeur The First World War is remembered largely for the immense sacrifice in life and limb of Canadian soldiers. In Fight or Pay, Desmond Morton turns his eye to the stories of those who paid in lieu of fighting the wives, mothers, and families left behind when soldiers went to war. A pan-Canadian story, Fight or Pay brings to light the lives of thousands of valiant women whose sacrifices have been overlooked in previous histories. It is an incisive and honest look at the beginnings of a social welfare system that Canadians have come to think of as intrinsic to citizenship. War and families Pay and allowances The Patriotic Fund Choices and responsibilities Homecomings Grumbling and complaining Victory for whom? Never again.