The First and Second World Wars were two of the most momentous events of the twentieth century. In Canada, they claimed 110,000 lives and altered both the country’s domestic life and its international position. A Nation in Conflict is a concise, comparative overview of the Canadian national experience in the two world wars that transformed the nation and its people.

With each chapter, military historians Jeffrey A. Keshen and Andrew Iarocci address Canada’s contribution to the war and its consequences. Integrating the latest research in military, social, political, and gender history, they examine everything from the front lines to the home front. Was conscription necessary? Did the conflicts change the status of Canadian women? Was Canada’s commitment worth the cost?

Written both for classroom use and for the general reader, A Nation in Conflict is an accessible introduction to the complexities of Canada’s involvement in the twentieth century’s most important conflicts.

Andres Iarocci’s principal rsearch interests include Canada’s First World War military operations and postwar commemoration. His publications include Canadian Forces Base Petawawa: The First Century (2005).

Andrew Iarocci's profile page

Jeffrey A. Keshen is Professor of History at the University of Ottawa. His many publications include Saints, Soldiers and Sinners: Canada's Second World War (2004) and Propaganda and Censorship during Canada's Great War (1996). He is also the winner of the University of Ottawa Excellence in Education Award.

Jeffrey Keshen's profile page

‘This book’s comparative focus, wealth of accessible detail and statistics, and clear presentation means that it will be an interesting and useful addition to the classroom and the library of the general reader.’

Canadian Journal of History vol 52:02:2017

‘This is an ideal reader for undergraduates or for those looking for an accessible text and expert analysis on Canada’s role in the two World Wars and their impact on Canadian society.’

Canadian Historical review vol 97:03:2016

‘A fascinating glimpse into wartime Canada… The authors succeed in delivering a readable, wider view of Canada’s role in the world wars.’

Choice Magazine vol 53:11:2016

‘The authors’ coverage of the two world wars is exhaustive, and very little escapes their attention… Iarocci and Keshen do largely succeed in offering us a new way of looking at Canada’s experience of the two major wars of the twentieth century.’

BC Studies winter 2016/17