Robert Borden
Prime Minister of Canada during World War I, considered union with the West Indies.
via Wikipedia: Canada–Caribbean relations · see source
The source mentions that Canadian businessman Harry Crowe impressed upon Prime Minister Robert Borden to direct Sir Joseph Pope to issue a report titled 'Confidential Memorandum Upon the Subject of the Annexation of the West India Islands to the Dominion of Canada.' This report outlined five major advantages for Canada to contemplate union with the West Indies territories, including increased territory, population, and trade benefits. Borden's government considered these proposals during a period when the British government of Lloyd George strongly considered transferring responsibility for all British colonies in the Caribbean to Canada, though most Canadians were not interested.
- nationality
- Canadian
- known_for
- Prime minister of Canada during World War I
Lore & Background
The source notes that Canadian businessman Harry Crowe impressed upon Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden to direct Sir Joseph Pope to issue a report titled 'Confidential Memorandum Upon the Subject of the Annexation of the West India Islands to the Dominion of Canada.' The report outlined five major advantages for Canada to contemplate union with the West Indies territories: an increase of territory amounting to 113,000 square miles (290,000 km2) and a population of 2,300,000; tropical products making the Dominion more self-contained; the importance of sea power; a broader market for manufacturers and producers; and balancing accessions accruing to other self-governing dominions. During Borden's tenure, the British government of Lloyd George strongly considered transferring responsibility for all British colonies in the Caribbean, as well as Newfoundland and the Falkland Islands, to the Canadian government, but most Canadians were not interested due to strong sentiments that Canada should retain the policy of not becoming a colonising force in the world.
Reader's Guide
When researching Prime Minister Robert Borden's connection to the Caribbean, the key document is the 'Confidential Memorandum Upon the Subject of the Annexation of the West India Islands to the Dominion of Canada,' which he directed Sir Joseph Pope to issue. This report presented five specific advantages for union with the West Indies, including territorial expansion of 113,000 square miles and a population increase of 2,300,000. The source indicates that while the British government under Lloyd George strongly considered transferring Caribbean colonies to Canadian control, most Canadians were not interested, preferring to avoid becoming a colonising force. Borden's role was thus as a recipient of this proposal, not as an active proponent of annexation.
Did You Know?
- Canadian businessman Harry Crowe impressed upon Prime Minister Robert Borden to direct Sir Joseph Pope to issue a report on the annexation of the West India Islands to Canada.
- The report outlined five major advantages for Canada to contemplate union with the West Indies, including an increase of territory amounting to 113,000 square miles (290,000 km2).
- The report also noted a potential population increase of 2,300,000 from union with the West Indies.
- During Borden's time as prime minister, the British government of Lloyd George strongly considered transferring responsibility for all British colonies in the Caribbean to the Canadian government.
- Most Canadians were not interested in taking over Caribbean colonies due to strong sentiments that Canada should not become a colonising force in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Robert Borden?
Sir Robert Laird Borden was a Canadian statesman who served as Prime Minister of Canada throughout the First World War. In this fan-encyclopedia context, he is remembered for his government's engagement with proposals to expand Canada's territory into the Caribbean.
What connection does Robert Borden have to the West Indies?
During his premiership, Borden's government reviewed a plan to annex the West India Islands to the Dominion of Canada. The initiative was pushed by businessman Harry Crowe, who lobbied Borden to commission the relevant study.
What was the Confidential Memorandum Upon the Subject of the Annexation of the West India Islands?
It was a report that Borden directed Sir Joseph Pope to prepare at the urging of Harry Crowe. The document laid out five key advantages—such as greater territory, a larger population, and expanded trade—for Canada to consider union with the West Indies territories.
Why is Robert Borden important in this fan-encyclopedia entry?
He represents the Canadian political authority who actually entertained the idea of Caribbean annexation during the WWI era. His willingness to commission and review the Pope report made the West Indies union proposal a live policy question rather than mere speculation.
How does Robert Borden's story end in this canon?
The source material indicates his government considered the annexation proposals during a period of shifting British imperial policy, but the text does not confirm that the union was ever formally adopted. Borden's arc thus closes with the proposal remaining under deliberation rather than enacted.
More in American And Caribbean Leaders 1-21
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