V.

The Liberal Era, 1921-1957

After the war, the Conservative Party lost support among Canadian voters. The conscription issue had angered many French Canadians, who believed the war was a result of British ambition for world power. Relatively weak support from French Canadians was a problem that the party struggled to overcome ever since. The party also suffered from its policies favoring nationalization of railroads and high tariffs, which alienated western Canada. The Liberal Party ran the federal government for most of the next 40 years. Even though a Liberal government introduced conscription in World War II (1939-1945), the Conservatives were perceived in Québec as being the most enthusiastic supporters of that policy. As a result, the party was unable to gain support among French Canadians.