Synopsis
Quebec - Path of Conquest is a short propaganda film from 1942, made in order to encourage French Canadians - traditionally rather reluctant - to support compulsory military service. The film depicts the mobilization of French Canadians, who voluntarily enlisted and sent tanks, planes, ammunition, guns and food on cargo ships to the war fronts of Russia, England and North Africa.
A word from Tënk
Released only a few months after the April 1942 plebiscite, in which a majority of Francophones positioned themselves against the draft, thereby threatening Canada’s unity in its war efforts, this short film aimed to convince Quebec of the urgent necessity to go to war against Nazi Germany. Quebec – Path of Conquest is a jewel of a WWII propaganda film whose message banks on Quebec’s modern war manufacturing facilities, its people’s independent spirit (and their mistrust of tyrants), as well as Hitler’s theoretical plan to conquer the province!
Marc St-Pierre
Curator of Collection, NFB
