as part of the british empire, canada immediately was at war in 1914. canadian troops bore the brunt of several major battles during the early stages of the war including the use of poison gas attacks at ypres. newfoundland troops suffered a devastating loss on july 1, 1916, the first day on the somme. losses became grave, and the government eventually brought in conscription, despite the fact this was against the wishes of the majority of french canadians. in the ensuing conscription crisis of 1917, riots broke out on the streets of montreal.