The outbreak of global war and the effect it had on Canada are influential aspects of the nation's history. Each challenge represents an obstacle that has been overcome by the men, women and political leaders of their respective times. In particular, World War I and World War II had a profound impact on the country and its people. It can be argued that the leadership of Robert Borden and WLM King can be compared and contrasted, the reality of their times at the helm of the war was based on completely different circumstances. This article will outline Robert Borden's wartime leadership and then note the changes made possible through experience and progress through WLM King's contrasting leadership style twenty-one years later. Robert Borden's leadership as Canadian Prime Minister, a half-century after confederation, was very practical as his cabinet was well organized despite its lack of experience. Borden was in a place where the nation's destiny was still being built, he was at a stage where “few thought in terms of Canadian independence; most believed that the country was not yet strong enough, or sufficiently united, to be independent.” Borden came into government after a long period of Liberal leadership, so his actions were truly new. He did not have a French Canadian champion in his cabinet, which largely hindered dialogue with the province of Quebec. Borden was so attracted to the British style that he “never outgrew his vision that Canada was a part of the British Empire and that Quebec should fit into the larger nation. French Canada remained a mystery to Borden throughout his life. It didn't take long for Borden's conservative government to falter, but it remained hanging by a thread. It was... in the center of the paper... front, so those at home should be." Not only had the troops been sent to an unknown camp, but so was Borden and his government. It was about protecting the country and what was needed was the service of troops. It would probably not be easy for a leader to be forced to send his own men into battle. It was a new role for Borden, and despite the lack of support, he did what he believed he was in best interests of the country. The Canadians were instrumental in the final assault that ended the war, with the surrender of the Germans: the “Great War” was over. At the end of the war, it was known that the Canadians would resist, that they would be forced to shipwreck. The number of men who volunteered, as well as were drafted, helped build Canada's military reputation, by leaps and bounds, but at the expense of countless lives...