Zombie Army (2024)

Daniel Byers is an assistant professor in the Department of History at Laurentian University. He has published in the Journal of the Canadian Historical Association, Canadian Military History, the Canadian Army Journal, the Bulletin d’histoire politique, and Ontario History.

It's clear from Daniel Byers's impressive academic background and publication history that he's a seasoned historian with a strong focus on Canadian military history. Byers's work seems to delve into the intricate details of Canada's involvement in the Second World War, particularly focusing on conscription, military service, and the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA). His publications in reputable journals like the Journal of the Canadian Historical Association, Canadian Military History, and the Canadian Army Journal showcase his expertise in this field.

Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

1. Conscription and Canadian History, 1627–1939: This likely delves into the historical background of conscription in Canada, tracing its roots and evolution leading up to the Second World War. It might encompass the societal, political, and cultural implications of conscription during different periods in Canadian history.

2. The National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) and the Rise of the Big Army: Byers seems to explore the NRMA's creation, which facilitated the mobilization of Canadian resources for the war effort. This part might highlight the establishment of the Thirty-Day Training System and the implications it had on building a larger military force.

3. Enshrining the NRMA: Compulsory Military Service, 1940–41: This section likely delves deeper into the implementation and formalization of compulsory military service in Canada under the NRMA during the early years of the war.

4. Creating the “Big Army”: Conscription and Army Expansion, 1941–43: Here, the focus appears to be on the expansion of the Canadian army through conscription during the specific period of 1941 to 1943, exploring the challenges, successes, and implications of such an expansion.

5. Canadian Conscripts and Their Experiences During the War: This part likely provides insights into the lives, experiences, and challenges faced by Canadian conscripts serving in the military during World War II. It might cover aspects of their training, daily life in uniform, and the impact of war on these individuals.

6. The Fall of the Big Army: This section seems to cover the decline or challenges faced by the expanded army, possibly addressing the limitations or issues that arose during the conscription and expansion phases.

7. Revolt or Realization? The NRMA and the Conscription Crisis of 1944: This part probably focuses on the societal and political reactions, including potential revolts or realizations among Canadians, concerning the NRMA and the crisis of conscription in 1944.

8. Epilogue: Conscription and Canadians in the Second World War: The conclusion might tie together the themes explored in the book, reflecting on the broader impact of conscription on Canadians during the entirety of World War II.

Additionally, the Appendix, Archival Sources, Notes, Index, and Endnotes sections are likely to provide additional contextual information, sources, and references that contribute to the academic rigor and depth of Byers's work.