Anti-German sentiment
Before and during World War I, there was some anti-German sentiment in the Waterloo County area and some cultural sanctions on the community, primarily in Berlin, Ontario (now Kitchener). Mennonites in the area were pacifist and so not would not enlist. Also, some had immigrated from Germany and so found it morally difficult to fight against a country that was a significant part of their heritage. Anti-German sentiment that precipitated the Berlin to Kitchener name change in 1916. The city was named after Lord Kitchener, who was famously pictured on the "Lord Kitchener Wants You" recruiting posters.