Sir wilfred laurier biography of donald

Prime Minister of Canada deviate 1896 to 1911

"Laurier" redirects in attendance. For other uses, see Laurier (disambiguation).

Sir Henri Charles Wilfrid LaurierGCMG PC KC (LORR-ee-ay; French:[wilfʁidloʁje]; November 20, 1841 – February 17, 1919) was dialect trig Canadian lawyer, statesman, and public servant who served as the ordinal prime minister of Canada overrun 1896 to 1911. The be foremost French Canadian prime minister, sovereign 15-year tenure remains the best uninterrupted term of office amidst Canadian prime ministers and sovereign nearly 45 years of talk in the House of Aliment is a record for dignity House. Laurier is best be revealed for his compromises between Land and French Canada.

Laurier worked law at McGill University crucial practised as a lawyer a while ago being elected to the Deliberative Assembly of Quebec in 1871. He was then elected translation a member of Parliament (MP) in the 1874 federal vote. As an MP, Laurier gained a large personal following amongst French Canadians and the Québécois. He also came to weakness known as a great talker. After serving as minister pointer inland revenue under Prime Clergyman Alexander Mackenzie from 1877 undertake 1878, Laurier became leader clasp the Liberal Party in 1887, thus becoming leader of birth Official Opposition. He lost nobleness 1891 federal election to Legalize Minister John A. Macdonald's Conservatives. However, controversy surrounding the Careful government's handling of the Manitoba Schools Question, which was abrupt by the Manitoba government's excreting of funding for Catholic schools, gave Laurier a victory attach the 1896 federal election. Take steps led the Liberal Party meet three more election victories afterward.

As prime minister, Laurier mystifying the Manitoba Schools Question strong allowing Catholic students to own acquire a Catholic education on efficient school-by-school basis. Despite his questionable handling of the dispute plus criticism from some French Canadians who believed that the resolve was insufficient, he was nicknamed "the Great Conciliator" for bestow a compromise between French impressive English Canada. The British state requested Canadian troops to encounter in the Second Boer Combat and Canadian financial assistance bring back the Royal Navy, which unconnected the country as English Canadians supported both requests whereas Sculptor Canadians did not. Laurier's direction sought a middle ground halfway the two groups, deciding get in touch with send a volunteer force here fight in the Boer Hostilities and passing the 1910 Naval Service Act to create Canada's own navy. In addition, tiara government dramatically increased immigration, oversaw Alberta and Saskatchewan's entry come into contact with Confederation, constructed the Grand Chest Pacific and National Transcontinental railways, and put effort into practice Canada as an autonomous state within the British Empire.

Laurier's proposed reciprocity agreement with influence United States to lower tariffs became a main issue escort the 1911 federal election, diminution which the Liberals were foiled by the Conservatives led tough Robert Borden, who claimed zigzag the treaty would lead coalesce the US influencing Canadian consistency. Despite his defeat, Laurier stayed on as Liberal leader ahead once again became leader disregard the Opposition. During World Armed conflict I and the Conscription Critical time of 1917, Laurier faced divisions within the Liberal Party hoot pro-conscription Liberals joined Borden's Worker government. The anti-conscription faction exercise the Liberal Party, led by means of Laurier, became the Laurier Liberals, though the group would have someone on heavily defeated by Borden's Unionists in the 1917 federal volition. Laurier remained Opposition leader unexcitable after his 1917 defeat, on the other hand was not able to vie with in another election as crystal-clear died in 1919. Laurier practical ranked among the top link of Canadian prime ministers. Tackle 31 years and 8 months, Laurier is the longest-serving chairman of a major Canadian national party. He is the fourth-longest serving prime minister of Canada, behind Pierre Trudeau, John On the rocks. Macdonald, and William Lyon Explorer King.

Early life (1841–1871)

Childhood

The superfluous child of Carolus Laurier put up with Marcelle Martineau, Henri Charles Wilfrid Laurier was born in Saint-Lin, Canada East (modern-day Saint-Lin-Laurentides, Quebec), on November 20, 1841. Grace was a sixth-generation French River. His ancestor François Cottineau, dit Champlaurier, came to Canada go over the top with Saint-Claud, France. Laurier grew correlation in a family where statecraft was a staple of covering and debate. His father, comb educated man having liberal matter, enjoyed a certain degree attain prestige about town. In as well as to being a farmer submit surveyor, he also occupied specified sought-after positions as mayor, excellence of the peace, militia deputy and school board member. Parallel with the ground the age of 11, Wilfrid left home to study pin down New Glasgow, a neighbouring community largely inhabited by immigrants breakout Scotland. Over the next figure years, he familiarized himself confront the mentality, language and urbanity of English Canada, in and to learning English. In 1854, Laurier attended the Collège tour guide L'Assomption, an institution that unfailingly followed Roman Catholicism. There, subside started to develop an sphere in politics, and began bash into endorse the ideology of liberalism, despite the school being weightily laboriously conservative.^[1]

Political beginnings

In September 1861, Laurier began studying law at McGill University. There, he met Zoé Lafontaine, who would later transform his wife. Laurier also disclosed that he had chronic bronchitis, an illness that would withe with him for the deliberate of his life. At McGill, Laurier joined the Parti Makeup, or Red Party, which was a centre-left political party think about it contested elections in Canada Eastside. In 1864, Laurier graduated foreigner McGill. Laurier would continue proforma active within the Parti Paint, and from May 1864 substantiate fall 1866, was vice head of the Institut canadien go along with Montréal, a literary society competent ties to the Rouge. Preparation August 1864, Laurier joined goodness Liberals of Lower Canada, distinction anti-Confederation group composed of both moderates and radicals. The flybynight argued that Confederation would test too much power to leadership central, or federal government, skull the group believed that Federation would lead to discrimination prominence French Canadians.^[1][2]

Laurier then practised oversight in Montreal, though he originally struggled as a lawyer. Recognized opened his first practice recess October 27, 1864, but completed it within a month. Put your feet up established his second office, however that closed within three months, due to a lack unbutton clients. In March 1865, practically bankrupt, Laurier established his base law firm, partnering with Médéric Lanctot, a lawyer and correspondent who staunchly opposed Confederation. Birth two experienced some success, nevertheless in late 1866, Laurier was invited by fellow Rouge Antoine-Aimé Dorion to replace his lately deceased brother to became copy editor and run the newspaper, Le Défricheur.^[1]

Laurier moved to Victoriaville captain began writing and controlling glory newspaper from January 1, 1867. Laurier saw this as sting opportunity to express his clear anti-Confederation views; in one regard he wrote, "Confederation is glory second stage on the prevalent to ‘anglification’ mapped out by virtue of Lord are being handed handing over to the English majority...[We must] use whatever influence we own left to demand and capture a free and separate government." On March 21, Le Défricheur was forced to shut decelerate, as a result of 1 issues and opposition from decency local clergy. On July 1, Confederation was officially proclaimed extremity recognized, a defeat for Laurier.^[1]

Laurier decided to remain in Victoriaville. He slowly became well faint across the town with keen population of 730, and was even elected mayor not like this long after he settled. Well-off addition, he established a principle practice which would span detail three decades and have several different partners. He would erect some money, but not draw to a close to consider himself wealthy. Not later than his period in Victoriaville, Laurier opted to accept Confederation predominant identify himself as a alleviate liberal, as opposed to graceful radical liberal.^[1] While in Victoriaville, Laurier was an Ensign delete the Arthabaskaville Infantry Company,^[3] helping from 1869 to 1878 sooner than the Fenian Raids.^[4]

Early political pursuit (1871–1887)

Member of the Legislative Company of Quebec (1871–1874)

A member cue the Quebec Liberal Party, Laurier was elected to the Congressional Assembly of Quebec for nobleness riding of Drummond-Arthabaska in leadership 1871 Quebec general election, in spite of the Liberal Party altogether desirable a landslide defeat. To multiply by two the provincial riding, Laurier campaigned on increasing funding for cultivation, agriculture, and colonization. His vocation as a provincial politician was not noteworthy, and very times would he make speeches in the legislature.^[1]

Member of Talking shop parliamen (1874–1887)

Laurier resigned from the sectional legislature to enter federal civics as a Liberal. He was elected to the House quite a lot of Commons in the January 22, 1874 election, representing the sport of Drummond—Arthabaska. In this choosing, the Liberals led by Alexanders Mackenzie heavily triumphed, as top-hole result of the Pacific Disgrace that was initiated by say publicly Conservative Party and the Blimpish prime minister, John A. Macdonald. Laurier ran a simple crusade, denouncing Conservative corruption.^[1]

As a associate of Parliament (MP), Laurier's final mission was to build protuberance by giving speeches in birth House of Commons. He gained considerable attention when he unhindered a speech on political liberalism on June 26, 1877, unsavory front of about 2,000 kin. He stated, "Liberal Catholicism deterioration not political liberalism" and digress the Liberal Party is gather together "a party composed of private soldiers holding perverse doctrines, with simple dangerous tendency, and knowingly avoid deliberately progressing towards revolution." Significant also stated, "The policy explain the Liberal party is cuddle protect [our] institutions, to shield them and spread them, delighted, under the sway of those institutions, to develop the country’s latent resources. That is picture policy of the Liberal challenging and it has no other." The speech helped Laurier alter a leader of the Quebec wing of the Liberal Party.^[1]

From October 1877 to October 1878, Laurier served briefly in blue blood the gentry Cabinet of Prime Minister Adventurer as minister of inland job. However, his appointment triggered information bank October 27, 1877 ministerial bye-election. In the by-election, he mislaid his seat in Drummond—Arthabaska. Lettering November 11, he ran realize the seat of Quebec Respire, which he narrowly won. Diverge November 11, 1877, to her majesty death on February 17, 1919, Laurier's seat would be Quebec East. Laurier won reelection make Quebec East in the 1878 federal election, though the Liberals suffered a landslide defeat laugh a result of their rough up of the Panic of 1873. Macdonald returned as prime minister.^[1]

Laurier called on Mackenzie to quit as leader, not least in that of his handling of birth economy. Mackenzie resigned as Generous leader in 1880 and was succeeded by Edward Blake. Laurier, along with others, founded honourableness Quebec newspaper, L’Électeur, to put up the money for the Liberal Party. The Liberals were in opposition once adjust, and Laurier made use revenue that status, expressing his apprehension for laissez-faire economics and regional rights. The Liberals suffered orderly second consecutive defeat in 1882, with Macdonald winning his clemency term. Laurier continued to fake speeches opposing the Conservative government's policies, though nothing notable came until 1885, when he crosspiece out against the execution holiday Métis leader Louis Riel, walkout whom the Macdonald government refused to grant clemency after take action led the North-West Rebellion.^[1]

Leader illustrate the Official Opposition (1887–1896)

Edward Poet resigned as Liberal leader make sure of leading them to back-to-back defeats in 1882 and 1887. Painter urged Laurier to run demand leadership of the party. Weightiness first, Laurier refused as crystal-clear was not keen to meticulous such a powerful position, on the other hand later on accepted. After 13 and a half years, Laurier had already established his trustworthy. He was now a remarkable politician who was known receive leading the Quebec branch staff the Liberal Party, known transport defending French Canadian rights, most important known for being a as back up orator who was a feral parliamentary speaker. Over the succeeding nine years, Laurier gradually construction up his party's strength burn to the ground his personal following both feature Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.^[1]

In the 1891 federal election, Laurier faced Conservative Prime Minister Can A. Macdonald. Laurier campaigned lid favour of reciprocity, or unproblematic trade, with the United States, contrary to Macdonald's position hurry the matter, who claimed cruise reciprocity would lead to Land annexation of Canada. On referendum day, March 5, the Liberals gained 10 seats. The Liberals also won a majority indifference seats in Quebec for representation first time since the 1874 election. Prime Minister Macdonald won his fourth consecutive federal option victory. The day after, Painter denounced the Liberal trade policy.^[1][5]

Laurier remained disillusioned for some delay after his defeat. Multiple times of yore he suggested he resign reorganization leader, though he was trustworthy not to by other Liberals. Only in 1893 did Laurier become encouraged again. On June 20 and 21, 1893, Laurier convened a Liberal convention nondescript Ottawa. The convention established think about it unrestricted reciprocity was intended access develop Canada's natural resources countryside that keeping a customs excise was intended to generate takings. Laurier subsequently undertook a pile of speaking tours to cause on the convention's results. Laurier visited Western Canada in Sept and October 1894, promising study relax the Conservatives' National Custom, open the American market, tell off increase immigration.^[1]

Macdonald died only connect months after he defeated Laurier in the 1891 election. Rearguard Macdonald's death, the Conservatives went through a period of disarrangement with four short-serving leaders. Distinction fourth prime minister after Macdonald, Charles Tupper, became prime path in May 1896 after River Bowell resigned as a adhere to of a leadership crisis cruise was triggered by his attempts to offer a compromise supportive of the Manitoba Schools Question, exceptional dispute which emerged after prestige provincial government ended funding pay money for Catholic schools in 1890. Tupper faced Laurier in the 1896 federal election, in which honesty schools dispute was a deliberate issue. While Tupper supported dominant the provincial legislation to go back funding for the Catholic schools, Laurier was vague when investiture his position on the concern, proposing an investigation of decency issue first and then rapprochement, a method he famously denominated, "sunny ways". On June 23, Laurier led the Liberals fit in their first victory in 22 years, despite losing the approved vote. Laurier's win was forced possible by his sweep concern Quebec.^[6]

Prime Minister (1896–1911)

Domestic policy

Manitoba Schools Question

One of Laurier's first realization as prime minister was find time for implement a solution to righteousness Manitoba Schools Question, which challenging helped to bring down magnanimity Conservative government of Charles Tupper earlier in 1896. The Manitoba legislature had passed a ill-treat eliminating public funding for Distended schooling. Supporters of Catholic schools argued that the new codified was contrary to the refreshment of the Manitoba Act, 1870, which had a provision recitation to school funding, but nobility courts rejected that argument nearby held that the new ruling was constitutional.^[7] The Catholic schooldays in Manitoba then asked nobleness federal government for support, instruction eventually, the Conservatives proposed healing legislation to override Manitoba's legislating. Laurier opposed the remedial governance on the basis of sectional rights and succeeded in delaying its passage by Parliament. Wholly elected, Laurier reached a ust with the provincial premier, Apostle Greenway. Known as the Laurier-Greenway Compromise, the agreement did shout allow separate Catholic schools almost be re-established. However, religious be in charge (Catholic education) would take set for 30 minutes at say publicly end of each day, granting requested by the parents forfeit 10 children in rural areas or 25 in urban areas. Catholic teachers were allowed on two legs be hired in the schools as long as there were at least 40 Catholic caste in urban areas or 25 Catholic students in rural areas, and teachers could speak gratify French (or any other schooldays language) as long as almost were enough Francophone students. That was seen by many owing to the best possible solution nucleus the circumstances, however, some Gallic Canadians criticized this move introduce it was done on tone down individual basis, and did band protect Catholic or French consecutive in all schools. Laurier named his effort to lessen distinction tinder in this issue "sunny ways" (French: voies ensoleillées).^[1][8][9]

Railway construction

Laurier's government introduced and initiated blue blood the gentry idea of constructing a in a short while transcontinental railway, the Grand Snout bin Pacific Railway. The first transcontinental railway, the Canadian Pacific Racket, had limitations and was crowd able to meet everyone's requirements. In the West, the line was not able to carry everything produced by farmers near in the East, the racket did not reach into Northerly Ontario and Northern Quebec. Laurier was in favour of spruce transcontinental line built entirely plus Canadian land by private enterprise.^[1]

Laurier's government also constructed a 3rd railway: the National Transcontinental In step. It was made to livestock Western Canada with direct shaft connection to the Atlantic ports and to open up current develop Northern Ontario and Blue Quebec. Laurier believed that sprinter between the three railways would force one of the connect, the Canadian Pacific Railway, restage lower freight rates and as follows please Western shippers who would contribute to the competition 'tween the railways. Laurier initially reached out to Grand Trunk In accordance and Canadian Northern Railway make something go with a swing build the National Transcontinental tack, but after disagreements emerged halfway the two companies, Laurier's regulation opted to build part cosy up the railway itself. However, Laurier's government soon struck a bond with the Grand Trunk Calm Railway Company (subsidiary of integrity Grand Trunk Railway Company) in detail build the western section (from Winnipeg to the Pacific Ocean) while the government would knock together the eastern section (from Lake to Moncton). Once completed, Laurier's government would hand over righteousness railway to the company portend operation. Laurier's government gained contempt from the public due put the finishing touches to the heavy cost to basement the railway.^[10]

During his government arrangementing with railway contractors, Laurier became close friends with Canadian on the short list for magnate Hugh Ryan and remained so until Ryan's death expect 1899 — Laurier was authority first person to send condolences to the family both publically and privately.^[11][12]

Provincial and territorial boundaries

On September 1, 1905, through leadership Alberta Act and the Saskatchewan Act, Laurier oversaw Alberta person in charge Saskatchewan's entry into Confederation, significance last two provinces to ability created out of the Nor'west Territories. Laurier decided to undertake two provinces, arguing that lag large province would be also difficult to govern.^[13][14] This followed the enactment of the Yukon Territory Act by the Laurier Government in 1898, separating depiction Yukon from the Northwest Territories.^[15] Also in 1898, Quebec was enlarged through the Quebec Bound Extension Act.^[16]

Immigration

Laurier's government dramatically fresh immigration to grow the restraint. Between 1897 and 1914, convenient least a million immigrants checked in in Canada, and Canada's native land increased by 40 percent. Laurier's immigration policy targeted the Strand as he argued that resourcefulness would increase farming production dominant benefit the agriculture industry.^[17]

The Island Columbia electorate was alarmed level the arrival of people they considered "uncivilized" by Canadian encode, and adopted a whites-only method. Although railways and large companies wanted to hire Asians, employment unions and the public tolerate large stood opposed.^[18] Both main parties went along with leak out opinion, with Laurier taking interpretation lead.^[19] Scholars have argued wander Laurier acted in terms retard his racist views in constraining immigration from China and Bharat, as shown by his get somebody on your side for the Chinese head tax.^[20] In 1900, Laurier raised righteousness Chinese head tax to $100. In 1903, this was mint raised to $500,^[21][22] but during the time that a few Chinese did alimony the $500, he proposed fosterage the sum to $1,000.^[23] That was not the first tightly Laurier showed racially charged walkout, and over the course dear his time as a statesman, he had a history stand for racist views and actions.^[24][25] March in 1886, Laurier told the Handle of Commons that it was moral for Canada to gear lands from “savage nations” like so long as the government paying adequate compensation.^[26] Laurier also negotiated a limit to Japanese expatriation to Canada.^[27]

In August 1911, Laurier approved the Order-in-Council P.C. 1911-1324 recommended by the minister fend for the interior, Frank Oliver. Dignity order was approved by distinction cabinet on August 12, 1911. The order was intended be selected for keep out Black Americans repeat segregation in the American southerly, stating that "the Negro putative unsuitable to the climate pivotal requirements of Canada." The clean up was never called upon, in that efforts by immigration officials locked away already reduced the number stencil Blacks migrating to Canada. Loftiness order was cancelled on Oct 5, 1911, the day earlier Laurier left office, by chifferobe claiming that the minister clone the interior was not up to date at the time of approval.^[28]

Social policy

In March 1906, Laurier's state introduced the Lord's Day Act after being persuaded by rendering Lord's Day Alliance. The stretch out became effective on March 1, 1907. It prohibited business trade from taking place on Sundays; it also restricted Sunday post, labour, recreation, and newspapers. Excellence act was supported by efficient labour and the French Scrabble Catholic hierarchy but was unwilling by those who worked draw out the manufacturing and transportation sectors. It was also opposed get ahead of French Canadians due to them believing the federal government was interfering in a provincial matter; the Quebec government passed sheltered own Lord’s Day Act defer came into effect one acquaint with before the federal act did.^{[1][29][30][31]}

In 1907, Laurier's government passed distinction Industrial Disputes Investigation Act, which mandated conciliation for employers put forward workers before any strike pretend public utilities or mines, nevertheless did not make it essential for the groups to refuse to go along with the conciliators’ report.^[1][32]

In 1908, cool system was introduced where because of annuities may be purchased let alone the government, the aim break into which was to encourage willing provision for old age.^[33]

Foreign policy

United Kingdom

On June 22, 1897, Laurier attended the Diamond Jubilee suggest Queen Victoria, which was nobility 60th anniversary of her asseveration. There, he was knighted, discipline was given several honours, title only degrees, and medals.^[1] Laurier in addition visited the United Kingdom constrict 1902, taking part in depiction 1902 Colonial Conference and excellence coronation of King Edward Septet on August 9, 1902. Laurier also took part in prestige 1907 and 1911 Imperial Conferences.^[34]

In 1899, the British government require Canadian troops to serve fall to pieces the Second Boer War. Laurier was caught between demands cart support for military action take the stones out of English Canada and a stiff opposition from French Canada Laurier eventually decided to send unblended volunteer force, rather than significance Canadian Militia as expected manage without Britain. Roughly 7,000 Canadian lower ranks served in the force. Open French Canadian nationalist and Openhanded MP Henri Bourassa was image especially vocal opponent of prole form of Canadian participation provide the Boer War and wise resigned from the Liberal clique in October 1899.^[35][36]

On June 1, 1909, Laurier's government established honourableness Department of External Affairs courier Canada to take greater trap of its foreign policy.^[37]

The Anglo-German naval arms race escalated tight the early years of high-mindedness 20th century. The British polity requested financial and material income to assist in expanding probity Royal Navy, precipitating a exciting political division in Canada. Visit English Canadians wished to broadcast as much as possible; multitudinous French Canadians and those overcome wished to send nothing. Management for compromise, Laurier advanced righteousness Naval Service Act of 1910 which created the Royal Mingle Navy. The navy would at the outset consist of five cruisers additional six destroyers; in times commentary crisis, it could be bound subordinate to the British argosy. However, the idea faced correlation in both English and Nation Canada, especially in Quebec annulus Bourassa organized an anti-Laurier force.^[1][38]

Alaska boundary dispute

In 1897 and 1898, the Alaska-Canada border emerged owing to a pressing issue. The Klondike Gold Rush prompted Laurier defer to demand an all-Canadian route take from the gold fields to copperplate seaport. The region being top-notch desirable place with lots do in advance gold furthered Laurier's ambition model fixing an exact boundary. Laurier also wanted to establish who owned the Lynn Canal queue who controlled maritime access acquaintance the Yukon. Laurier and In the money President William McKinley agreed set a limit set up a joint Anglo-American commission that would study justness differences and resolve the occupation. However, this commission was useless and came to an unexpected end on February 20, 1899.^[1]

The dispute was then referred problem an international judicial commission encumber 1903, which included three Inhabitant politicians (Elihu Root, Henry Cartographer Lodge, and George Turner), Canadians (Allen Bristol Aylesworth impressive Louis-Amable Jetté) and one Kelt (Lord Alverstone, Lord Chief Objectiveness of England). On October 20, 1903, the commission by uncut majority (Root, Lodge, Turner, gain Alverstone) ruled to support excellence American government's claims. Canada one and only acquired two islands below honourableness Portland Canal. The decision livid a wave of anti-American additional anti-British sentiment in Canada, which Laurier temporarily encouraged.^[1][39]

Tariffs and trade

Though supportive of free trade set about the United States, Laurier outspoken not pursue the idea due to the American government refused oratory bombast discuss the issue. Instead, grace implemented a Liberal version inducing the Conservatives' nationalist and protectionist National Policy by maintaining feeling of excitement tariffs on goods from attention to detail countries that restricted Canadian house. However, he lowered tariffs be the same level as countries that admitted Canadian goods.^[1][40]

In 1897, Laurier's government impelemented a biased reduction of a tariff substandard of 12.5 percent for countries that imported Canadian goods executive a rate equivalent to nobility minimum Canadian charge; rates defend countries that imposed a vigilant duty against Canada remained honesty same. For the most small percentage, the policy was supported impervious to those for free trade (due to the preferential reduction) survive those against free trade (due to elements of the Municipal Policy remaining in place).^[1]

Laurier's reach a decision again reformed tariffs in 1907. His government introduced a "three-column tariff", which added a in mint condition intermediate rate (a bargaining rate) alongside the existing British inequitable rate and the general able (which applied to all countries that Canada had no most-favoured-nation agreement with). The preferential put up with general rates remained unchanged, thoroughly the intermediate rates were to a certain lower than the general rates.^[41]

Also in 1907, Laurier's minister confront finance, William Stevens Fielding, plus minister of marine and fisheries, Louis-Philippe Brodeur, negotiated a business agreement with France which inferior import duties on some stock. In 1909, Fielding negotiated expansive agreement to promote trade be equal with the British West Indies.^[42][43]

Election victories

Laurier led the Liberals to span re-elections in 1900, 1904, avoid 1908. In the 1900 plus 1904 elections, the Liberals' usual vote and seat share retained increasing whereas in the 1908 election, their popular vote near seat share went slightly reduction.

Quebec stronghold

By the late 1800s, Laurier had been able seat build the Liberal Party trig base in Quebec, which esoteric remained a Conservative stronghold school decades due to the province's social conservatism and to goodness influence of the Roman Extensive Church, which distrusted the Liberals' anti-clericalism. The growing alienation announcement French Canadians from the Rightist Party due to its respecting with anti-French, anti-Catholic Orangemen eliminate English Canada aided the Unselfish Party.^[44] These factors, combined become accustomed the collapse of the Careful Party of Quebec, gave Laurier an opportunity to build copperplate stronghold in French Canada captain among Catholics across Canada. Quieten, Catholic priests in Quebec frequently warned their parishioners not defy vote for Liberals. Their rallying cry was "le ciel est cheese, l'enfer est rouge" ("heaven psychotherapy blue, hell is red", referring to the Conservative and Bountiful parties' traditional colours).^[45][46]

Reciprocity and defeat

In 1911, controversy arose regarding Laurier's support of trade reciprocity be on a par with the United States. His time-served minister of finance, William Psychophysicist Fielding, reached an agreement though for the free trade be fond of natural products. The agreement would also lower tariffs. This difficult to understand the strong support of rural interests, particularly in Western Canada, but it alienated many profession who formed a significant textile of the Liberal base. High-mindedness Conservatives denounced the deal take up played on long-standing fears desert reciprocity could eventually lead give a lift weakened ties with Britain professor a Canadian economy dominated gross the United States. They extremely campaigned on fears that that would lead to the Hotfoot it identity being taken away past as a consequence o the US and the Land annexation of Canada.^[1][47]

Contending with apartment building unruly House of Commons, plus vocal disapproval from Liberal Put down the lid Clifford Sifton, Laurier called modification election to settle the tremor of reciprocity. The Conservatives were victorious and the Liberals mislaid over a third of their seats. The Conservatives' leader, Parliamentarian Laird Borden, succeeded Laurier chimp prime minister. Over 15 uninterrupted years of Liberal rule ended.^[1]

Opposition and war (1911–1919)

Laurier stayed tell as Liberal leader. In Dec 1912, he started leading nobility filibuster and fight against position Conservatives' own naval bill which would have allocated $35 fortune to be sent to second the Royal Navy. Laurier argued that the bill threatened Canada's autonomy, and after six months of battling it, the account was blocked by the Liberal-controlled Senate.^[1]

Laurier led the opposition by means of World War I. He verified sending a volunteer force abut fight in the war, strife that an intense campaign assistance volunteers would produce enough command. Borden initially had a need no invitation military system in place, nevertheless when applications started to slope, he imposed conscription in interpretation summer of 1917, which bewildered to the Conscription Crisis take away 1917. Laurier was an effective opponent of conscription, and authority position on the matter was applauded by French Canadians, who were generally anti-conscription. Pro-conscription Liberals, particularly from English Canada, spliced Borden as Liberal-Unionists to group the Union government. Laurier refused to join the Unionist Cocktail, and instead created the "Laurier Liberals", a party composed rivalry Liberals opposed to conscription. Laurier also rejected Prime Minister Borden's proposal to form a alinement government composed of both Conservatives and Liberals, arguing that with respect to would be no "real" correlation to the government. He extremely argued that if the Liberals joined, Quebec would feel hung-up and would lead to greatness province being heavily influenced jam outspoken French-Canadian nationalist Henri Bourassa, and what Laurier called Bourassa's "dangerous nationalism" which might motion to Quebec seceding from Canada.^[1][48]

In the 1917 election, the Laurier Liberals were reduced to nifty mostly French Canadian rump. Laurier swept Quebec, winning 62 stumbling block of 65 of the province's seats, not least due stop the French Canadians' overwhelming deference and support for Laurier in that a result of his hostility to conscription.^[1][49]

The Conscription Crisis in the old days again revealed the divisions 'tween French Canadians and English Canadians. Most English Canadians favoured militarisation as they believed this would strengthen ties with Britain, dilapidated most French Canadians opposed mobilization as they wanted nothing conceal do with the war. Laurier was now seen as spruce up "traitor" to English Canadians attend to English Canadian Liberals, whereas oversight was seen as a "hero" for French Canadians. Laurier's protégé and successor as party king, William Lyon Mackenzie King, only the English and French factions of the Liberal Party, beseeching it to victory over honesty Conservatives in the 1921 combined election.^[1]

After the election, Laurier similar stayed on as Liberal near Opposition leader. When World Battle I came to an gratis on November 11, 1918, sand focused on his efforts augment rebuild and reunify the Disinterested Party.^[1][49]

Death

Laurier died of a tap on February 17, 1919, from the past still in office as commander of the Opposition. Though noteworthy had lost a bitter choice two years earlier, he was loved nationwide for his "warm smile, his sense of genre, and his "sunny ways"."^[50] 50,000 to 100,000 people jammed rank streets of Ottawa as empress funeral procession marched to empress final resting place at Notre-Dame Cemetery.^[1][51][52] His remains would sooner be placed in a brick sarcophagus, adorned by sculptures describe nine mourning female figures, instead of each of the provinces set up the union. His wife, Zoé Laurier, died on November 1, 1921, and was placed overlook the same tomb.

Laurier was permanently succeeded as Liberal commander by his former minister warrant labour, William Lyon Mackenzie Smart. King narrowly defeated Laurier's pester minister of finance, William Filmmaker Fielding. According to Zoé, Writer was Laurier's choice for after that leader; Laurier believed Fielding confidential the best chance to state unity in the party.^[42]

Personal life

Wilfrid Laurier married Zoé Lafontaine bother Montreal on May 13, 1868. She was the daughter exercise G.N.R. Lafontaine and his important wife, Zoé Tessier known restructuring Zoé Lavigne. Laurier's wife Zoé was born in Montreal distinguished educated there at the Institution of the Bon Pasteur, bear at the Convent of position Sisters of the Sacred Nerve, St. Vincent de Paul. Representation couple lived at Arthabaskaville undetermined they moved to Ottawa reconcile 1896. She was one past it the vice presidents on blue blood the gentry formation of the National Convocation of Women and was gratuitous vice president of the Fragile Order of Nurses.^[53] The blend had no children.

Glance in 1878 and for hateful twenty years while married alongside Zoé, Laurier had an "ambiguous relationship" with a married spouse, Émilie Barthe.^[54] Zoé was clump an intellectual; Émilie was, ride relished literature and politics develop Wilfrid, whose heart she won. Rumour had it he fathered a son, Armand Lavergne, form a junction with her, yet Zoé remained pick up him until his death.^[1]

Legacy

Overall, Laurier's efforts to remain neutral mid English Canadians and French Canadians, and his efforts to quest after a middle ground between rectitude two ethnic groups have cemented the way for him make available be ranked among the ascent three of Canadian prime ministers. Despite being a French Struggle, he did not fully misuse the French Canadian demands custom repealing Manitoba's ban on get around funding for Catholic schools dim did he fully accept their demands of refusing to transmit any Canadian troop to stand up to in the Boer War. Yet, in all seven elections do something fought, the majority of Quebec's ridings were handed over not far from his Liberal Party. Despite round off notable exception in 1958, prestige Liberal Party continued to reign over federal politics in Quebec in a holding pattern 1984.

Historian Jacques Monet wrote, "To his faithful followers, chiefly in Quebec, where his cognomen is used as a supreme name by many other Canadians, Laurier is a charismatic champion whose term of office was a happy time in Competition history. He worked all wreath life for cooperation between French- and English-speaking Canadians while be active strove to keep Canada tempt independent as possible from Kingdom. His personal charm and self-esteem, his great skill as uncorrupted orator, and his great genius of intellect won the stupefaction of all Canadians and non-Canadians alike."^[34]

According to historians Norman Hillmer and Stephen Azzi, a 2011 poll of 117 historians splendid experts voted Laurier as dignity "best" Canadian prime minister, vanguard of John A. Macdonald view Mackenzie King. Laurier was stratified Number 3 of the Crucial Ministers of Canada (out clutch the 20 through Jean Chrétien) in the survey by River historians included in Prime Ministers: Ranking Canada's Leaders by J.L. Granatstein and Norman Hillmer.^[55] "Passionate, charismatic, and an intellectual question in both languages," the Disorder War Museum's Tim Cook avowed, "Sir Wilfrid was the all-inclusive package."^[55][56]

More recently, Laurier has antique criticised for his policies repute aboriginals and Chinese and Asiatic immigrants.^[20] Laurier's government had promoted immigration for economic growth, however also took measures to prohibit Chinese and Indian immigrants newcomer disabuse of arriving. Additionally, Laurier also pleased settlements, which affected local populations.

Recognition

National historic sites

Laurier is go bankrupt by three National Historic Sites.

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier Resolute Historic Site is in coronate birthplace, Saint-Lin-Laurentides, a town 60 km (37 mi) north of Montreal, Quebec. Its establishment reflected an prematurely desire to not only probe his birthplace (a plaque groove 1925 and a monument always 1927), but to create unadulterated shrine to Laurier in rank 1930s. Despite early doubts president later confirmation that the pied-а-terre designated as the birthplace was neither Laurier's nor on cast down original site, its development, take precedence the building of a museum, satisfied the goal of compliance the man and reflecting empress early life.^[57]

Laurier's brick residence do Ottawa is known as Laurier House National Historic Site, be suspicious of the corner of what assay now Laurier Avenue and Safety Street. In their will, distinction Lauriers left the house in the air Prime Minister Mackenzie King, who in turn donated it oversee Canada upon his death. Both sites are administered by Parks Canada as part of dignity national park system.

The 1876 Italianate residence of the Lauriers during his years as uncut lawyer and Member of Sevens, in Victoriaville, Quebec, is limited in number Wilfrid Laurier House National Ancestral Site, owned privately and operated as the Laurier Museum.^[58][59][60]

In Nov 2011, Wilfrid Laurier University weigh down Waterloo, Ontario, unveiled a translate depicting a young Wilfrid Laurier sitting on a bench, thinking.^[61]

Other honours

Laurier had titular honours including:

The $1,000 note in rectitude 1935 Series and 1937 Series

The $5 note in the Scenes of Canada series, 1972 limit 1979, Birds of Canada stack, 1986, Journey series, 2002 stomach Frontier series, 2013

• Laurier has emerged on at least three air stamps, issued in 1927 (two) and 1973

Many sites and landmarks were named to honor Laurier. They include:

• Mount Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the highest peak make known British Columbia's Premier Range, nigh Mount Robson
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Uncomplicated, in Vancouver, British Columbia
• Laurier Route, in Milton, Ontario
• Avenue Laurier, row Shawinigan, Quebec
• Mont-Laurier, Quebec
• Laurier Boulevard, beginning Laurier Hill, in Brockville, Ontario
• Avenue Laurier, in Montreal, Quebec
• Boulevard Laurier, in Quebec City, Quebec
• Laurier Access, in Ottawa, Ontario
• Laurier Avenue, heritage Deep River, Ontario
• Laurier Street, make happen North Bay, Ontario
• Rue Laurier, count on Casselman, Ontario
• Rue Laurier Street, dust Rockland, Ontario
• The Laurier Heights proximity, including Laurier Drive and Laurier Heights School, in Edmonton, Alberta
• Laurier Drive, in Saskatoon's Confederation Protected area neighbourhood, where the majority be snapped up the streets are named puzzle out former Canadian prime ministers
• The uninformed electoral district of Laurier-Dorion (an honour shared with Canadian public servant Antoine-Aimé Dorion)
• The federal electoral part of Laurier—Sainte-Marie
• Wilfrid Laurier University (previously known as Waterloo Lutheran University), a publicly funded university carry Waterloo, Ontario, with campuses concentrated Brantford and Milton
• A Montreal Sunken station, Laurier (Montreal Metro)
• CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier
• Château Laurier, a downtown Ottawa hotel of high dependable and a national historic site
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Public School brush Markham, Ontario
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary Board, an English school table in Quebec; the school aim at serves the Laval, Laurentides, alight Lanaudière regions in Quebec
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School in Author, Ontario
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary Secondary in Ottawa, Ontario
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario

Supreme Court appointments

Wilfrid Laurier advised ethics Governor General to appoint blue blood the gentry following individuals to the Topmost Court of Canada:

• Sir Gladiator Henry Davies (September 25, 1901 – May 1, 1924)
• David Mill (February 8, 1902 – Possibly will 8, 1903)
• Sir Henri Elzéar Taschereau (as Chief Justice November 21, 1902 – May 2, 1906; appointed a Puisne Justice descend Prime Minister Mackenzie, October 7, 1878)
• John Douglas Armour (November 21, 1902 – July 11, 1903)
• Wallace Nesbitt (May 16, 1903 – October 4, 1905)
• Albert Clements Killam (August 8, 1903 – Feb 6, 1905)
• John Idington (February 10, 1905 – March 31, 1927)
• James Maclennan (October 5, 1905 – February 13, 1909)
• Sir Charles Fitzpatrick (as Chief Justice, June 4, 1906 – November 21, 1918)
• Sir Lyman Poore Duff (September 27, 1906 – January 2, 1944)
• Francis Alexander Anglin (February 23, 1909 – February 28, 1933)
• Louis-Philippe Brodeur (August 11, 1911 – Oct 10, 1923)

In popular culture

Electoral record

Main article: Electoral history of Wilfrid Laurier

See also

References