William Lyon Mackenzie King

Liberal Party (Canada) History King and St. Laurent

Introduction to William Lyon Mackenzie King

Although the Liberals did not return to power until 1921, the party dominated Canadian politics from the early 1920s through the late 1950s. William Lyon Mackenzie King became prime minister in 1921 and, except for the period from 1930 to 1935, served as prime minister almost continuously until he retired in 1948. No Canadian prime minister has held office longer. Under King's leadership, Canada became a participant in world affairs. He contributed much to the cooperation between Britain, Canada, and the United States during and after World War II (1939-1945). However, his greatest achievement was the preservation of unity between French-speaking and English-speaking parts of Canada. King walked a fine line of compromise between the various interests that made up Canadian society. He garnered public support through his introduction of social welfare programs, particularly during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

During World War II, in which French Canadians opposed Canada's participation, King was able to avoid alienating them. At first he declared there would be no conscription (drafting) of soldiers. In 1940, when the war worsened and he could no longer maintain that position, he introduced conscription for home service only. In 1942 the Conservatives pressed for conscription for overseas service, and King held a national referendum on the issue. It was defeated in Québec but approved in the rest of Canada. King still did not initiate an overseas draft. Finally, in 1944, King instituted limited overseas conscription, but he had delayed it long enough to prevent a breach with Québec.

As his successor, King selected Louis St. Laurent, who instituted more social welfare programs and oversaw the entry of Newfoundland as the tenth province. It was not until 1957 that a Conservative government under John Diefenbaker took power and seriously weakened support for the Liberals in the Canadian west. Liberal weakness in that region persists to this day.” (1)

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Notes and References

Information about William Lyon Mackenzie King in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to William Lyon Mackenzie King

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This entry was last updated: August 24, 2014