Essay On Mackenzie King: The First Canadian Prime Minister

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Throughout Canada’s history with numerous Prime Ministers, many would argue that William Lyon Mackenzie King was the best one. To be a good Prime Minister, one must be able to connect with the people that they are in charge of and they need to have a good understanding of different cultures in the society at hand. Throughout the course of King’s reign as Prime Minister over Canada, he made significant impacts upon numerous aspects for the country. He was a successful Prime Minister because his accomplishments during his debut as Prime Minister, his steps in Canadian autonomy and conscription, his determination over his political career, relations within the country, and finally his initiative in spending numerous efforts into accomplish …show more content…

His first act in office was of the matter of tariffs and freight rates. He had reduced them, however not enough to satisfy the prairie farmers, who gave their supports to the Progressives, a new political party that was founded to represent their ideals and interests. Following the 1925 election, King was only able to continue his best part only with their support. Afterwards, the Governor General refused to accept King’s separation of parliament, and thus resulting of the calling of Arthur Meighen as leader to form the government. However, this action lasted only four short days, until Mackenzie King requested a vote on the constitutional right of Meighen to govern. After this event, the Conservatives lost the vote and an election was thus called again, leading to King winning the election of 1926. Taking advantage of the success of the late 1920’s, he introduced the reduction of war debt, and an old-age pension system. Although that the Liberals lost the election of 1930, long-term this was beneficial. The worst time of the Depression was related with the opposing party, the Conservatives. The Liberals were then given power in the government in …show more content…

He kept Canada from being torn from the discussions regarding the conscription issue of 1917. Bringing French and English Canadians through the war in relative harmony was perhaps his greatest achievement. The most consistent theme in King's political philosophy as Prime Minister was his commitment to Canadian unity, and increasingly saw the unity of the Liberal party. William Lyon Mackenzie king portrayed a great deal of commitment to his country and he shows that he was there to help Canada and achieve the best country that could possibly