3.1 Macdonald's Political Career and Scandals
4 min read•august 6, 2024
, Canada's first Prime Minister, shaped the nation's early political landscape. His favored a strong central government, while the opposed his policies. Macdonald's aimed to boost domestic industry and trade.
Macdonald's career was marked by achievements and scandals. The led to his temporary downfall, but he returned to power and oversaw the completion of the . His policies on western expansion and the creation of Manitoba had lasting impacts on Canada's development.
Early Political Career and National Policy
Macdonald's Rise to Power and Political Parties
Top images from around the web for Macdonald's Rise to Power and Political Parties
File:Canadian federal election, 1867 Results Map.svg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Electoral history of John A. Macdonald - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Canadian federal election, 1867 Results Map.svg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Canadian federal election, 1867 Results Map.svg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Electoral history of John A. Macdonald - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Macdonald's Rise to Power and Political Parties
File:Canadian federal election, 1867 Results Map.svg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Electoral history of John A. Macdonald - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Canadian federal election, 1867 Results Map.svg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Canadian federal election, 1867 Results Map.svg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Electoral history of John A. Macdonald - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's early political landscape
- Macdonald led the Conservative Party, which favored a strong central government and close ties to the British Empire
- The Liberal Party, led by , opposed Macdonald's policies and advocated for greater provincial autonomy
- The two parties dominated Canadian politics during the late 19th century, with Macdonald serving as Prime Minister for most of this period (1867-1873, 1878-1891)
The National Policy and Economic Development
- Macdonald introduced the National Policy, a comprehensive economic strategy aimed at promoting domestic industry and trade
- The National Policy included three main components:
- High tariffs on imported manufactured goods to protect Canadian industries
- Construction of a transcontinental railway to facilitate trade and settlement
- Encouragement of European immigration to settle the West and provide labor
- The National Policy aimed to create a self-sufficient, east-west economy within Canada, reducing dependence on the United States
Western Expansion and Land Distribution
- The of 1872 was enacted to encourage settlement in the western territories
- The Act provided free homesteads of 160 acres to settlers who agreed to cultivate the land and make improvements
- The Dominion Lands Act was a key component of Macdonald's vision for western expansion and
- The Act also set aside land for the construction of the transcontinental railway and for the use of the Hudson's Bay Company
Pacific Scandal and Canadian Pacific Railway
The Pacific Scandal and its Consequences
- The Pacific Scandal was a political controversy that erupted in 1873 during Macdonald's first term as Prime Minister
- The scandal involved allegations that Macdonald's Conservative government had accepted campaign funds from the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in exchange for the railway construction contract
- The revelations led to Macdonald's resignation and the collapse of his government, allowing the Liberal Party under Alexander Mackenzie to take power
- The Pacific Scandal damaged Macdonald's reputation and temporarily halted progress on the transcontinental railway project
The Canadian Pacific Railway and Nation-Building
- The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was a massive infrastructure project that aimed to connect the country from coast to coast
- Construction of the CPR began in 1881 and was completed in 1885, with the last spike driven at Craigellachie, British Columbia
- The CPR played a crucial role in the settlement and economic development of Western Canada, facilitating the transportation of goods, people, and resources
- The railway also symbolized the unification of the nation and helped to assert Canadian sovereignty over the western territories
- Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding its construction, the CPR remains an enduring symbol of Canadian nation-building and Macdonald's vision for the country
Western Expansion and Manitoba
The North-West Mounted Police and Law Enforcement
- The (NWMP) was established in 1873 to maintain law and order in the western territories
- The NWMP played a crucial role in asserting Canadian sovereignty, suppressing the whiskey trade, and establishing relationships with Indigenous peoples
- The NWMP's presence in the West helped to facilitate settlement and economic development by providing a sense of security and stability
- The NWMP later evolved into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which continues to serve as Canada's national police force
The Manitoba Act and the Creation of a New Province
- The of 1870 created the province of Manitoba, the first new province to join Confederation since 1867
- The Act was a response to the Red River Resistance, led by , which sought to protect the rights of the people in the face of westward expansion
- The Manitoba Act granted the Métis people 1.4 million acres of land, recognized their language rights, and established a provincial government
- The creation of Manitoba marked an important step in the westward expansion of Canada and the incorporation of new territories into the nation
- However, the implementation of the Manitoba Act and the treatment of the Métis people remained contentious issues, leading to further conflicts in the years to come
Key Terms to Review (15)
Alexander Mackenzie: Alexander Mackenzie was the second Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1873 to 1878. He is notable for being the first leader of a political party other than the Conservative Party to hold the office, representing the Liberal Party. His tenure was marked by efforts to promote economic development and infrastructure while facing challenges such as scandals and the fallout from the Pacific Scandal that had tarnished the previous government led by Sir John A. Macdonald.
Canadian Pacific Railway: The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) is a transcontinental railway that was completed in 1885, connecting Eastern Canada to British Columbia on the Pacific Coast. It played a critical role in uniting the country, facilitating trade, and promoting economic development, while also being a cornerstone of national policy and political ambitions.
Conservative Party: The Conservative Party is a major political party in Canada that traditionally supports free market policies, limited government intervention in the economy, and a strong national defense. This party played a significant role during the Confederation period, and its influence continued as it navigated various political challenges and scandals, particularly under the leadership of key figures like John A. Macdonald.
Constitutional Monarchy: A constitutional monarchy is a political system where a monarch acts as the head of state within the boundaries set by a constitution, which outlines the powers of government and guarantees individual rights. In such systems, the monarch's powers are limited by law, and there is typically an elected parliament that handles legislative functions. This setup creates a balance between ceremonial royal traditions and democratic governance, impacting how leadership is exercised in countries like Canada.
Dominion Lands Act: The Dominion Lands Act was a Canadian law enacted in 1872 that aimed to encourage settlement and agricultural development in the western territories by providing land at minimal cost to settlers. It played a significant role in facilitating westward expansion and the creation of Manitoba, while also reflecting the political and economic goals of leaders like John A. Macdonald during a time of rapid change in Canada.
Liberal Party: The Liberal Party in Canada is a political party that traditionally advocates for social liberalism, individual freedoms, and progressive policies. It emerged as a key player in Canadian politics, particularly under leaders like Wilfrid Laurier and later Justin Trudeau, emphasizing the need for compromise and adaptation to changing societal values. The party's principles often stood in contrast to the Conservative Party, reflecting broader political divides in Canada.
Louis Riel: Louis Riel was a Métis political and spiritual leader, known for his role in the Red River and North-West Rebellions in Canada. His actions highlighted the struggles of the Métis and Indigenous peoples, as he fought for their rights and recognition in the face of Canadian expansion and the challenges brought by Confederation.
Manitoba Act: The Manitoba Act was a piece of legislation passed in 1870 that created the province of Manitoba, establishing it as a response to the Red River Rebellion and addressing the rights and concerns of the Métis people. This act marked a significant moment in Canadian history as it aimed to integrate diverse populations and facilitate westward expansion while also highlighting the challenges faced during Confederation regarding minority rights and representation.
Métis: The Métis are a distinct cultural group in Canada, descended from Indigenous peoples and European settlers, particularly the French. They played a crucial role in the history of Canada, especially during the expansion into the West, the creation of Manitoba, and various conflicts involving Indigenous rights and governance.
Nation-building: Nation-building refers to the process of constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of the state. It involves the development of a sense of national unity, identity, and cohesion among citizens, often through policies, infrastructure development, and cultural integration. This concept is particularly relevant in understanding how leaders like Macdonald sought to unify Canada through various initiatives and face challenges during his political career.
National Policy: The National Policy was a set of economic measures introduced in Canada in the 1870s aimed at promoting national economic development through protective tariffs, railway expansion, and immigration. This policy sought to strengthen Canadian industry and economy while fostering national unity and reducing dependency on the United States.
North-West Mounted Police: The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was established in 1873 as a law enforcement agency in Canada's western territories, primarily tasked with maintaining order and enforcing laws during the settlement of the West. Created under Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, the NWMP played a crucial role in the development of Canada's western regions and the enforcement of treaties with Indigenous peoples, reflecting Macdonald's vision of national unity and expansion.
Pacific Scandal: The Pacific Scandal was a political controversy in Canada that erupted in the early 1870s, involving allegations of corruption in the awarding of a lucrative contract for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. This scandal led to significant political fallout, including the resignation of Prime Minister John A. Macdonald and a profound shift in public trust towards the government and its leaders.
Responsible Government: Responsible government is a political system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the support of the legislature and is accountable to it. This concept emphasizes that elected representatives should have control over governmental actions, and it establishes a crucial link between the government and the electorate, allowing citizens to influence governance through their elected officials. The establishment of responsible government was vital in shaping Canada’s political landscape, particularly during the formation of the Dominion, key negotiations for Confederation, and the career of influential leaders.
Sir John A. Macdonald: Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891. He played a crucial role in shaping Canada as a nation, particularly through his efforts in establishing the Canadian Pacific Railway and navigating various political challenges during his time in office.