Arthur Meighen: A Life in Politics

Arthur Meighen was one of Canada's most important and controversial prime ministers. He served twice, from 1920 to 1921 and from 1926 to 1927. During his time in office, he faced a number of challenges, including the Winnipeg General Strike, the Chanak Crisis, and the Great Depression.

Meighen was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a brilliant orator and a skilled politician, but he was also known for his stubbornness and his lack of charisma. He was a staunch conservative, and he opposed many of the progressive reforms that were being introduced in the early 20th century.

Arthur Meighen

by Sarah Prineas

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	177 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	54 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Meighen's life and career have been the subject of much debate. Some historians have praised him as a great leader who saved Canada from communism during the Winnipeg General Strike. Others have criticized him as a reactionary who was out of touch with the needs of the Canadian people.

In her new biography, Sarah Prineas provides a fresh and insightful look at Meighen's life and career. Drawing on new research, Prineas challenges many of the traditional interpretations of Meighen. She argues that he was not a simple conservative, but rather a complex and nuanced figure who was committed to both tradition and progress.

Prineas's biography is a major contribution to the historiography of Canadian politics. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Canadian history or in the life of one of Canada's most important prime ministers.

Early Life and Career

Arthur Meighen was born in Perth, Ontario, on June 16, 1874. He was the son of a Methodist minister and a schoolteacher. Meighen was a bright and ambitious child, and he excelled in school. He attended the University of Toronto, where he studied law. After graduating, he practiced law in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

Meighen entered politics in 1908, when he was elected to the House of Commons as a Conservative. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party, and in 1913 he was appointed Minister of Justice. In this role, he played a key role in the development of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Prime Minister

Meighen became Prime Minister in 1920, after the death of Sir Robert Borden. He faced a number of challenges during his first term in office, including the Winnipeg General Strike and the Chanak Crisis. The Winnipeg General Strike was a major labour dispute that paralyzed the city of Winnipeg for six weeks. Meighen sent in federal troops to break the strike, which led to widespread unrest. The Chanak Crisis was a diplomatic crisis that arose when Turkey threatened to invade Greece. Meighen sent Canadian troops to help defend Greece, but the crisis was eventually resolved peacefully.

Meighen lost the 1921 election to the Liberals, but he returned to power in 1926. His second term was marked by the Great Depression. Meighen's government introduced a number of measures to try to stimulate the economy, but the Depression continued to worsen. Meighen lost the 1927 election to the Liberals, and he never held public office again.

Later Life

After his defeat in 1927, Meighen retired from politics. He spent his remaining years writing and lecturing. He also served as the Chancellor of McGill University from 1930 to 1934. Meighen died in Toronto on August 5, 1960.

Legacy

Arthur Meighen was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant orator and a skilled politician, but he was also known for his stubbornness and his lack of charisma. He was a staunch conservative, and he opposed many of the progressive reforms that were being introduced in the early 20th century.

Meighen's legacy is still debated today. Some historians have praised him as a great leader who saved Canada from communism during the Winnipeg General Strike. Others have criticized him as a reactionary who was out of touch with the needs of the Canadian people.

Arthur Meighen was one of Canada's most important and controversial prime ministers. He served twice, from 1920 to 1921 and from 1926 to 1927. During his time in office, he faced a number of challenges, including the Winnipeg General Strike, the Chanak Crisis, and the Great Depression.

Meighen was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a brilliant orator and a skilled politician, but he was also known for his stubbornness and his lack of charisma. He was a staunch conservative, and he opposed many of the progressive reforms that were being introduced in the early 20th century.

Meighen's life and career have been the subject of much debate. Some historians have praised him as a great leader who saved Canada from communism during the Winnipeg General Strike. Others have criticized him as a reactionary who was out of touch with the needs of the Canadian people.

In her new biography, Sarah Prineas provides a fresh and insightful look at Meighen's life and career. Drawing on new research, Prineas challenges many of the traditional interpretations of Meighen. She argues that he was not a simple conservative, but rather a complex and nuanced figure who was committed to both tradition and progress.

Prineas's biography is a major contribution to the historiography of Canadian politics. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Canadian history or in the life of one of Canada's most important prime ministers.

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Image of Arthur Meighen

Image Description: A black-and-white photo of Arthur Meighen, looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a dark suit and tie, and his hair is combed back. He has a strong jaw and a determined expression.

Arthur Meighen

by Sarah Prineas

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	177 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	54 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE