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Sir John Macdonald: The First Prime Minister of Canada

Quincy Ward

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Published in Nation Maker: Sir John A Macdonald: His Life Our Times

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Nation Maker: Sir John A. Macdonald: His Life, Our Times

by Richard J. Gwyn

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Sir John Alexander Macdonald (January 11, 1815 – June 6, 1891) was a Scottish-Canadian politician who served as the first prime minister of Canada from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891. He was one of the Fathers of Confederation, and his policies played a major role in the development of Canada's political and economic systems.

Macdonald was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1815. He immigrated to Canada in 1820 with his family. He studied law and was called to the bar in 1836. He entered politics in 1844, and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada in 1847. He served as attorney general for Upper Canada from 1847 to 1851, and as premier of the Province of Canada from 1856 to 1867.

In 1867, Macdonald played a leading role in the Confederation of Canada. He was one of the delegates to the Charlottetown Conference and the Québec Conference, and he helped to draft the British North America Act, which created the Dominion of Canada. Macdonald became the first prime minister of Canada on July 1, 1867.

During his first term as prime minister, Macdonald oversaw the expansion of the Canadian economy and the development of the Canadian railway system. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Macdonald was re-elected in 1872, but he was defeated in 1873 by Alexander Mackenzie. He returned to power in 1878, and he served as prime minister until his death in 1891.

Macdonald was a controversial figure. He was accused of corruption and of being too close to big business. However, he was also a great nation-builder. He played a major role in the development of Canada into a modern, industrial country.

Macdonald's Legacy

Macdonald's legacy is complex. He is admired for his role in the Confederation of Canada and for his nation-building policies. However, he is also criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and for his treatment of Indigenous peoples.

Despite the controversies, Macdonald remains one of the most important figures in Canadian history. He was a brilliant politician and a visionary leader. He played a major role in shaping the country that we know today.

Sir John Macdonald, First Prime Minister Of Canada Nation Maker: Sir John A Macdonald: His Life Our Times