Alexander Mackenzie
| Alexander Mackenzie | |
|---|---|
| File:Alexander Mackenzie 1874.jpg Alexander Mackenzie in 1874 |
|
| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | November 7, 1873 – October 8, 1878 |
| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Governor General | The Earl of Dufferin |
| Preceded by | Sir John A. Macdonald |
| Succeeded by | Sir John A. Macdonald |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 28, 1822 Logierait, Perthshire, Scotland |
| Died | April 17, 1892 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
Alexander Mackenzie (January 28, 1822 – April 17, 1892) was the second Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1873 to 1878. He was the country’s first Liberal Prime Minister and was known for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to parliamentary reform.
Early life and education
Mackenzie was born in Logierait, Scotland, and apprenticed as a stonemason before immigrating to Canada in 1842. He settled in Ontario (then Upper Canada), where he became a respected contractor and builder. Largely self-educated, he developed a reputation for discipline and hard work.
Political career
Mackenzie entered politics as a reform-minded member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada. After Confederation in 1867, he was elected to the House of Commons as a member of the Liberal Party. His straightforward style contrasted with the more charismatic John A. Macdonald.
Prime Ministership
Mackenzie became Prime Minister following the resignation of Sir John A. Macdonald’s government during the Pacific Scandal in 1873. His major achievements included:
- Establishing the Supreme Court of Canada (1875).
- Creating the Royal Military College of Canada.
- Introducing the secret ballot in Canadian elections.
- Expanding voting rights beyond property owners.
Despite his reforms, Mackenzie faced economic challenges following the Panic of 1873. His government lost popularity, and the Liberals were defeated in 1878, returning Macdonald to office.
Later life and death
After leaving office, Mackenzie remained active as a Member of Parliament until his death in 1892. He died in Toronto and was buried in Sarnia, Ontario.
Legacy
Mackenzie is remembered for his modest lifestyle and dedication to democratic principles. Though less flamboyant than Macdonald, his reforms left lasting institutions in Canadian governance.
See also
FAQs
Q: What years did Alexander Mackenzie serve as Prime Minister? A: From November 7, 1873, to October 8, 1878.
Q: What were Mackenzie’s main achievements? A: Founding the Supreme Court of Canada, creating the Royal Military College, and introducing the secret ballot.
Q: Why did his government fall? A: Economic difficulties during the global depression following the Panic of 1873 weakened his popularity, leading to defeat in 1878.