Charles Tupper
| Sir Charles Tupper | |
|---|---|
| File:Charles Tupper 1896.jpg Sir Charles Tupper in 1896 |
|
| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | May 1, 1896 – July 8, 1896 |
| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Governor General | The Earl of Aberdeen |
| Preceded by | Sir Mackenzie Bowell |
| Succeeded by | Sir Wilfrid Laurier |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 2, 1821 Amherst, Nova Scotia |
| Died | October 30, 1915 Bexleyheath, England |
| Political party | Conservative |
Sir Charles Tupper, 1st Baronet (July 2, 1821 – October 30, 1915) was the sixth Prime Minister of Canada, serving from May 1 to July 8, 1896. His tenure of 69 days is the shortest in Canadian history. Despite this, Tupper had a long and influential political career, particularly as a Father of Confederation.
Early life and education
Tupper was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and returned to Canada to practice as a physician. His reputation and leadership soon led him into politics.
Political career
Tupper served as Premier of Nova Scotia from 1864 to 1867, where he became one of the strongest advocates for Confederation. At the federal level, he held several key cabinet positions, including Minister of Railways and Canals, Minister of Finance, and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Prime Ministership
Tupper became Prime Minister in May 1896 after the resignation of Sir Mackenzie Bowell. He led the Conservatives into the 1896 federal election but was defeated by the Liberals under Wilfrid Laurier.
His brief time as Prime Minister was marked by attempts to resolve the Manitoba Schools Question, but he left office before any resolution was achieved.
Later life and death
After his electoral defeat, Tupper remained active in politics for several years before retiring to England. He died there in 1915 at the age of 94, making him the longest-lived Canadian Prime Minister.
Legacy
Although his time as Prime Minister was short, Tupper’s role as a Father of Confederation and his long political career left a significant impact on Canadian history.
See also
FAQs
Q: Who served the shortest term as Prime Minister of Canada? A: Sir Charles Tupper, who served only 69 days in 1896.
Q: What was Tupper’s main contribution to Canadian history? A: He was a Father of Confederation and a key advocate for Nova Scotia’s entry into Confederation.
Q: Where did Tupper die? A: He died in Bexleyheath, England, in 1915.