Louis St. Laurent: Difference between revisions
Created page with "{{Infobox officeholder | name = Louis St. Laurent | image = Louis_St_Laurent_1951.jpg | caption = Louis St. Laurent in 1951 | order = 12th Prime Minister of Canada | term_start = November 15, 1948 | term_end = June 21, 1957 | monarch = George VI; Elizabeth II | governor_general = Viscount Alexander; Vincent Massey | predecessor = William Lyon Mackenzie King | successor = John Diefenbaker | birth_date = February 1, 1882 | birth_place = Co..." |
|||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
== Early life and education == | == Early life and education == | ||
St. Laurent was born in Compton, Quebec, to a bilingual family. He studied law at Laval University, where he excelled in constitutional law. He became a respected lawyer, often arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. | St. Laurent was born in Compton, [[Quebec]], to a bilingual family. He studied law at Laval University, where he excelled in constitutional law. He became a respected lawyer, often arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. | ||
== Political career == | == Political career == | ||
Latest revision as of 17:18, 19 September 2025
| Louis St. Laurent | |
|---|---|
| File:Louis St Laurent 1951.jpg Louis St. Laurent in 1951 |
|
| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | November 15, 1948 – June 21, 1957 |
| Monarch | George VI; Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Viscount Alexander; Vincent Massey |
| Preceded by | William Lyon Mackenzie King |
| Succeeded by | John Diefenbaker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 1, 1882 Compton, Quebec |
| Died | July 25, 1973 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
Louis Stephen St. Laurent (February 1, 1882 – July 25, 1973) was the 12th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1948 to 1957. Known for his calm, dignified style, he oversaw a period of postwar prosperity and modernization.
Early life and education
St. Laurent was born in Compton, Quebec, to a bilingual family. He studied law at Laval University, where he excelled in constitutional law. He became a respected lawyer, often arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Political career
St. Laurent entered politics in 1941 at the request of Prime Minister Mackenzie King, becoming Minister of Justice. His ability to bridge English and French Canada quickly made him a central figure in the Liberal government. In 1948, he succeeded King as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister.
Prime Ministership
St. Laurent’s government presided over major developments, including:
- Admitting Newfoundland as Canada’s 10th province (1949).
- Expanding social programs and infrastructure, including the Trans-Canada Highway and St. Lawrence Seaway.
- Supporting Canada’s active role in international organizations like NATO and the United Nations.
- Encouraging economic growth during the postwar boom.
He was affectionately nicknamed “Uncle Louis” for his approachable manner, but his government later faced criticism for appearing complacent.
Later life and death
St. Laurent lost the 1957 election to John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservatives. He retired from politics and returned to private legal practice. He died in Quebec City in 1973 at the age of 91.
Legacy
St. Laurent is remembered as a steady leader who guided Canada through a transformative period. His policies strengthened national unity, modernized infrastructure, and deepened Canada’s role in global affairs.
See also
FAQs
Q: What was Louis St. Laurent’s nickname? A: He was affectionately called “Uncle Louis.”
Q: What was his biggest domestic achievement? A: Bringing Newfoundland into Confederation in 1949.
Q: How long was St. Laurent Prime Minister? A: Nearly nine years, from 1948 to 1957.