| Arthur Meighen | |
|---|---|
| File:Arthur Meighen 1920.jpg Arthur Meighen in 1920 |
|
| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | July 10, 1920 – December 29, 1921 |
| Monarch | George V |
| Governor General | The Duke of Devonshire |
| Preceded by | Sir Robert Borden |
| Succeeded by | William Lyon Mackenzie King |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 16, 1874 Anderson, Ontario |
| Died | August 5, 1960 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Conservative |
Arthur Meighen (June 16, 1874 – August 5, 1960) was the ninth Prime Minister of Canada, serving two short terms: 1920–1921 and 1926. Known as a skilled debater and orator, he led the Conservative Party during a politically unstable period.
Early life and education
Meighen was born in Anderson, Ontario (near St. Marys). He studied mathematics at the University of Toronto before pursuing a career in law. His sharp intellect and eloquence soon propelled him into politics.
Political career
Meighen was elected to the House of Commons in 1908 as a Conservative. He served in several cabinet roles under Robert Borden, including Solicitor General and Minister of the Interior. He played a key role in defending the government’s conscription policies during World War I.
Prime Ministership
Meighen became Prime Minister in 1920 after Robert Borden’s retirement. His government faced postwar economic challenges, labour unrest, and growing political divisions. The Conservatives were defeated in the 1921 federal election by William Lyon Mackenzie King’s Liberals.
Meighen briefly returned as Prime Minister in 1926 during the King–Byng Affair, when Governor General Lord Byng refused King’s request to dissolve Parliament. However, his government lasted less than three months before being defeated in the subsequent election.
Later life and death
After his second defeat, Meighen continued to lead the Conservative Party but struggled to regain popularity. He left politics in 1927, later serving in the Senate from 1932 to 1942. He died in Toronto in 1960 at the age of 86.
Legacy
Meighen is remembered for his intellectual strength and debating skills but is often considered unlucky in politics. His two short terms highlight one of the most turbulent eras in Canadian parliamentary history.
See also
FAQs
Q: How many times did Arthur Meighen serve as Prime Minister? A: Twice — first from 1920 to 1921, and briefly in 1926.
Q: What was the King–Byng Affair? A: A 1926 constitutional crisis when Governor General Lord Byng refused Mackenzie King’s request to dissolve Parliament, leading to Meighen briefly becoming Prime Minister.
Q: What was Meighen’s political style? A: He was known as a sharp debater and strong orator, but often struggled with public popularity.