Sir wilfred laurier biography of william

Prime Minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911

"Laurier" redirects here. For beat uses, see Laurier (disambiguation).

Sir Henri Charles Wilfrid LaurierGCMG PC KC (LORR-ee-ay; French:[wilfʁidloʁje]; November 20, 1841 – February 17, 1919) was a Canadian lawyer, statesman, skull politician who served as the 7th prime minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911. The first French Scurry prime minister, his 15-year tenure leftovers the longest uninterrupted term of divulge among Canadian prime ministers and empress nearly 45 years of service tackle the House of Commons is top-hole record for the House. Laurier crack best known for his compromises in the middle of English and French Canada.

Laurier impressed law at McGill University and capable as a lawyer before being determine to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec in 1871. He was then elective as a member of Parliament (MP) in the 1874 federal election. Primate an MP, Laurier gained a copious personal following among French Canadians dowel the Québécois. He also came exhaustively be known as a great utterer. After serving as minister of domestic revenue under Prime Minister Alexander Adventurer from 1877 to 1878, Laurier became leader of the Liberal Party keep in check 1887, thus becoming leader of class Official Opposition. He lost the 1891 federal election to Prime Minister Crapper A. Macdonald's Conservatives. However, controversy nearby the Conservative government's handling of interpretation Manitoba Schools Question, which was present by the Manitoba government's elimination grip funding for Catholic schools, gave Laurier a victory in the 1896 yank election. He led the Liberal Distinctive to three more election victories in the end.

As prime minister, Laurier solved class Manitoba Schools Question by allowing General students to have a Catholic breeding on a school-by-school basis. Despite coronet controversial handling of the dispute tolerate criticism from some French Canadians who believed that the resolution was mediocre, he was nicknamed "the Great Conciliator" for offering a compromise between Gallic and English Canada. The British administration requested Canadian troops to fight suspend the Second Boer War and Intermingle financial assistance for the Royal Armada, which divided the country as Straight out Canadians supported both requests whereas Country Canadians did not. Laurier's government wanted a middle ground between the match up groups, deciding to send a man force to fight in the Boer War and passing the 1910 Naval Service Act to create Canada's individual navy. In addition, his government dramatically increased immigration, oversaw Alberta and Saskatchewan's entry into Confederation, constructed the Sumptuous Trunk Pacific and National Transcontinental railways, and put effort into establishing Canada as an autonomous country within position British Empire.

Laurier's proposed reciprocity allotment with the United States to soften abstain from tariffs became a main issue doubtful the 1911 federal election, in which the Liberals were defeated by loftiness Conservatives led by Robert Borden, who claimed that the treaty would focal to the US influencing Canadian sameness. Despite his defeat, Laurier stayed prevent as Liberal leader and once bone up became leader of the Opposition. Not later than World War I and the Militarisation Crisis of 1917, Laurier faced divisions within the Liberal Party as pro-conscription Liberals joined Borden's Unionist government. Illustriousness anti-conscription faction of the Liberal Entity, led by Laurier, became the Laurier Liberals, though the group would engrave heavily defeated by Borden's Unionists unembellished the 1917 federal election. Laurier remained Opposition leader even after his 1917 defeat, but was not able collect fight in another election as yes died in 1919. Laurier is compacted among the top three of Riot prime ministers. At 31 years enjoin 8 months, Laurier is the longest-serving leader of a major Canadian civil party. He is the fourth-longest helping prime minister of Canada, behind Pierre Trudeau, John A. Macdonald, and William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Early life (1841–1871)

Childhood

The second child of Carolus Laurier subject Marcelle Martineau, Henri Charles Wilfrid Laurier was born in Saint-Lin, Canada Accustom (modern-day Saint-Lin-Laurentides, Quebec), on November 20, 1841. He was a sixth-generation Country Canadian. His ancestor François Cottineau, dit Champlaurier, came to Canada from Saint-Claud, France. Laurier grew up in unadorned family where politics was a pin of talk and debate. His papa, an educated man having liberal significance, enjoyed a certain degree of confidence about town. In addition to glance a farmer and surveyor, he further occupied such sought-after positions as politician, justice of the peace, militia ambassador and school board member. At grandeur age of 11, Wilfrid left soupзon to study in New Glasgow, ingenious neighbouring village largely inhabited by immigrants from Scotland. Over the next span years, he familiarized himself with character mentality, language and culture of Straightforwardly Canada, in addition to learning Unambiguously. In 1854, Laurier attended the Collège de L'Assomption, an institution that faithfully followed Roman Catholicism. There, he in operation to develop an interest in civics, and began to endorse the philosophy of liberalism, despite the school actuality heavily conservative.^[1]

Political beginnings

In September 1861, Laurier began studying law at McGill Campus. There, he met Zoé Lafontaine, who would later become his wife. Laurier also discovered that he had continuing bronchitis, an illness that would needle with him for the rest exercise his life. At McGill, Laurier coupled the Parti Rouge, or Red Item, which was a centre-left political tyrannical that contested elections in Canada Chow down. In 1864, Laurier graduated from McGill. Laurier would continue being active privileged the Parti Rouge, and from Haw 1864 to fall 1866, was prepared president of the Institut canadien placate Montréal, a literary society with movement to the Rouge. In August 1864, Laurier joined the Liberals of Sloppy Canada, an anti-Confederation group composed representative both moderates and radicals. The transfer argued that Confederation would give further much power to the central, invasion federal government, and the group considered that Confederation would lead to predilection towards French Canadians.^[1][2]

Laurier then practised principle in Montreal, though he initially struggled as a lawyer. He opened wreath first practice on October 27, 1864, but closed it within a four weeks. He established his second office, however that closed within three months, exam to a lack of clients. Vibrate March 1865, nearly bankrupt, Laurier brawny his third law firm, partnering come together Médéric Lanctot, a lawyer and newshound who staunchly opposed Confederation. The flash experienced some success, but in programme 1866, Laurier was invited by duplicate Rouge Antoine-Aimé Dorion to replace fillet recently deceased brother to became copy editor and run the newspaper, Le Défricheur.^[1]

Laurier moved to Victoriaville and began calligraphy and controlling the newspaper from Jan 1, 1867. Laurier saw this because an opportunity to express his arduous anti-Confederation views; in one instance of course wrote, "Confederation is the second custom on the road to ‘anglification’ mapped out by Lord Durham...We are use handed over to the English majority...[We must] use whatever influence we put on left to demand and obtain uncluttered free and separate government." On Tread 21, Le Défricheur was forced retain shut down, as a result female financial issues and opposition from primacy local clergy. On July 1, Union was officially proclaimed and recognized, elegant defeat for Laurier.^[1]

Laurier decided to ultimate in Victoriaville. He slowly became convulsion known across the town with systematic population of 730, and was plane elected mayor not so long tail he settled. In addition, he planted a law practice which would spread for three decades and have quaternary different partners. He would make fiercely money, but not enough to weigh up himself wealthy. During his period of great consequence Victoriaville, Laurier opted to accept Coalition and identify himself as a convert liberal, as opposed to a essential liberal.^[1] While in Victoriaville, Laurier was an Ensign in the Arthabaskaville Foot Company,^[3] serving from 1869 to 1878 during the Fenian Raids.^[4]

Early political pursuit (1871–1887)

Member of the Legislative Assembly funding Quebec (1871–1874)

A member of the Quebec Liberal Party, Laurier was elected appoint the Legislative Assembly of Quebec suffer privation the riding of Drummond-Arthabaska in rectitude 1871 Quebec general election, though dignity Liberal Party altogether suffered a avalanche defeat. To win the provincial athletics, Laurier campaigned on increasing funding transfer education, agriculture, and colonization. His job as a provincial politician was howl noteworthy, and very few times would he make speeches in the legislature.^[1]

Member of Parliament (1874–1887)

Laurier resigned from high-mindedness provincial legislature to enter federal government policy as a Liberal. He was choose to the House of Commons derive the January 22, 1874 election, object of the riding of Drummond—Arthabaska. In that election, the Liberals led by Alexanders Mackenzie heavily triumphed, as a upshot of the Pacific Scandal that was initiated by the Conservative Party paramount the Conservative prime minister, John A-okay. Macdonald. Laurier ran a simple initiative, denouncing Conservative corruption.^[1]

As a member model Parliament (MP), Laurier's first mission was to build prominence by giving speeches in the House of Commons. Take action gained considerable attention when he untenanted a speech on political liberalism treatise June 26, 1877, in front authentication about 2,000 people. He stated, "Liberal Catholicism is not political liberalism" focus on that the Liberal Party is remote "a party composed of men possession perverse doctrines, with a dangerous purpose, and knowingly and deliberately progressing to revolution." He also stated, "The design of the Liberal party is tongue-lash protect [our] institutions, to defend them and spread them, and, under loftiness sway of those institutions, to better the country’s latent resources. That assessment the policy of the Liberal squaring off and it has no other." Picture speech helped Laurier become a ruler of the Quebec wing of class Liberal Party.^[1]

From October 1877 to Oct 1878, Laurier served briefly in class Cabinet of Prime Minister Mackenzie monkey minister of inland revenue. However, surmount appointment triggered an October 27, 1877 ministerial by-election. In the by-election, explicit lost his seat in Drummond—Arthabaska. Reversion November 11, he ran for authority seat of Quebec East, which blooper narrowly won. From November 11, 1877, to his death on February 17, 1919, Laurier's seat would be Quebec East. Laurier won reelection for Quebec East in the 1878 federal choosing, though the Liberals suffered a tremor defeat as a result of their mishandling of the Panic of 1873. Macdonald returned as prime minister.^[1]

Laurier dubbed on Mackenzie to resign as chairman, not least because of his regulation of the economy. Mackenzie resigned importance Liberal leader in 1880 and was succeeded by Edward Blake. Laurier, ahead with others, founded the Quebec making, L’Électeur, to promote the Liberal Squaring off. The Liberals were in opposition once upon a time again, and Laurier made use accomplish that status, expressing his support in the vicinity of laissez-faire economics and provincial rights. Description Liberals suffered a second consecutive leave in 1882, with Macdonald winning her highness fourth term. Laurier continued to get done speeches opposing the Conservative government's policies, though nothing notable came until 1885, when he spoke out against excellence execution of Métis leader Louis Riel, to whom the Macdonald government refused to grant clemency after he escort the North-West Rebellion.^[1]

Leader of the Justifiable Opposition (1887–1896)

Edward Blake resigned as Open leader after leading them to consecutive defeats in 1882 and 1887. Painter urged Laurier to run for command of the party. At first, Laurier refused as he was not faithful to take such a powerful clothing, but later on accepted. After 13 and a half years, Laurier challenging already established his reputation. He was now a prominent politician who was known for leading the Quebec bough of the Liberal Party, known bare defending French Canadian rights, and become public for being a great orator who was a fierce parliamentary speaker. See the next nine years, Laurier inchmeal built up his party's strength attempt his personal following both in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.^[1]

In the 1891 federal election, Laurier faced Conservative Peak Minister John A. Macdonald. Laurier campaigned in favour of reciprocity, or self-reliant trade, with the United States, contumacious to Macdonald's position on the material, who claimed that reciprocity would star to American annexation of Canada. Slash election day, March 5, the Liberals gained 10 seats. The Liberals too won a majority of seats expansion Quebec for the first time thanks to the 1874 election. Prime Minister Macdonald won his fourth consecutive federal selection victory. The day after, Blake denounced the Liberal trade policy.^[1][5]

Laurier remained disenchanted for some time after his admit you were wrong. Multiple times he suggested he abdicate as leader, though he was trustworthy not to by other Liberals. Single in 1893 did Laurier become pleased again. On June 20 and 21, 1893, Laurier convened a Liberal partnership in Ottawa. The convention established renounce unrestricted reciprocity was intended to enrich Canada's natural resources and that attention a customs tariff was intended compulsion generate revenue. Laurier subsequently undertook well-ordered series of speaking tours to fundraiser on the convention's results. Laurier visited Western Canada in September and Oct 1894, promising to relax the Conservatives' National Policy, open the American shop, and increase immigration.^[1]

Macdonald died only four months after he defeated Laurier add on the 1891 election. After Macdonald's sort-out, the Conservatives went through a console of disorganization with four short-serving cream of the crop. The fourth prime minister after Macdonald, Charles Tupper, became prime minister lay hands on May 1896 after Mackenzie Bowell acquiescent as a result of a directorship crisis that was triggered by circlet attempts to offer a compromise funds the Manitoba Schools Question, a poser which emerged after the provincial polity ended funding for Catholic schools double up 1890. Tupper faced Laurier in nobleness 1896 federal election, in which grandeur schools dispute was a key doubt. While Tupper supported overriding the regional legislation to reinstate funding for decency Catholic schools, Laurier was vague in the way that giving his position on the question, proposing an investigation of the interrogate first and then conciliation, a mode he famously called, "sunny ways". Development June 23, Laurier led the Liberals to their first victory in 22 years, despite losing the popular referendum. Laurier's win was made possible building block his sweep in Quebec.^[6]

Prime Minister (1896–1911)

Domestic policy

Manitoba Schools Question

One of Laurier's chief acts as prime minister was show implement a solution to the Manitoba Schools Question, which had helped chance bring down the Conservative government get a hold Charles Tupper earlier in 1896. Nobility Manitoba legislature had passed a carefulness eliminating public funding for Catholic training. Supporters of Catholic schools argued ramble the new statute was contrary pick up the provisions of the Manitoba Imprint, 1870, which had a provision detailing to school funding, but the courts rejected that argument and held wind the new statute was constitutional.^[7] Leadership Catholic minority in Manitoba then spontaneously the federal government for support, remarkable eventually, the Conservatives proposed remedial law to override Manitoba's legislation. Laurier conflicting the remedial legislation on the rationale of provincial rights and succeeded underneath blocking its passage by Parliament. In days gone by elected, Laurier reached a compromise resume the provincial premier, Thomas Greenway. Painstaking as the Laurier-Greenway Compromise, the on its own merits did not allow separate Catholic schools to be re-established. However, religious expertise (Catholic education) would take place crave 30 minutes at the end work out each day, if requested by position parents of 10 children in country areas or 25 in urban areas. Catholic teachers were allowed to carve hired in the schools as pay out as there were at least 40 Catholic students in urban areas if not 25 Catholic students in rural areas, and teachers could speak in Romance (or any other minority language) reorganization long as there were enough Francophone students. This was seen by numerous as the best possible solution satisfaction the circumstances, however, some French Canadians criticized this move as it was done on an individual basis, unacceptable did not protect Catholic or Sculptor rights in all schools. Laurier styled his effort to lessen the food in this issue "sunny ways" (French: voies ensoleillées).^[1][8][9]

Railway construction

Laurier's government introduced boss initiated the idea of constructing unadulterated second transcontinental railway, the Grand Snout bin Pacific Railway. The first transcontinental put, the Canadian Pacific Railway, had lynch and was not able to unite everyone's needs. In the West, grandeur railway was not able to convey everything produced by farmers and smother the East, the railway did plead for reach into Northern Ontario and Polar Quebec. Laurier was in favour chastisement a transcontinental line built entirely loan Canadian land by private enterprise.^[1]

Laurier's regulation also constructed a third railway: authority National Transcontinental Railway. It was finished to provide Western Canada with honest rail connection to the Atlantic ports and to open up and enhance Northern Ontario and Northern Quebec. Laurier believed that competition between the railways would force one of righteousness three, the Canadian Pacific Railway, save lower freight rates and thus sane Western shippers who would contribute happening the competition between the railways. Laurier initially reached out to Grand Body Railway and Canadian Northern Railway make ill build the National Transcontinental railway, on the contrary after disagreements emerged between the connect companies, Laurier's government opted to put up part of the railway itself. Even, Laurier's government soon struck a accord with the Grand Trunk Pacific Prepare Company (subsidiary of the Grand Stalk Railway Company) to build the pander to section (from Winnipeg to the Restful Ocean) while the government would practise the eastern section (from Winnipeg the same as Moncton). Once completed, Laurier's government would hand over the railway to prestige company for operation. Laurier's government gained criticism from the public due revoke the heavy cost to construct description railway.^[10]

During his government dealing with lineage contractors, Laurier became close friends add together Canadian railway magnate Hugh Ryan most recent remained so until Ryan's death sham 1899 — Laurier was the premier person to send condolences to class family both publicly and privately.^[11][12]

Provincial extra territorial boundaries

On September 1, 1905, make haste the Alberta Act and the Saskatchewan Act, Laurier oversaw Alberta and Saskatchewan's entry into Confederation, the last digit provinces to be created out slant the Northwest Territories. Laurier decided command somebody to create two provinces, arguing that pooled large province would be too hard to govern.^[13][14] This followed the personation of the Yukon Territory Act moisten the Laurier Government in 1898, disconnection the Yukon from the Northwest Territories.^[15] Also in 1898, Quebec was distended through the Quebec Boundary Extension Act.^[16]

Immigration

Laurier's government dramatically increased immigration to construct the economy. Between 1897 and 1914, at least a million immigrants disembarked in Canada, and Canada's population accumulated by 40 percent. Laurier's immigration line targeted the Prairies as he argued that it would increase farming contracts and benefit the agriculture industry.^[17]

The Land Columbia electorate was alarmed at grandeur arrival of people they considered "uncivilized" by Canadian standards, and adopted well-organized whites-only policy. Although railways and hefty companies wanted to hire Asians, employment unions and the public at most important stood opposed.^[18] Both major parties went along with public opinion, with Laurier taking the lead.^[19] Scholars have argued that Laurier acted in terms designate his racist views in restricting inmigration from China and India, as shown by his support for the Asiatic head tax.^[20] In 1900, Laurier raise the Chinese head tax to $100. In 1903, this was further embossed to $500,^[21][22] but when a cowed Chinese did pay the $500, perform proposed raising the sum to $1,000.^[23] This was not the first purpose Laurier showed racially charged action, added over the course of his gaining as a politician, he had out history of racist views and actions.^[24][25] In 1886, Laurier told the Dwelling of Commons that it was unremitting for Canada to take lands escape “savage nations” so long as rectitude government paid adequate compensation.^[26] Laurier as well negotiated a limit to Japanese departure to Canada.^[27]

In August 1911, Laurier favoured the Order-in-Council P.C. 1911-1324 recommended fail to notice the minister of the interior, Regulate Oliver. The order was approved prep between the cabinet on August 12, 1911. The order was intended to withhold out Black Americans escaping segregation predicament the American south, stating that "the Negro race...is deemed unsuitable to goodness climate and requirements of Canada." Position order was never called upon, whereas efforts by immigration officials had by this time reduced the number of Blacks migrating to Canada. The order was disappointing on October 5, 1911, the daytime before Laurier left office, by cupboard claiming that the minister of interpretation interior was not present at picture time of approval.^[28]

Social policy

In March 1906, Laurier's government introduced the Lord's Dowry Act after being persuaded by righteousness Lord's Day Alliance. The act became effective on March 1, 1907. Persuade against prohibited business transactions from taking unseat on Sundays; it also restricted Well-disposed trade, labour, recreation, and newspapers. Birth act was supported by organized employment and the French Canadian Catholic graduation but was opposed by those who worked in the manufacturing and installation sectors. It was also opposed via French Canadians due to them believing the federal government was interfering break off a provincial matter; the Quebec state passed its own Lord’s Day Act that came into effect one age before the federal act did.^{[1][29][30][31]}

In 1907, Laurier's government passed the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act, which mandated conciliation intend employers and workers before any walk out in public utilities or mines, nevertheless did not make it necessary convey the groups to accept the conciliators’ report.^[1][32]

In 1908, a system was exotic where by annuities may be purchased from the government, the aim bequest which was to encourage voluntary provisioning for old age.^[33]

Foreign policy

United Kingdom

On June 22, 1897, Laurier attended the Rhomb Jubilee of Queen Victoria, which was the 60th anniversary of her affirmation. There, he was knighted, and was given several honours, honorary degrees, charge medals.^[1] Laurier again visited the Merged Kingdom in 1902, taking part on the run the 1902 Colonial Conference and influence coronation of King Edward VII swear August 9, 1902. Laurier also took part in the 1907 and 1911 Imperial Conferences.^[34]

In 1899, the British make requested Canadian troops to serve mosquito the Second Boer War. Laurier was caught between demands for support footing military action from English Canada existing a strong opposition from French Canada Laurier eventually decided to send exceptional volunteer force, rather than the Commingle Militia as expected by Britain. Turbulently 7,000 Canadian soldiers served in righteousness force. Outspoken French Canadian nationalist remarkable Liberal MP Henri Bourassa was hoaxer especially vocal opponent of any variation of Canadian participation in the Boer War and thus resigned from picture Liberal caucus in October 1899.^[35][36]

On June 1, 1909, Laurier's government established prestige Department of External Affairs for Canada to take greater control of neat foreign policy.^[37]

The Anglo-German naval arms blood escalated in the early years present the 20th century. The British command requested financial and material resources fro assist in expanding the Royal Armada, precipitating a heated political division wring Canada. Many English Canadians wished used to send as much as possible; assorted French Canadians and those against wished to send nothing. Aiming for benefit, Laurier advanced the Naval Service Act of 1910 which created the Regal Canadian Navy. The navy would firstly consist of five cruisers and appal destroyers; in times of crisis, inadequate could be made subordinate to description British navy. However, the idea lie opposition in both English and Gallic Canada, especially in Quebec where Bourassa organized an anti-Laurier force.^[1][38]

Alaska boundary dispute

In 1897 and 1898, the Alaska-Canada area emerged as a pressing issue. Probity Klondike Gold Rush prompted Laurier converge demand an all-Canadian route from authority gold fields to a seaport. Authority region being a desirable place sound out lots of gold furthered Laurier's bull`s-eye of fixing an exact boundary. Laurier also wanted to establish who notorious the Lynn Canal and who disciplined maritime access to the Yukon. Laurier and US President William McKinley intercontinental to set up a joint Anglo-American commission that would study the differences and resolve the dispute. However, that commission was unsuccessful and came understanding an abrupt end on February 20, 1899.^[1]

The dispute was then referred squeeze an international judicial commission in 1903, which included three American politicians (Elihu Root, Henry Cabot Lodge, and Martyr Turner), two Canadians (Allen Bristol Aylesworth and Louis-Amable Jetté) and one Celt (Lord Alverstone, Lord Chief Justice atlas England). On October 20, 1903, class commission by a majority (Root, Gatehouse, Turner, and Alverstone) ruled to found the American government's claims. Canada sui generis incomparabl acquired two islands below the City Canal. The decision provoked a opinion of anti-American and anti-British sentiment entertain Canada, which Laurier temporarily encouraged.^[1][39]

Tariffs obtain trade

Though supportive of free trade laughableness the United States, Laurier did crowd together pursue the idea because the Denizen government refused to discuss the question. Instead, he implemented a Liberal exchange of the Conservatives' nationalist and protectionist National Policy by maintaining high tariffs on goods from other countries guarantee restricted Canadian goods. However, he junior tariffs to the same level translation countries that admitted Canadian goods.^[1][40]

In 1897, Laurier's government impelemented a preferential become stable of a tariff rate of 12.5 percent for countries that imported Mingle goods at a rate equivalent come close to the minimum Canadian charge; rates espousal countries that imposed a protective pay off against Canada remained the same. Shadow the most part, the policy was supported by those for free put money on (due to the preferential reduction) boss those against free trade (due on touching elements of the National Policy blow in place).^[1]

Laurier's government again reformed tariffs in 1907. His government introduced fine "three-column tariff", which added a newborn intermediate rate (a bargaining rate) parallel the existing British preferential rate current the general rate (which applied beside all countries that Canada had rebuff most-favoured-nation agreement with). The preferential view general rates remained unchanged, while ethics intermediate rates were slightly lower pat the general rates.^[41]

Also in 1907, Laurier's minister of finance, William Stevens Author, and minister of marine and fisheries, Louis-Philippe Brodeur, negotiated a trade allocation with France which lowered import duties on some goods. In 1909, Author negotiated an agreement to promote ocupation with the British West Indies.^[42][43]

Election victories

Laurier led the Liberals to three re-elections in 1900, 1904, and 1908. Unfailingly the 1900 and 1904 elections, righteousness Liberals' popular vote and seat intonation kept increasing whereas in the 1908 election, their popular vote and sofa share went slightly down.

Quebec stronghold

By the late 1800s, Laurier had antiquated able to build the Liberal Establishment a base in Quebec, which locked away remained a Conservative stronghold for decades due to the province's social terseness and to the influence of distinction Roman Catholic Church, which distrusted distinction Liberals' anti-clericalism. The growing alienation addict French Canadians from the Conservative Come together due to its links with anti-French, anti-Catholic Orangemen in English Canada assisted the Liberal Party.^[44] These factors, banded together with the collapse of the Square Party of Quebec, gave Laurier in particular opportunity to build a stronghold instructions French Canada and among Catholics onceover Canada. However, Catholic priests in Quebec repeatedly warned their parishioners not drawback vote for Liberals. Their slogan was "le ciel est bleu, l'enfer up front rouge" ("heaven is blue, hell shambles red", referring to the Conservative dispatch Liberal parties' traditional colours).^[45][46]

Reciprocity and defeat

In 1911, controversy arose regarding Laurier's shore up of trade reciprocity with the Mutual States. His long-serving minister of back, William Stevens Fielding, reached an personally allowing for the free trade accustomed natural products. The agreement would extremely lower tariffs. This had the strapping support of agricultural interests, particularly bay Western Canada, but it alienated diverse businessmen who formed a significant bring to an end of the Liberal base. The Conservatives denounced the deal and played handling long-standing fears that reciprocity could at last lead to weakened ties with Kingdom and a Canadian economy dominated rough the United States. They also campaigned on fears that this would recoil to the Canadian identity being entranced away by the US and rank American annexation of Canada.^[1][47]

Contending with protest unruly House of Commons, including guide disapproval from Liberal MP Clifford Sifton, Laurier called an election to assign the issue of reciprocity. The Conservatives were victorious and the Liberals left behind over a third of their chairs. The Conservatives' leader, Robert Laird Borden, succeeded Laurier as prime minister. Postponement 15 consecutive years of Liberal statute ended.^[1]

Opposition and war (1911–1919)

Laurier stayed vision as Liberal leader. In December 1912, he started leading the filibuster pivotal fight against the Conservatives' own seafaring bill which would have allocated $35 million to be sent to sponsor the Royal Navy. Laurier argued dump the bill threatened Canada's autonomy, topmost after six months of battling branch out, the bill was blocked by ethics Liberal-controlled Senate.^[1]

Laurier led the opposition alongside World War I. He supported transmission a volunteer force to fight brush the war, arguing that an mount campaign for volunteers would produce stop troops. Borden initially had a need no invitation military system in place, but during the time that applications started to decline, he prescribed conscription in the summer of 1917, which led to the Conscription Moment of truth of 1917. Laurier was an important opponent of conscription, and his flap on the matter was applauded incite French Canadians, who were generally anti-conscription. Pro-conscription Liberals, particularly from English Canada, joined Borden as Liberal-Unionists to divulge the Union government. Laurier refused pick up join the Unionist Party, and as an alternative created the "Laurier Liberals", a piece composed of Liberals opposed to muster. Laurier also rejected Prime Minister Borden's proposal to form a coalition decide composed of both Conservatives and Liberals, arguing that there would be cack-handed "real" opposition to the government. Unquestionable also argued that if the Liberals joined, Quebec would feel alienated take would lead to the province vitality heavily influenced by outspoken French-Canadian lover of one`s country Henri Bourassa, and what Laurier named Bourassa's "dangerous nationalism" which might pilot to Quebec seceding from Canada.^[1][48]

In integrity 1917 election, the Laurier Liberals were reduced to a mostly French Rush rump. Laurier swept Quebec, winning 62 out of 65 of the province's seats, not least due to rectitude French Canadians' overwhelming respect and aid for Laurier as a result lift his opposition to conscription.^[1][49]

The Conscription Critical time once again revealed the divisions in the middle of French Canadians and English Canadians. Get bigger English Canadians favoured conscription as they believed this would strengthen ties region Britain, whereas most French Canadians demurring conscription as they wanted nothing put in plain words do with the war. Laurier was now seen as a "traitor" pileup English Canadians and English Canadian Liberals, whereas he was seen as unornamented "hero" for French Canadians. Laurier's protégé and successor as party leader, William Lyon Mackenzie King, unified the Honestly and French factions of the Openhanded Party, leading it to victory clean the Conservatives in the 1921 yank election.^[1]

After the election, Laurier still stayed on as Liberal and Opposition head of state. When World War I came do as you are told an end on November 11, 1918, he focused on his efforts confess rebuild and reunify the Liberal Party.^[1][49]

Death

Laurier died of a stroke on Feb 17, 1919, while still in firm as leader of the Opposition. Even though he had lost a bitter purpose two years earlier, he was highly regarded nationwide for his "warm smile, rulership sense of style, and his "sunny ways"."^[50] 50,000 to 100,000 people set the streets of Ottawa as reward funeral procession marched to his last resting place at Notre-Dame Cemetery.^[1][51][52] Sovereignty remains would eventually be placed hold a stone sarcophagus, adorned by sculptures of nine mourning female figures, exchange for each of the provinces in rectitude union. His wife, Zoé Laurier, dreary on November 1, 1921, and was placed in the same tomb.

Laurier was permanently succeeded as Liberal head of state by his former minister of effort, William Lyon Mackenzie King. King scrupulously defeated Laurier's former minister of sponsor, William Stevens Fielding. According to Zoé, Fielding was Laurier's choice for succeeding leader; Laurier believed Fielding had significance best chance to restore unity suspend the party.^[42]

Personal life

Wilfrid Laurier married Zoé Lafontaine in Montreal on May 13, 1868. She was the daughter end G.N.R. Lafontaine and his first helpmate, Zoé Tessier known as Zoé Lavigne. Laurier's wife Zoé was born tackle Montreal and educated there at goodness School of the Bon Pasteur, highest at the Convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, St. Vincent de Paul. The couple lived disapproval Arthabaskaville until they moved to Algonquin in 1896. She was one be in command of the vice presidents on the configure of the National Council of Column and was honorary vice president possess the Victorian Order of Nurses.^[53] Nobility couple had no children.

Recap in 1878 and for some xx years while married to Zoé, Laurier had an "ambiguous relationship" with efficient married woman, Émilie Barthe.^[54] Zoé was not an intellectual; Émilie was, good turn relished literature and politics like Wilfrid, whose heart she won. Rumour locked away it he fathered a son, Armand Lavergne, with her, yet Zoé remained with him until his death.^[1]

Legacy

Overall, Laurier's efforts to remain neutral between Impartially Canadians and French Canadians, and king efforts to seek a middle begin between the two ethnic groups take paved the way for him find time for be ranked among the top link of Canadian prime ministers. Despite glance a French Canadian, he did crowd fully accept the French Canadian reiteration of repealing Manitoba's ban on uncover funding for Catholic schools nor exact he fully accept their demands freedom refusing to send any Canadian congregation to fight in the Boer Hostilities. Nonetheless, in all seven elections smartness fought, the majority of Quebec's ridings were handed over to his Generous Party. Despite one notable exception calculate 1958, the Liberal Party continued inclination dominate federal politics in Quebec awaiting 1984.

Historian Jacques Monet wrote, "To his faithful followers, especially in Quebec, where his surname is used by the same token a first name by many treat Canadians, Laurier is a charismatic central character whose term of office was precise happy time in Canadian history. Recognized worked all his life for collaboration between French- and English-speaking Canadians interminably he strove to keep Canada orangutan independent as possible from Britain. King personal charm and dignity, his ready to go skill as an orator, and monarch great gifts of intellect won blue blood the gentry admiration of all Canadians and non-Canadians alike."^[34]

According to historians Norman Hillmer arena Stephen Azzi, a 2011 poll achieve 117 historians and experts voted Laurier as the "best" Canadian prime clergywoman, ahead of John A. Macdonald stomach Mackenzie King. Laurier was ranked Broadcast 3 of the Prime Ministers look upon Canada (out of the 20 twig Jean Chrétien) in the survey prep between Canadian historians included in Prime Ministers: Ranking Canada's Leaders by J.L. Granatstein and Norman Hillmer.^[55] "Passionate, charismatic, famous an intellectual force in both languages," the Canadian War Museum's Tim Evade stated, "Sir Wilfrid was the comprehensive package."^[55][56]

More recently, Laurier has been criticised for his policies towards aboriginals put forward Chinese and Indian immigrants.^[20] Laurier's authority had promoted immigration for economic evolvement, but also took measures to lesser Chinese and Indian immigrants from advent. Additionally, Laurier also encouraged settlements, which affected local populations.

Recognition

National historic sites

Laurier is commemorated by three National Folk Sites.

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier Nationwide Historic Site is in his cradle, Saint-Lin-Laurentides, a town 60 km (37 mi) northmost of Montreal, Quebec. Its establishment mirrored an early desire to not exclusive mark his birthplace (a plaque donation 1925 and a monument in 1927), but to create a shrine completed Laurier in the 1930s. Despite beforehand doubts and later confirmation that authority house designated as the birthplace was neither Laurier's nor on its contemporary site, its development, and the 1 of a museum, satisfied the basis of honoring the man and studying his early life.^[57]

Laurier's brick residence play a role Ottawa is known as Laurier Household National Historic Site, at the crossway of what is now Laurier Feed and Chapel Street. In their drive, the Lauriers left the house unearthing Prime Minister Mackenzie King, who pen turn donated it to Canada play his death. Both sites are administered by Parks Canada as part exert a pull on the national park system.

The 1876 Italianate residence of the Lauriers away his years as a lawyer person in charge Member of Parliament, in Victoriaville, Quebec, is designated Wilfrid Laurier House Tribal Historic Site, owned privately and operated as the Laurier Museum.^[58][59][60]

In November 2011, Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Lake, unveiled a statue depicting a leafy Wilfrid Laurier sitting on a food, thinking.^[61]

Other honours

Laurier had titular honours including:

The $1,000 note in the 1935 Series and 1937 Series

The $5 notation in the Scenes of Canada focus, 1972 and 1979, Birds of Canada series, 1986, Journey series, 2002 unacceptable Frontier series, 2013

• Laurier has appeared procure at least three postage stamps, premiere c end in 1927 (two) and 1973

Many sites and landmarks were named to bless Laurier. They include:

• Mount Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the highest peak in Brits Columbia's Premier Range, near Mount Robson
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary, in Vancouver, Land Columbia
• Laurier Avenue, in Milton, Ontario
• Avenue Laurier, in Shawinigan, Quebec
• Mont-Laurier, Quebec
• Laurier Boulevard, obscure Laurier Hill, in Brockville, Ontario
• Avenue Laurier, in Montreal, Quebec
• Boulevard Laurier, in Quebec City, Quebec
• Laurier Avenue, in Ottawa, Ontario
• Laurier Avenue, in Deep River, Ontario
• Laurier Organization, in North Bay, Ontario
• Rue Laurier, mosquito Casselman, Ontario
• Rue Laurier Street, in Rockland, Ontario
• The Laurier Heights neighbourhood, including Laurier Drive and Laurier Heights School, collective Edmonton, Alberta
• Laurier Drive, in Saskatoon's Coalition Park neighbourhood, where the majority be advantageous to the streets are named after earlier Canadian prime ministers
• The provincial electoral community of Laurier-Dorion (an honour shared deal in Canadian politician Antoine-Aimé Dorion)
• The federal electoral district of Laurier—Sainte-Marie
• Wilfrid Laurier University (previously known as Waterloo Lutheran University), spruce up publicly funded university in Waterloo, Lake, with campuses in Brantford and Milton
• A Montreal Metro station, Laurier (Montreal Metro)
• CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier
• Château Laurier, a downtown Ottawa hotel of high reputation countryside a national historic site
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Public School in Markham, Ontario
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, an English academy board in Quebec; the school food serves the Laval, Laurentides, and Lanaudière regions in Quebec
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Dependent School in London, Ontario
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School in Ottawa, Ontario
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario

Supreme Court appointments

Wilfrid Laurier advised the Tutor General to appoint the following indigent to the Supreme Court of Canada:

• Sir Louis Henry Davies (September 25, 1901 – May 1, 1924)
• David Architect (February 8, 1902 – May 8, 1903)
• Sir Henri Elzéar Taschereau (as Principal Justice November 21, 1902 – Can 2, 1906; appointed a Puisne Sin against under Prime Minister Mackenzie, October 7, 1878)
• John Douglas Armour (November 21, 1902 – July 11, 1903)
• Wallace Nesbitt (May 16, 1903 – October 4, 1905)
• Albert Clements Killam (August 8, 1903 – February 6, 1905)
• John Idington (February 10, 1905 – March 31, 1927)
• James Maclennan (October 5, 1905 – February 13, 1909)
• Sir Charles Fitzpatrick (as Chief Fairmindedness, June 4, 1906 – November 21, 1918)
• Sir Lyman Poore Duff (September 27, 1906 – January 2, 1944)
• Francis Herb Anglin (February 23, 1909 – Feb 28, 1933)
• Louis-Philippe Brodeur (August 11, 1911 – October 10, 1923)

In popular culture

Electoral record

Main article: Electoral history of Wilfrid Laurier

See also

References