History of Sir John A Macdonald

Summary

Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, is celebrated as one of the nation's founding fathers. Born in Scotland in 1815, he moved to Canada with his family at a young age. A lawyer, businessman, and politician, Macdonald was instrumental in the creation of Canada, overseeing the British North America Act and the construction of Canada's first national railway. Despite personal tragedies and a political scandal, his leadership helped shape the country. Macdonald served as prime minister for 19 years, leaving a lasting legacy in Canadian history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sir John A. McDonald is known as the 'Father of Confederation' and Canada's first prime minister.
• 😀 McDonald was born on January 10, 1815, in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 5.
• 😀 He became a lawyer at 19, opening his own office in Kingston, and later developed an interest in business and politics.
• 😀 McDonald entered politics in 1843, serving as an alderman in Kingston before being elected to the legislative assembly at 29.
• 😀 He played a key role in forming the Liberal-Conservative Party and became Canada's first attorney general for Canada West in 1847.
• 😀 His greatest achievement was his work on the British North America Act, leading to the creation of Canada in 1867.
• 😀 As prime minister, McDonald faced many challenges, including the need for a national railway system to unite Canada's provinces.
• 😀 McDonald's government was temporarily interrupted in 1873 due to a scandal involving the Pacific Railway, but he returned to power in 1878.
• 😀 He introduced the National Policy to protect Canadian goods from American influence and oversee the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
• 😀 McDonald served as prime minister for 19 years, the second longest-serving in Canadian history, overseeing Canada's expansion from sea to sea.
• 😀 Despite a tragic personal life marked by the death of his first wife and son, McDonald remained a strong political figure until his death in 1891.

Q & A

Who is Sir John A. Macdonald and why is he significant in Canadian history?

Sir John A. Macdonald is Canada's first prime minister, often referred to as the 'Father of Confederation.' He played a key role in the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867 and was instrumental in expanding the country from coast to coast.

When did Parliament designate Sir John A. Macdonald Day?

In 2001, Parliament designated January 11th as Sir John A. Macdonald Day to honor his contributions to Canadian Confederation.

Where and when was Sir John A. Macdonald born?

Sir John A. Macdonald was born on January 10, 1815, in Glasgow, Scotland.

What significant steps did Macdonald take in his early career?

Macdonald began articling with a prominent lawyer at the age of 15, later opening his own law office at 19. His legal career laid the foundation for his later political ambitions.

How did Macdonald first enter politics?

Macdonald entered politics in 1843 by becoming an alderman in Kingston. He eventually gained a position in the Legislative Assembly of Canada at the age of 29.

What was Macdonald's role in the creation of Canada?

Macdonald was central to the creation of Canada, particularly through his work on the British North America Act and the establishment of a federal union of provinces in 1867.

What was Macdonald's major challenge during his first term as prime minister?

One of his major challenges was the lack of a railway connecting the provinces, which he addressed by spearheading the construction of Canada's first national railway system.

Why was Macdonald forced to resign in 1873?

Macdonald's government resigned in 1873 due to a scandal involving bribery related to the Pacific Railway contract.

What was Macdonald's National Policy and its significance?

Macdonald's National Policy aimed to protect Canadian businesses by implementing economic barriers to reduce American influence, and it became a cornerstone of his political comeback in the late 1870s.

How did the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway relate to Macdonald's political goals?

The Canadian Pacific Railway was essential to linking the provinces and fulfilling British Columbia's condition for joining Canada. It became a symbol of Macdonald's commitment to national unity and economic development.

What personal challenges did Macdonald face throughout his life?

Macdonald's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his first wife, the loss of his first son, and his second wife’s chronic illness. These hardships contributed to his struggle with alcoholism.

What lasting impact did Sir John A. Macdonald have on Canada?

Macdonald's leadership and political vision helped shape the foundation of modern Canada, ensuring its expansion and unity from coast to coast. His legacy as a nation-builder remains entrenched in Canadian history.