Description:
(The First Prime Minister of Canada (1878 - 1891))
Sir John Alexander Macdonald was the first Canadian prime minister who served in that position for 18 years, with two separate terms. Before joining politics, he was a successful businessman and lawyer. The British North America Act and the amalgamation of Canadian provinces were his ideas. As the prime minister, he played a significant role in laying the foundation of the Canadian economy that we see today. He built a stable federal government and formed a robust political party, which protected Canadian needs and interests. He supervised the construction and expansion of the Canadian Dominion and laid a clear roadmap of policies for the upcoming leaders. Macdonald introduced a protective tariff and oversaw the building and completion of the railways. He refused to accept provincial legislation because he believed in a unified central government. In 1885, he approved the execution of Métis leader Louis Riel, which sparked heated debates and caused outrage among French Canadians. It also caused a divide between the English and French-speaking nationals within his party. One of the founders of Canada, Macdonald, passed away while still in office. Even though he was criticized for his policies like the Chinese Head Tax and the Pacific Railway scandal, he remains a key figure in Canadian history.
Birthday
January 11, 1815 (Capricorn)
Born In
Scotland
Alternative names
Sir John Alexander Macdonald
City
Glasgow, Scotland
Died on
June 6, 1891
Spouse/Ex-
1st Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe (m. 1867), Agnes Macdonald, Isabella Macdonald (m. 1843–1857)
Parents
Children
Hugh John Macdonald, John Alexander Macdonald Jr., Margaret Mary Theodora Macdonald
Relatives
James Macdonald, Louisa Macdonald, Margaret Macdonald
What were some significant achievements of John A. Macdonald?
John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and played a key role in the country's Confederation. He also oversaw the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which connected Canada from coast to coast.
What was John A. Macdonald's role in the National Policy of Canada?
John A. Macdonald introduced the National Policy, which aimed to promote and protect Canadian industry through high tariffs and the expansion of the railway system. This policy helped shape Canada's economic development.
How did John A. Macdonald impact Indigenous peoples in Canada?
John A. Macdonald's policies towards Indigenous peoples were controversial, as he supported assimilation through measures such as the Indian Act and the residential school system. These policies had lasting negative effects on Indigenous communities.
What was the Pacific Scandal involving John A. Macdonald?
The Pacific Scandal was a political scandal in which it was revealed that John A. Macdonald's government had accepted bribes from businessmen seeking the contract to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. This scandal tarnished Macdonald's reputation.
How did John A. Macdonald's policies shape Canada's relationship with the United States?
John A. Macdonald's policies, such as the National Policy and his support for British imperial ties, helped to maintain Canada's distinct identity and independence from the United States. His leadership played a significant role in shaping Canada's international relations.
