The 1872 Canadian federal election marked a pivotal moment in Canadian political history, primarily contested between the Conservative Party, led by Sir John A. Macdonald, and the Liberal Party, under the leadership of Alexander Mackenzie. It was only the second federal election in Canadian history, taking place as the country was still in the early stages of solidifying its national identity following Confederation in 1867. The election was notable for introducing key issues that would shape Canadian politics for years to come, particularly the debate between protectionism and free trade, the promise of national infrastructure projects like the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the evolution of modern campaign strategies through the use of posters and advertising.
The Main Political Players and Platforms
In 1872, Sir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, was seeking re-election for his Conservative government. Macdonald's Conservatives had largely shaped the early years of Confederation, establishing Canada as a Dominion and leading the fledgling nation through its first steps toward building a federal system. Macdonald was an experienced politician with a clear vision for Canada, including a focus on national unity, economic development, and infrastructure projects to link the vast regions of the country.
On the other side was Alexander Mackenzie, leader of the Liberal Party. Mackenzie was a strong advocate for civil liberties, democratic reforms, and fiscal responsibility. His party championed free trade and economic liberalism, opposing the protective tariffs that the Conservatives proposed. One of Mackenzie’s most prominent allies was Edward Blake, one of the most brilliant legal minds in Canada at the time. Blake’s contributions to the Liberal platform and his advocacy for increased public oversight and accountability made him a key figure during the campaign.
The Protectionism vs. Free Trade Debate
The most critical issue in the 1872 election was economic policy, specifically the debate between protectionism and free trade. The Conservative Party campaigned on a platform that later became known as the "National Policy." This policy advocated for high tariffs on imported goods to protect fledgling Canadian industries from foreign competition, particularly from the United States. Macdonald argued that imposing tariffs would create a secure domestic market for Canadian manufacturers, promote industrialization, and create jobs for Canadian workers. A core part of the National Policy was also tied to the development of a transcontinental railway, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), which Macdonald envisioned as essential for unifying the country and promoting economic growth by connecting the eastern provinces with the western territories.
The Liberal Party, under Mackenzie and Blake, argued for a very different approach. They promoted free trade, believing that the reduction of tariffs would stimulate the economy by increasing international trade and lowering costs for Canadian consumers. Liberals contended that protectionism would lead to higher prices for goods, especially for everyday Canadians, while benefitting only a small group of industrialists. They also believed that trade with Britain and the United States could fuel economic growth more effectively than sheltering Canadian industries behind tariffs.
Edward Blake played a prominent role in articulating this vision. Blake, known for his oratory skills and commitment to civil liberties, helped shape the Liberal Party’s opposition to the National Policy. He argued that protectionism would ultimately harm Canadian consumers by raising prices, undermining the country's potential for economic growth. His speeches and writings were central to the Liberal campaign, making him a leading figure in the party's effort to present an alternative vision for Canada's economic future.
Campaigning and the Role of Modern Political Advertising
The 1872 election also witnessed the development of more modern campaigning techniques, including the widespread use of campaign posters, pamphlets, and advertisements. Both the Conservatives and the Liberals sought to spread their message to voters across the country by using printed materials, which could reach a wider audience than traditional forms of political speechmaking and rallies. Newspapers became a major battleground for political discourse, with parties using editorial content to attack their opponents and promote their platforms.
These developments reflected the changing nature of Canadian politics, as more attention was paid to how messages were communicated and how political parties could mobilize voters. Though the voter base was still limited by property requirements, literacy rates were rising, and newspapers became a critical means of swaying public opinion. The increasing use of visual and written propaganda helped create a more competitive political environment, contributing to the closely contested nature of the election.
The Election Outcome
The election results were close, reflecting the competitive and contentious nature of the campaign. Sir John A. Macdonald’s Conservatives secured a narrow victory, winning 99 seats compared to the Liberals' 95 seats in the House of Commons. The election underscored the growing influence of the Liberal Party, which had previously played a more minor role in Canadian politics. Though the Conservatives won the election, the results demonstrated that the Liberals, under Mackenzie’s leadership, were a viable opposition and would continue to challenge the Conservatives in future elections.
The close results meant that Macdonald did not enjoy the same level of dominance as he had after the 1867 election. It set the stage for a more balanced political competition in the coming years. In addition to winning a significant number of seats, the Liberals were able to build momentum around their platform of economic reform, democratic accountability, and civil liberties. Edward Blake's role as a prominent voice within the party also helped to position him as a future leader of the Liberal movement.
Edward Blake’s Influence
Blake's contributions to the 1872 election campaign cannot be understated. His intellectual and rhetorical prowess helped to elevate the Liberal Party's platform and drew attention to issues such as free trade, public accountability, and transparency in government. Blake was an articulate critic of the National Policy, warning that protectionism would distort the economy and serve only a narrow group of interests. Although the Liberals were unsuccessful in 1872, Blake’s role in shaping the party’s vision laid the groundwork for future electoral success, including the Liberals’ eventual victory in 1873, when Macdonald’s government was brought down by the Pacific Scandal.
Blake’s opposition to protectionism resonated with many Canadians who were skeptical of high tariffs and the potential costs of the Canadian Pacific Railway. His critiques set him apart as one of the most influential figures in the country’s political landscape, ensuring that his ideas would continue to shape Liberal policy in the years to come.
The 1872 Election’s Legacy
The 1872 federal election marked a turning point in Canadian political history, as it introduced major themes that would dominate future elections. The debate over protectionism versus free trade, the role of government in economic development, and the question of how best to promote national unity and industrial growth became central to Canadian political discourse for decades.
The election also solidified the Liberal Party’s role as a strong opposition force capable of contesting power with the Conservatives. The Liberals' advocacy for free trade and civil liberties, particularly through the influence of Edward Blake, set the stage for future challenges to the Conservative government.
The campaign’s use of modern advertising and media outreach reflected a shift in Canadian politics, as parties began to embrace new methods for reaching voters. The 1872 election demonstrated that political campaigns would increasingly rely on mass communication tools to sway public opinion and define political platforms.
In conclusion, the 1872 federal election was a crucial moment in the early years of Canadian Confederation, as it shaped the country’s economic and political trajectory for years to come. Sir John A. Macdonald’s victory and the debate over the National Policy versus free trade laid the foundation for future economic decisions, while the emergence of the Liberal Party as a formidable opposition signaled the growing complexity and competitiveness of Canadian politics. The election was a defining event that influenced how future elections would be contested and how key issues like protectionism, infrastructure, and economic policy would continue to shape the nation’s development.
Election Party |
Elected Members | # of Candidates | % of Popular Vote | % of Seats |
---|---|---|---|---|
1872 (July 20 - October 12) - Turnout: 70.3 % | ||||
Conservative | 103 | 49.9 % | 51.5 % | |
Liberal | 97 | 49.1 % | 48.5 % | |
Other | 0.9 % | 0.0 % | ||
Total | 200 | 337 | ||
Government--103, Opposition--97, Majority--6 |
Total - 200 | Conservative | Liberal | Other |
Canada | 103 | 97 | |
Nova Scotia | 11 | 10 | |
New Brunswick | 7 | 9 | |
Quebec | 38 | 27 | |
Ontario | 38 | 50 | |
Manitoba | 3 | 1 | |
BC | 6 | - |
Cite Article : Reference: www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents/documents.html
Source: NA