CANADA HISTORY - Elections

1891 ELECTION


The Canadian federal election of 1891 was one of the most significant and closely contested elections in Canadian history, largely because it centered on two pivotal issues: trade and national unity. This election saw the long-serving Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, leading the Conservative Party against Wilfrid Laurier, the emerging leader of the Liberal Party. Both leaders presented starkly different visions for Canada's future, particularly in the areas of trade relations with the United States and the continuation of the National Policy, which had dominated Canadian economic strategy for years.

Political Situation Before the Election
By the time of the 1891 election, Sir John A. Macdonald had been a dominant figure in Canadian politics for over two decades, serving as the architect of Confederation in 1867 and leading the country through many challenges, including the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and the implementation of his National Policy in 1879. The National Policy, which focused on protective tariffs to encourage Canadian industries, had become a cornerstone of Conservative economic policy and helped to solidify Macdonald's leadership.

However, by the late 1880s, Macdonald's grip on power was being challenged. The economic landscape in Canada had shifted, and many farmers and producers in the West and Ontario were dissatisfied with the high tariffs that increased the cost of imported goods, especially agricultural machinery. The opposition Liberal Party, under Wilfrid Laurier, seized on this dissatisfaction, advocating for unrestricted reciprocity, or free trade, with the United States, which was seen as a way to lower prices and increase markets for Canadian goods.

Another pressing issue was national unity. The tensions between French and English Canada were becoming more pronounced, particularly after the execution of Louis Riel in 1885. Riel's hanging had deepened the divisions between French Canadians, who largely saw Riel as a martyr for the Métis cause, and English Canadians, who viewed him as a traitor. This division simmered throughout the years and played a significant role in the election of 1891.

Leaders of the Parties
The two principal parties contesting the 1891 election were the Conservative Party, led by Sir John A. Macdonald, and the Liberal Party, led by Wilfrid Laurier.

Sir John A. Macdonald (Conservative Party): Macdonald was a veteran politician by this point, having served as Prime Minister for the majority of Canada's post-Confederation years. He was a master of political strategy and understood the importance of balancing regional and cultural interests in the new Dominion. However, by 1891, Macdonald was aging and increasingly frail. Despite his declining health, Macdonald remained a powerful figure, and the Conservative campaign centered around his leadership, with the slogan "The Old Flag, The Old Policy, The Old Leader."

Wilfrid Laurier (Liberal Party): Laurier, in contrast, was a rising political star. He had become leader of the Liberal Party in 1887 and represented a younger, more dynamic vision for Canada. A skilled orator, Laurier was known for his ability to bridge cultural divides, particularly between French and English Canadians. He presented a vision of a more decentralized Canada, with freer trade and a closer economic relationship with the United States. His campaign slogan was "Laurier, the man of the people," appealing to a broad cross-section of voters.

The Issues of the Election
The 1891 election revolved around two key issues: the National Policy and reciprocity with the United States.

The National Policy: The Conservative National Policy had been implemented in 1879 and was designed to protect Canadian manufacturers by imposing high tariffs on imported goods. The policy had fostered industrial growth in central Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, but had been less beneficial to the largely agricultural West and the Maritimes. Farmers, especially in Ontario and the Prairies, felt that they were bearing the brunt of the high tariffs, which raised the cost of imported farm equipment and goods. The Conservatives, however, argued that the policy was essential for building a strong, independent Canadian economy.

Reciprocity (Free Trade): The Liberal Party's platform of unrestricted reciprocity with the United States was one of the most contentious issues of the election. Laurier argued that free trade would lower prices for consumers and open up new markets for Canadian farmers and producers. Many believed that increased access to the large U.S. market would stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural areas. The Conservatives, however, warned that unrestricted reciprocity would lead to annexation by the United States, playing on fears of losing Canada's sovereignty. Macdonald's campaign painted free trade as a threat to Canada's independence, declaring that Canada would become a "satellite" of the U.S. under Liberal policy.

The Campaign and Significant Events
The 1891 campaign was one of the most bitter and hard-fought in Canadian history. Macdonald's health was a major concern for the Conservatives, but he campaigned vigorously, traveling by train across the country despite his age and frailty. The Conservative campaign relied heavily on emotional appeals, focusing on national unity and the preservation of Canada's independence from the United States. The party's slogan, "The Old Flag, The Old Policy, The Old Leader," emphasized Macdonald's role as a unifying figure and the National Policy's importance to Canada's economic strength.

The Liberals, under Laurier, campaigned on a platform of change and modernization. Laurier emphasized the economic benefits of free trade and reciprocity with the United States, portraying it as a way to bring prosperity to Canadian farmers and consumers. His oratory skills made a strong impression, particularly in Quebec, where he spoke directly to French Canadians about their concerns over national unity and economic opportunity.

One of the most notable moments of the campaign was the Liberal accusation that the Conservatives were using fear-mongering to undermine the idea of reciprocity. The Conservatives responded by doubling down on their warnings that unrestricted trade with the United States would lead to annexation, framing the election as a referendum on Canada's independence. This tactic proved effective in many areas, especially in Ontario, where fears of U.S. domination resonated with voters.

Results of the Election
The election took place on March 5, 1891, and the results were close but ultimately in favor of the Conservatives. Macdonald's party won 117 seats, while Laurier's Liberals secured 95 seats. The Conservatives retained power, but their majority had been significantly reduced from previous elections. In Ontario, the Conservatives were able to secure a majority of seats, thanks largely to their successful appeal to fears of annexation. In Quebec, however, Laurier made significant gains, securing the support of many French Canadian voters who had become disillusioned with Macdonald's government.

While the Conservatives emerged victorious, it was clear that the Liberal Party, under Laurier's leadership, had become a serious contender for power. Laurier's message of change and economic reform had resonated with many voters, particularly in Quebec and the West, and his political star was on the rise.

Aftermath of the Election
The 1891 election marked the final triumph of Sir John A. Macdonald, but it was also his last campaign. Just a few months after the election, on June 6, 1891, Macdonald passed away at the age of 76. His death left a significant vacuum in Canadian politics, as the Conservatives lost their most iconic and effective leader. The party would struggle to maintain unity and leadership in the years following Macdonald's death, with a series of short-lived prime ministers and internal divisions.

The Liberal Party, under Laurier, continued to gain strength, positioning itself as the alternative to Conservative dominance. Laurier would go on to become Prime Minister in 1896, ushering in a new era of Canadian politics. The 1891 election, therefore, stands as a pivotal moment in Canadian history, representing both the end of an era under Macdonald and the beginning of Laurier's ascent to power.

The election also set the stage for ongoing debates about trade, national unity, and Canada's relationship with the United States—issues that would continue to shape Canadian politics for decades to come. The fears of annexation and the question of Canada's independence would remain central to political discourse, as would the economic policies that defined the Conservative and Liberal platforms.

In conclusion, the 1891 federal election was a turning point in Canadian political history, not only because it marked the final campaign of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, but also because it introduced the leadership of Wilfrid Laurier, whose ideas and influence would shape Canada’s future. The election’s focus on trade policy and national sovereignty reflected the concerns of the time and laid the groundwork for future political battles that would continue to define the nation's development.

Placeholder image

John A Macdonald - Conservative

Placeholder image

Wilfred Laurier - Liberal

Election
Party
Elected Members # of Candidates % of Popular Vote % of Seats
1891 (March 5) - Turnout: 64.4 %
Conservative  123 217 52.0 % 57.2&
Liberal  92 192 46.4 % 42.8&
Other    27 1.6 % 0.0 %
Total 215 436    
Government--123, Opposition--92, Majority--31
Total - 215 Conservative Liberal Other
Canada 123 92  
PEI 2 4
Nova Scotia 16 5
New Brunswick 13 3
Quebec 30 35
Ontario 48 44
Manitoba 4 1
BC 6 -
NWT 4 -

Cite Article : Reference: www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents/documents.html

Source: NA



Placeholder image
Placeholder image