CANADA HISTORY - Elections

The 1921 federal election in Canada is often regarded as one of the most transformative in Canadian political history. It marked the first time that a third party seriously challenged the two traditional political forces—the Liberals and the Conservatives—and it resulted in the election of the country's first minority government. The political landscape before the election, the emergence of new political forces, and the issues of post-war Canada all converged in this pivotal election, which would reshape Canadian politics for years to come.

Political Situation Before the Election

The political situation in Canada before the 1921 federal election was defined by post-World War I tensions and significant economic and social challenges. The country had been governed by Prime Minister Robert Borden's Unionist government, which was formed during the First World War as a coalition between Conservatives and pro-conscription Liberals. The Unionist government was tasked with navigating Canada through the war and its aftermath, including the conscription crisis of 1917 that divided English and French Canada, and managing the economy during a period of high inflation, labor unrest, and a struggling agricultural sector.

By 1920, Borden had retired due to health reasons, and his successor, Arthur Meighen, a staunch Conservative and former Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, inherited a deeply unpopular government. Meighen was associated with many of the contentious policies of the wartime and post-war period, including conscription and the repressive measures taken during the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, which had alienated many working-class voters and progressives.

The Liberals, led by William Lyon Mackenzie King, had reorganized following the collapse of the wartime coalition. King had become the leader of the Liberal Party in 1919, following the death of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. King positioned himself as a moderate leader who would bring unity to the country and focus on healing the divisions exacerbated by the war.

The emergence of the Progressive Party was another critical factor in the lead-up to the election. The Progressives, who primarily represented the interests of farmers in Western Canada, were frustrated with both the Conservatives and the Liberals, whom they saw as catering to industrialists and neglecting the agricultural sector. The post-war economic slump, high tariffs, and rising costs of living had left farmers feeling abandoned, and they sought a voice in Parliament that would better represent their interests. The Progressive Party was led by Thomas Crerar, a former Minister of Agriculture under Borden, who had resigned from the Unionist government in 1919 over its protectionist tariff policies.

Leaders of the Parties Arthur Meighen (Conservatives/Unionists): Meighen was a skilled orator and debater, but his association with the unpopular conscription policies and his handling of the Winnipeg General Strike damaged his reputation. He was seen as a divisive figure, particularly in Quebec, where the memory of conscription was still fresh.

William Lyon Mackenzie King (Liberals): King was a pragmatic and cautious leader who sought to unite the country after the war's divisive effects. He presented himself as a moderate, willing to address labor concerns while maintaining stability. His leadership style was often described as conciliatory, and he emphasized national unity in his platform.

Thomas Crerar (Progressive Party): Crerar was a former Unionist minister who had become a champion of agrarian interests. He led the Progressives, who were critical of the high tariffs imposed by both traditional parties, which they believed disproportionately harmed farmers. The Progressives also advocated for greater democratic reforms, such as proportional representation and direct democracy measures like the referendum.

Issues of the Election

Several key issues defined the 1921 election:

Economic Policy and Tariffs: The post-war economic downturn was a major issue. Both the Liberals and Conservatives had traditionally supported high tariffs to protect Canadian industries, but these tariffs were deeply unpopular in Western Canada, where farmers relied on exporting their products and importing machinery and goods. The Progressives campaigned for lower tariffs, especially on agricultural goods, and free trade with the United States.

Post-War Reconstruction and Social Policy: After World War I, there was a significant demand for better social policies, including veterans' benefits, pensions, and labor rights. Workers were also demanding better wages and working conditions, with the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 being a major event that highlighted these tensions. The Liberals and Progressives were more inclined to address these issues, while Meighen's Conservatives were seen as aligned with big business and resistant to labor demands.

Conscription and National Unity: The conscription crisis of 1917 had left deep scars, especially in Quebec, where the Unionist government had lost considerable support. Meighen's association with conscription made him a deeply unpopular figure in Quebec, and the Liberals hoped to capitalize on this sentiment by emphasizing King’s conciliatory approach.

Political Reform: The Progressives called for sweeping democratic reforms, including proportional representation, the abolition of the Senate, and measures to increase the transparency of government. These ideas resonated with many voters who were disillusioned with the traditional parties.

Campaign Strategies

The campaign strategies of the three main parties varied significantly.

The Conservatives, under Meighen, focused on their record of leading the country through the war and presented themselves as the party of stability and experience. However, their platform offered little in the way of change, and Meighen's hardline stance on labor and conscription alienated many voters. The Conservatives were particularly weak in Quebec, where Meighen's role in the conscription crisis was still a point of resentment.

The Liberals, led by Mackenzie King, positioned themselves as a unifying force. King focused on moderation and appealed to both working-class and business interests. His platform promised to address labor concerns, veterans' issues, and economic recovery without radical changes. King was careful to avoid alienating either English or French Canada, seeking to bridge the divisions that had been exacerbated by the war.

The Progressives ran a grassroots campaign that resonated deeply with rural voters, especially in Western Canada. They emphasized lower tariffs, political reform, and direct democracy measures. Their campaign was marked by a rejection of the traditional political establishment, and they sought to present themselves as a movement rather than just a political party. This strategy was highly effective in areas where farmers felt neglected by the existing political order.

The Election Campaign and Significant Events

The election campaign was notable for its intensity and the sense of political realignment. Meighen faced criticism for his government's handling of the post-war economy and its harsh response to labor unrest. In Quebec, the issue of conscription was still a powerful memory, and Meighen's support in the province was almost nonexistent.

The Liberals ran a careful, steady campaign that avoided divisive rhetoric. Mackenzie King, with his background in labor relations and his conciliatory style, was able to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. However, his moderation also opened the door for the Progressives, who offered a more radical platform for change.

The Progressives, especially in Western Canada, mobilized farmers who were fed up with the traditional parties and their protectionist policies. The promise of lower tariffs and greater political reform struck a chord with these voters, and the Progressives were able to mount an effective challenge to both the Liberals and Conservatives in many rural ridings.

Results on Election Day

The results of the 1921 election marked a significant shift in Canadian politics. The Liberals, under Mackenzie King, won 116 seats, but fell short of a majority in the 235-seat House of Commons. This was Canada's first minority government.

The Progressives made a remarkable showing, winning 58 seats, primarily in Western Canada. They became the official opposition, signaling the first time a third party had seriously challenged the traditional two-party system.

The Conservatives, led by Arthur Meighen, suffered a significant defeat, winning only 50 seats. Meighen's hardline policies and his association with conscription and labor unrest proved to be liabilities, particularly in Quebec and Western Canada.

In Quebec, the Liberals dominated, taking 65 of the 65 available seats, which further demonstrated Meighen's failure to connect with French-speaking voters.

Aftermath of the Election

The 1921 election was a watershed moment in Canadian history. It signaled the end of the two-party system that had dominated Canadian politics since Confederation. The rise of the Progressive Party showed that significant portions of the population, particularly in rural and Western Canada, were disillusioned with the traditional parties and were demanding change.

Mackenzie King's Liberals were forced to govern as a minority, relying on the Progressives for support on key issues. This led to a more moderate and conciliatory approach to governing, with King careful to balance the demands of the Progressives with the need for stability.

The election also marked the decline of the Conservative Party, at least temporarily. Meighen's leadership was damaged by the poor showing, and the party struggled to rebuild after the election.

In the longer term, the 1921 election laid the groundwork for future political realignments. The Progressives would eventually merge with other political movements to form the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and, later, the New Democratic Party (NDP), which would continue to challenge the dominance of the Liberals and Conservatives in Canadian politics.

In conclusion, the 1921 federal election was a turning point in Canadian history. It marked the emergence of a multi-party system, highlighted the regional and economic divisions within the country, and forced the traditional parties to adapt to a new political reality. The election also set the stage for the political dominance of Mackenzie King, who would go on to become Canada's longest-serving Prime Minister.