A Very Canadian Coup: The Rise and Demise of Prime Minister MacKenzie Bowell, 1894-1896

In 1895, the Manitoba government violated Roman Catholics' constitutional rights by abolishing the provincial separate school system. This led to the Conservative Coup that toppled Canada's fifth prime minister, Mackenzie Bowell. Sir Charles Tupper forced Bowell to resign and make way for a new leader, but the coup didn't matter as Wilfrid Laurier and his Liberals won the 1896 election.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Dundurn Group Ltd

When Mackenzie Bowell assumed the role of Canada's fifth prime minister in December 1894, expectations were low, with the primary objective being to maintain stability until the spring election. However, the course of events took an unexpected turn when the courts ruled in January 1895 that the Manitoba government had violated the constitutional rights of Roman Catholics by abolishing the provincial separate school system. This decision sparked a fierce debate between Catholics in Quebec, who demanded that Bowell force Manitoba to reinstate the schools, and Ontario Protestants, who warned him against interfering.

Faced with mounting pressure, Bowell attempted three times in 1895 to negotiate a compromise with the Manitoba government, but all efforts proved futile. By January 1896, seven of Bowell's cabinet ministers had reached their breaking point. They believed that Bowell's leadership had tarnished the Conservative brand and that a change was necessary to revive the party's fortunes ahead of the upcoming election.

With the support of a small group of loyal cabinet ministers, the caballers forced Bowell to resign, effectively triggering a coup. Sir Charles Tupper, known as the "Old Warhorse of Cumberland," emerged as the new leader of the Conservative Party. Tupper and his conspirators presented their case in Parliament and on the hustings, but their efforts were in vain. Wilfrid Laurier and his Liberals secured a historic victory in the June 1896 election, solidifying their hold on power.

A Very Canadian Coup offers a fresh perspective on the life and times of Canada's fifth prime minister and his Sixth Ministry. It delves into previously unexplored sources, shedding light on the political dynamics, social tensions, and constitutional challenges of the period. The book explores the complex relationship between Bowell, Tupper, and Laurier, as well as the broader context of Canadian politics and society during the late 19th century.

In conclusion, A Very Canadian Coup is a valuable addition to the literature on Canadian history and politics. It provides a nuanced understanding of a pivotal period in Canadian history, offering new insights into the personalities, strategies, and consequences of the Conservative coup and the subsequent election. By exploring the life and times of Mackenzie Bowell and Sir Charles Tupper, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of Canadian politics and society.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781459750180