King and Chaos: The 1935 Canadian General Election

In 1935, Canadians went to the polls with five major parties, marking a significant turning point in political history. King and Chaos explores the significance of this election, which saw the emergence of third parties and the introduction of an effective electoral machine. It also resulted in a national coalition of French and English Canada that dominated politics for the next generation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 10 July 2023
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

In the midst of the Great Depression and the deteriorating international climate, Canadians headed to the polls in 1935. This election marked a significant turning point in political history, as five major parties vied for the support of voters accustomed to the traditional Liberal versus Conservative matchup. King and Chaos delves into the profound significance of this pivotal moment.

As the Conservative government struggled under the weight of outdated policies, the opposition Liberals witnessed the devastation. Meanwhile, the newly formed Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, Social Credit Party, and Reconstruction Party expanded the electoral base, bringing working-class Canadians, and their concerns, more directly into the political sphere.

While Canadians ultimately returned Liberal William Lyon Mackenzie King to power, King and Chaos highlights that the emergence of third parties transformed the political landscape. In contrast to other countries that resorted to dictatorships and demagogues, King introduced a less radical but equally significant change: an efficient electoral system and a national coalition of French and English Canada that dominated politics for the next generation.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 140 x 218 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774868808