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Arthur MeighenCanadian politician, Prime Minister of Canada in 1920–21 and 1926
Date of Birth: 16.06.1874
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Arhur Meighen: A Canadian Statesman
- Early Career and Political Beginnings
- World War I and the Unionist Coalition
- First Term as Prime Minister (1920-1921)
- Leader of the Opposition and Second Term as Prime Minister
- Later Career
- Legacy
Arhur Meighen: A Canadian Statesman
Early Life and EducationArthur Meighen was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1874. He excelled academically, serving as secretary of his high school's Literary Society. After graduating, Meighen pursued a degree in Mathematics at the University of Toronto, earning his degree in 1896. He continued his education at Osgoode Hall, earning credentials in law.
Early Career and Political Beginnings
Meighen worked as a lawyer, teacher, and businessman before entering politics. In 1904, he married Isabel Cox, with whom he had three children. In 1908, Meighen was elected to the Canadian House of Commons from Manitoba, and in 1913, he became the Attorney General in Robert Borden's government.
World War I and the Unionist Coalition
During the First World War, Meighen strongly advocated for conscription and supporting the war effort. He became Secretary of State and Minister of Mines in 1917 and played a key role in establishing the Canadian National Railways and suppressing the Winnipeg General Strike.
First Term as Prime Minister (1920-1921)
In 1920, Borden resigned, and Meighen succeeded him as Prime Minister. As the first and only Prime Minister from Manitoba, he attempted to maintain the Unionist coalition with the Liberals, but it proved unsuccessful. Meighen lost the 1921 election to the Liberals under William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Leader of the Opposition and Second Term as Prime Minister
Meighen returned to Parliament in 1922 and became Leader of the Opposition. In 1925, he led the Conservatives to win the most seats, but King's minority government survived with the support of the Progressive Party. In 1926, a corruption scandal led to a vote of non-confidence in King's government.
Meighen was tasked with forming a new government but lost a no-confidence vote within two months. He subsequently resigned as Conservative leader in favor of Hugh Guthrie.
Later Career
In 1932, Meighen was appointed to the Senate of Canada from Ontario, where he became the Conservative caucus leader. He returned as Conservative leader in 1941 but struggled to build a national unity government. Meighen retired from politics in 1942.
Legacy
Meighen passed away in Toronto in 1960, becoming the longest-lived former Prime Minister of Canada. He was the first Canadian Prime Minister to be born after Confederation in 1867. Meighen's legacy includes his leadership during the First World War and his attempts to establish a national unity government during the Second World War.
