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Political Science Canadian

King and Chaos

The 1935 Canadian General Election

by (author) David MacKenzie

Publisher
UBC Press
Initial publish date
Jun 2023
Category
Canadian, Post-Confederation (1867-), Elections, Political Parties
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9780774868822
    Publish Date
    Jun 2023
    List Price
    $27.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780774868808
    Publish Date
    Jun 2023
    List Price
    $27.95

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Description

In 1935, Canadians went to the polls against the backdrop of the Great Depression and deteriorating international conditions. This election was like no other, as five major parties competed for voters who were used to a traditional slate of Liberals versus Conservatives. King and Chaos examines the significance of this turning point in political history.

 

As the Conservative government splintered under the weight of outdated policies, the opposition Liberals watched the destruction. Meanwhile, the newly minted Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, Social Credit Party, and Reconstruction Party broadened the electoral base, bringing working-class Canadians – and working-class issues – more directly into the political process.

 

Although Canadians ultimately swept Liberal William Lyon Mackenzie King back into power, King and Chaos demonstrates that the advent of third parties transformed the political landscape. And while other countries turned to dictators and demagogues, King delivered a less radical but equally important change: an effective electoral machine and a national coalition of French and English Canada that dominated politics for the next generation.

About the author

David MacKenzie is a professor of history at Ryerson University and the author of several books on Canadian history and international relations. He is also the editor of Canada and the First World War. He lives in Toronto.

David MacKenzie's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"Mackenzie has written a comprehensive, clear history of the 1935 Canadian general election."

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