Who was Mackenzie King ?

William Lyon Mackenzie King had a long political career. He was leader of the Liberal Party for 29 eventful years through the buoyant expansion of the 1920s, the depression of the 1930s, the shock of World War II, and then the post-war reconstruction, and for 21 of these years he was Canada's prime minister. His decisions during this time contributed significantly to the shaping of Canada and to its development as an influential middle power in world affairs. During his lifetime his achievements were sometimes obscured by a style notable for its compromises. After his death his political career was sometimes overshadowed by the revelation of his unsuspected personal idiosyncrasies. As tensions mounted in Europe during the 1930s, Mackenzie King was one of many people who earnestly hoped that war could be avoided. When it became clear the Munich agreement had failed and war was coming, King's primary concerns were to maintain national unity and to assert Canada's position as an independent country. After Britain declared war on Germany, King announced that the Canadian Parliament would decide on what Canada should do. Parliament was recalled, and, on September 9, gave its approval for entering the war. The next day, September 10, 1939, one week after Britain, Canada declared war on Germany. The Canadian war effort had been very impressive. Canadian armed forces fought valiantly, on land, at sea, and in the air. Canada made an additional contribution in sponsoring the BCATP, and in constructing ships, aircraft and tanks. Mackenzie King deserves much credit for leading the country through this demanding time. In his goals of keeping the country united and asserting Canada's role as an independent nation, he succeeded admirably. It is largely because of his government's record during the war that he is regarded as one of Canada's great prime ministers.