Sir John A. MacDonald & the apocalyptic year 1885 / Patrice Dutil.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dutil, Patrice A., 1960- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Macdonald, John A. (John Alexander), 1815-1891.

Macdonald, John A.

Prime ministers--Canada--Biography.

Prime ministers.

Canada--Politics and government--1867-1914.

Canada.

Canada--Social conditions--19th century.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

x, 327 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Toronto : Sutherland House, 2024.

Summary:

"Sir John A. Macdonald had been in politics for four decades and prime minister of Canada for three terms, but he’d never seen anything like the apocalyptic year of 1885. The issues cascaded relentlessly: threats to the sovereignty of Canada from London and Washington; armed resistance in the North-West; the spectre of starvation among Indigenous peoples; financial crises that endangered the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR); protests over Chinese immigration to British Columbia; nationalist dissent in Quebec; a smallpox epidemic that would claim over 5,000 victims in Montreal; and fierce opposition to Macdonald’s drive to expand the right to vote. It was a year like no other in Canadian history. In this fascinating and authoritative study of a skilled politician at the peak of his powers, political historian Patrice Dutil shows how Macdonald navigated persistent threats to public order, anchored the stability of his government, and ensured the future of his still fragile nation. What emerges is a compelling portrait of a man who, notwithstanding his personal failings and the sins of his times, was the most enlightened and constructive public figure of early Canadian history."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: modernity sets in

The scene in London (November-December 1884)

The white house of empire (January-February)

Refuting Grover Cleveland (February-March)

The red horse of discord: Louis Riel and his threats (January-February)

The black horse of famine and the Indigenous peoples on the prairies (March)

Macdonald as policy and program innovator

The confrontation with the Métis and the Cree (March, April, May)

Macdonald and the international Chinese migration (April)

Macdonald's revolution on the right to vote (April-July)

Finishing the Canadian Pacific Railway (June)

Retooling cabinet (August)

The pale horse of smallpox (August-October)

The month of traitors (November)

Restoring confidence and vindication (December 1885-February 1887)

Conclusion: Macdonald and the long year of 1885.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Dutil, Patrice A., 1960- Sir John A. MacDonald & the apocalyptic year 1885.

ISBN:

9781998365517

9781990823305

1990823300

1998365514

OCLC:

1380388398

Publisher Number:

90104842045