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Historical SignificanceThe 1911 election marked the end of 15 years of Liberal domination in Canada – the second of the long-lasting regimes in Canadian politics. Wilfrid Laurier had been very skillful at creating stability in the French-English relationship in Canada , but his clever negotiations did not work in 1911. As Laurier tried to make too many concessions, both sides ended up feeling betrayed. There were several aspects of the 1911 election that made it one of Canada ’s most significant: The Emergence of the NationalistsThe demands of French Canadians in Quebec had been met satisfactorily by Macdonald and Laurier for many years. However, the naval bill of 1910 was such a controversial issue in Quebec that many felt the two major political parties could not address the best interests of Quebecois. The formation of the Nationalists, led by Henri Bourassa, marked the first time that a third party had become a player on the federal political scene. This marked the beginning of a long tradition of nationalist parties to emerge out of Quebec. However, Bourassa’s attempt to create a strong Nationalist party ultimately failed. By creating an alliance with Borden, he was really supporting the more imperialistic of the two national parties. Although the Nationalists’ primary goal of knocking Laurier out of power was achieved, Borden would still have had a victory even if the Nationalists would have deserted him. However, Bourassa’s alliance with Borden ultimately undermined the goals of the Nationalists, and Bourassa’s party failed to become a significant political force. The Free-Trade ElectionFree trade elections in Canada have always been controversial and intense. Although the 1891 election saw free trade as an important part of the election platforms, it never emerged as the dominant issue. The 1911 election was the first time that reciprocity had become the defining issue of the election. The election strategies that were employed be each party would become characteristic of how free-trade elections are fought. In 1911, as in the 1988 election, sentimental and emotional aspects of free trade took precedence over the actual economic and commercial aspects of the arrangement. Opponents of free trade portrayed supporters as disloyal and treasonous Canadians. Just as Robert Borden accused Wilfrid Laurier of negotiating “annexation” to the USA in 1911, John Turner accused Brian Mulroney of “selling out” Canada to the USA in 1988 (Ironically, the position of the Liberals and Conservatives were reversed in these two elections). Free trade elections have always been emotionally-charged, bitterly fought elections in Canada. In 1911, Canadian voters made the historic decision to reject free trade with the United States. Next >>
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