William Lyon Mackenzie as an agitator

A detailed Summary of William Lyon Mackenzie as an agitator

William Lyon Mackenzie is remembered in history not only for the offices he held, but also for his belief in the natural rights of man as expressed in the 1837 Rebellion to reform the government of Upper Canada and dedication towards bringing responsible government. However, a closer look will reveal that Mackenzie's role was insignificant in the introduction of responsible government in Upper Canada. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 406)

Born on March 12 1795 at Springfield, Dundee, Scotland. Mackenzie is one of history's most frequently misunderstood figures of all time. Only if the man and the legend are separated can one understand his role in history. As a legend, Mackenzie has a role and importance that Mackenzie the man could never achieve. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 406) This becomes evident when looking at his irresponsible leadership, through examining his ignorant behavior, and a thorough analysis of responsible government and its origin in Upper Canada. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 406)

In his early years, Mackenzie led a dissipated life of wondering among the streets and was reduced to booze and gambling. At an age of 17 to 21, he claimed that he had given up on drinking and gambling. On July 17, 1814, his illegitimate son was born. Wh

Attempts to obtain responsible government by means of force were impossible because the Rebels did not have enough power; it required a higher power. The sovereign power to bring change to the governments in both Upper and Lower Canada resided with a sovereign state, the British Empire. The notion that Mackenzie had initiated responsible government is inadmissible. Moderate reformers at the time, presented the issues to the Colonial Secretary, along with foregoing legislative procedures, to achieve responsible government. Through Mackenzie's unnecessary efforts, such as the Rebellion in 1837, he actually set back the onset of responsible government. After Mackenzie's rebellion, nothing resulted, until 12 years later. Lord Durham reviewed the problems in Upper Canada and wrote the infamous report in 1839. That was when it was suggested there should be a change in how the government in Upper Canada should be governed, by the people. Despite Durham's Report, responsible government did not come until 1849. Why the delay? The most common error people make, but condone to realize, are that they initially assume what they think is correct. The delay was no coincidence; there were specific reasons. The reason for the 10-year delay was not due to the process, but rather a change in a higher power, namely the governor-general. Even after Mackenzie's rebellion, there had been no change. Instead, a higher authority, the Colonial Secretary in Britain, achieved responsible government for Upper Canada. Without the Colonial Secretary approving the notion for reform, Upper Canada would never get responsible government. This was the case because the governor general in Upper Canada, or any other British colony for that matter, listens to the Colonial Secretary. The Colonial Secretary's instructions are just as powerful as the King's are. Thus, it is understandable that Mackenzie's efforts, clearly displayed in his rebellion, were inadmissible. Therefore, one can see that only a higher authority had the ability to reform government; Mackenzie or not, it did not matter.

In 1846, a new

Some common words found in the essay are:
Upper Canada, Toronto Mackenzie, Colonial Secretary, Grey Finn, Canada Mackenzie, Durham's Report, Isabel Reid, Scotland Mackenzie, Bagot Sydenham, responsible government, Colonial Secretary's, upper canada, mackenzie 1976, finn 1999, colonial secretary, government upper, government upper canada, canada mackenzie 1976, lord elgin, 1976 500, canada mackenzie, reform government, mackenzie 1976 500, upper canada mackenzie, mackenzie 1976 406,

Approximate Word count = 1417
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: People