William Lyon Mackenzie

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son was born. What he had done to Isabel Reid, mother of his son, was a sinful deed. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 407) He did not assume responsibility for the child; he abandoned his son and his mother-Elizabeth. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 407)
This exceptional horrid flaw in his character was carried on into his career later on as a mayor. Mackenzie was named Toronto's first mayor by his fellow councillors, defeating John Rolph. As mayor, Mackenzie was both head of council and chief magistrate for Toronto. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 500) However, despite his definite influence on the city, he could not gain the support of the public. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 500) The city was deeply in debt and due to his inadequate assessment, he failed to realize the city needed many factories. Mackenzie failed to apply himself to solving the city's problems. Instead he spent his time on his own causes and concentrated on preparing for the next provincial election. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 500) These behavioral patterns can ...

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("Mackenzie" 1976: 505) He had no clue what aspect of the government to change; Mackenzie didn't understand what responsible government was.
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 ...

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