William Lyon Mackenzie King

Date of Birth: December 17, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: July 22, 1950

Biography

William Lyon Mackenzie King was a Canadian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Canada for three non-consecutive terms, making him the longest-serving Prime Minister in Canadian history. Born in Kitchener (then called Berlin), Ontario, King was known for his leadership during pivotal moments in Canadian history, including the Great Depression and World War II. King graduated from the University of Toronto and later earned an M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University. He initially entered politics as a member of the Liberal Party, and his career took off when he was appointed as Canada’s first Deputy Minister of Labour in 1909. His political acumen and dedication to social programs helped him rise through the ranks, becoming the leader of the Liberal Party in 1919. King’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by his pragmatic approach to governance, his focus on social welfare, and his adept handling of international relations during turbulent times. He introduced significant social reforms, including unemployment insurance and family allowances, which laid the groundwork for Canada’s modern welfare state. Despite his achievements, King was a complex figure, known for his interest in spiritualism and consulting with mediums. His personal diaries, which were published posthumously, revealed much about his private life and thoughts, offering a detailed look into the mind of one of Canada’s most enigmatic leaders.

5 Interesting Facts about William Lyon Mackenzie King

1. William Lyon Mackenzie King was the grandson of William Lyon Mackenzie, a leader of the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.

2. He served as Prime Minister for a total of 21 years, longer than any other Prime Minister in Canadian history.

3. King was deeply interested in spiritualism and believed he could communicate with the spirits of his deceased mother and pet dogs.

4. He wrote extensive diaries that provide a detailed account of his thoughts and political strategies, amounting to over 30,000 pages.

5. King played a crucial role in the founding of the United Nations, representing Canada at the San Francisco Conference in 1945.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Lyon Mackenzie King

1. “The politician’s promises of yesterday are the taxes of today.”

2. “It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.”

3. “Conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription.”

4. “My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.”

5. “Let it be remembered that the returning soldier who is without a job and is hungry should never be forgotten.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Lyon Mackenzie King’s net worth is not well-documented, but as a career politician and public servant, his wealth was primarily derived from his government salary and modest investments.

Children

William Lyon Mackenzie King never married and had no children. His personal life was notably private, and he dedicated much of his life to his political career and public service.