**1930 Canadian Federal Election**
**Definition:**
The 1930 Canadian federal election was held on July 28, 1930, to elect members of the House of Commons of Canada. It resulted in a victory for the Conservative Party, led by R. B. Bennett, who defeated the incumbent Liberal government under William Lyon Mackenzie King.
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## 1930 Canadian Federal Election
The 1930 Canadian federal election marked a significant political shift during a period of economic uncertainty. Taking place against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the election saw the Conservative Party, led by Richard Bedford Bennett, defeat the Liberal Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. The election outcome reflected public dissatisfaction with the Liberal government’s handling of the economic crisis and ushered in a new era of Conservative governance.
### Background
The late 1920s and early 1930s were characterized by severe economic challenges worldwide, with the stock market crash of 1929 triggering the Great Depression. Canada, heavily reliant on exports of raw materials and agricultural products, was particularly vulnerable to the global downturn. Unemployment rose sharply, and many Canadians faced financial hardship.
William Lyon Mackenzie King’s Liberal government, which had been in power since 1926, was criticized for its perceived inadequate response to the worsening economic conditions. King advocated for limited government intervention and believed that the economy would self-correct without extensive federal aid. This approach was increasingly unpopular among voters who demanded more active measures to combat unemployment and economic decline.
In contrast, the Conservative Party, led by R. B. Bennett, campaigned on a platform promising aggressive government intervention to stimulate the economy, including protective tariffs and relief programs. Bennett’s message resonated with many Canadians who sought immediate and decisive action to address the economic crisis.
### Political Context
The 1930 election was the first federal election held after the onset of the Great Depression. The economic crisis dominated political discourse, overshadowing other issues such as foreign policy and social reform. The Liberals’ traditional support base, including urban workers and farmers, was eroding due to dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies.
The Conservative Party capitalized on this discontent by proposing a „New Deal” for Canada, inspired by similar ideas emerging in the United States. Bennett promised to protect Canadian industries through tariffs, provide direct relief to the unemployed, and implement public works programs to create jobs.
### Electoral System and Campaign
Canada’s federal elections used the first-past-the-post electoral system, with 245 seats in the House of Commons contested in 1930. A party needed to win a majority of seats to form government.
The campaign was vigorous and highly focused on economic issues. Bennett traveled extensively, delivering speeches that emphasized the need for strong leadership and government intervention. King, meanwhile, warned against excessive government spending and cautioned that Bennett’s policies could lead to higher tariffs and trade wars.
The election also saw the participation of smaller parties and independent candidates, but the contest was primarily a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives.
### Results
The election resulted in a decisive victory for the Conservative Party. The Conservatives won 137 seats, an increase of 49 seats from the previous election, while the Liberals were reduced to 89 seats, a loss of 48 seats. The Conservatives secured approximately 47.7% of the popular vote, compared to the Liberals’ 45.1%.
The election outcome reflected a clear mandate for change, with voters endorsing Bennett’s promises of economic intervention. The Conservatives gained significant ground in Western Canada and Ontario, while the Liberals retained some support in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.
### Aftermath and Significance
R. B. Bennett was sworn in as Canada’s 11th Prime Minister shortly after the election. His government faced the daunting task of addressing the ongoing economic crisis. Bennett implemented a series of measures aimed at economic recovery, including increased tariffs, public works projects, and relief programs for the unemployed.
Despite these efforts, the Depression deepened, and Bennett’s government struggled to alleviate widespread poverty and unemployment. His policies were often criticized as insufficient or too late, and public dissatisfaction grew over the course of his term.
The 1930 election is significant for marking a shift in Canadian political attitudes toward government intervention in the economy. It highlighted the limitations of laissez-faire policies during times of crisis and set the stage for future debates about the role of the federal government in social and economic welfare.
### Key Figures
– **R. B. Bennett:** Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister from 1930 to 1935. Bennett’s tenure was dominated by efforts to combat the Great Depression through protectionist and interventionist policies.
– **William Lyon Mackenzie King:** Leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister before and after the 1930 election. King’s cautious approach to the economic crisis was a central issue in the election.
### Regional Breakdown
– **Western Canada:** The Conservatives made significant gains, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with the Liberals’ handling of agricultural and economic issues.
– **Ontario:** A key battleground where the Conservatives increased their support, benefiting from urban and industrial voters seeking economic relief.
– **Quebec:** Remained largely loyal to the Liberals, who maintained a strong base among French Canadians.
– **Atlantic Canada:** Mixed results, with some Liberal strongholds holding firm despite national trends.
### Legacy
The 1930 federal election underscored the impact of economic conditions on political fortunes. It demonstrated how economic crises could reshape voter preferences and party platforms. Although Bennett’s government ultimately failed to resolve the Depression, the election marked a turning point in Canadian politics, leading to increased expectations for government responsibility in economic and social matters.
The election also set the stage for the 1935 federal election, in which the Liberals, under Mackenzie King, returned to power amid continuing economic challenges.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1930 Canadian federal election resulted in a Conservative victory under R. B. Bennett amid the Great Depression, reflecting public demand for government intervention in the economy. This election marked a pivotal shift in Canadian political and economic policy.