Thomas D'Arcy McGee: The Extreme Moderate, 1857-1868

Thomas D'Arcy McGee was a prominent Irish-Canadian politician and journalist who played a key role in the Canadian Confederation. He was known for his moderate views and his ability to bridge the gap between different political factions. This book provides a comprehensive account of McGee's life and career, from his early days in Ireland to his assassination in Ottawa in 1868.

Thomas D'Arcy McGee: The Extreme Moderate, 1857-1868

by David A. Wilson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3969 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	525 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Early Life and Career

Thomas D'Arcy McGee was born in Carlingford, Ireland, on April 13, 1825. His father was a prosperous merchant and his mother was a devout Catholic. McGee received a classical education at St. Patrick's College in Carlow and Trinity College Dublin. He began his career as a journalist in Dublin, where he quickly gained a reputation for his wit and eloquence.

In 1848, McGee became involved in the Young Ireland movement, which sought to establish an independent Irish republic. He was arrested and imprisoned for his role in the abortive Fenian uprising of 1848. After his release from prison, McGee fled to the United States, where he continued to write and lecture on Irish independence.

Immigration to Canada

In 1857, McGee immigrated to Canada. He settled in Montreal, where he quickly became involved in politics. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada in 1858 and served as Minister of Agriculture and Immigration from 1862 to 1864.

McGee was a strong advocate for Canadian Confederation. He believed that a united Canada would be able to better resist the threat of American expansionism. He also believed that Confederation would provide a new opportunity for Irish immigrants to build a better life for themselves.

Role in Confederation

McGee played a key role in the negotiations that led to the creation of the Canadian Confederation in 1867. He was a member of the delegation that traveled to London to negotiate the British North America Act, which established the new Dominion of Canada.

After Confederation, McGee served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He was also a leading voice in the development of the National Policy, which aimed to promote Canadian economic development.

Assassination

McGee was assassinated in Ottawa on April 7, 1868. He was shot and killed by Patrick James Whelan, an Irish Fenian who believed that McGee had betrayed the cause of Irish independence. Whelan was convicted of murder and hanged in 1869.

Legacy

Thomas D'Arcy McGee is considered one of the fathers of Canadian Confederation. He was a brilliant orator, a gifted writer, and a tireless advocate for the rights of Irish immigrants. His assassination was a major tragedy for Canada, and his death is still mourned today.

McGee's legacy lives on in the many institutions that he helped to create, including the Canadian Confederation, the National Policy, and the University of Ottawa. He is also remembered as a symbol of the Irish contribution to Canadian society.

Further Reading

• Thomas D'Arcy McGee on The Canadian Encyclopedia
• Thomas D'Arcy McGee on the Dictionary of Canadian Biography
• The Life and Times of Thomas D'Arcy McGee by Charles Lindsey

Thomas D'Arcy McGee: The Extreme Moderate, 1857-1868

by David A. Wilson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3969 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	525 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE