Mackenzie, William Lyon
Mackenzie, William Lyon (1795–1861). Mackenzie was born in Dundee and emigrated to Upper Canada (now Ontario) in 1820, where he became a newspaperman and radical politician. Stung by his abuse, in 1826 Toronto Tories smashed Mackenzie's printing presses. In 1831 Mackenzie's attacks provoked Tories to expel him from the Assembly, an overreaction which the British government countermanded. In 1834 Mackenzie became first mayor of Toronto, but in 1836 reformers were routed in Assembly elections. During 1837 Mackenzie organized armed demonstrations and threatened revolt, but lost control of events. Rebellion broke out on 4 December. Mackenzie escaped to the USA, but an amnesty enabled him to return to Canada in 1849.
Ged Martin
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Mackenzie, William Lyon
