William Lyon Mackenzie

William Lyon Mackenzie (1795-1861) was a Canadian rebel who led the failed 1837 rebellion in Upper Canada (now Ontario).

Born in Scotland, he immigrated to Canada, where he soon became a spokesman and an influential leader of the political reform movement that eventually erupted in rebellion. He advovcated republicanism based on the American model. In 1824 he established a newspaper, the Colonial Advocate, principally to attack the oligarchic rule of the "Family Compact", the elite of Upper Canada. His forthright and forceful crusading journalism gained him widespread popularity. Mackenzie attracted more attention for his opinions than for his information. He moved to York (Toronto), from whence his readership soon spread throughout Upper Canada. His 1828 election to the House of Assembly launched his future as a politician.

His grandson William Lyon Mackenzie King was long-time prime minister of Canada in the 20th century.

Further reading

• Greer, Allan. "1837-38: Rebellion Reconsidered". Canadian Historical Review 1995 76(1): 1-18.
• Read, Colin and Stagg, Ronald J., eds. The Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada. (1985), primary sources.