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Bennett is born!
Richard Bedford Bennett is born on July 3rd, 1870 in Hopewell Hill, New Brunswick. -
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Richard Bedford Bennett Timeline
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Off to university
At the age of eighteen, Richard attends the University of Dalhousie and graduates in 1983 -
A change of scenary
In 1897, Richard decides to move to Calgary and work along with Sir James Lougheed, the richest man in Calgary. -
First major political success
As the leader of the Alberta Conservative Party, Bennett managed to earn a seat in the provincial legislature. He would then switch to federal politics. -
First federal appearance
As the Minister of Justice of Arthur Meighan's Conservative party, Bennett made his first federal appearance in 1920. -
The new leader
After Arthur Meighan was defeated in the 1926 election, he stepped down as Conservative leader and Richard Bedford Bennett was appointed. This would be Bennett's first appearance as a federal leader. -
Canada's new Prime Minister
Bennett defeats William Lyon Mackenzie King in the 1930 election, becoming the 11th Prime Minister of Canada. -
The big meeting
Bennett hosts the 1932 Imperial Conference with the World's leaders in an attempt to stop the current economic crisis (The Great Depression). Bennett dominated these meetings but ultimately they were uneventful as the leaders could not agree on a decision. -
The adopted new deal
Bennett adopts the "New Deal" approach to tackling The Great Depression, hoping to sway the voter's opinion in the upcoming election. -
Crushing defeat
Bennett loses the 1935 to William Lyon Mackenzie King. This is because of the floundering economy believed to be Bennett's fault. The driving force of this reason were the "Bennett Buggies"; cars pulled by horses because the owner could not afford gasoline. -
Off to England
In 1938, Bennett retires from politics and retires to England. This is where he becomes Viscount Bennett, of Mickelham. -
The end of a legacy
Richard Bedford Bennett dies in his home in England at the age of 77. Bennett is the only known Prime Minister to refuse to be baried in Canada. Also, as a charitable man who often gave away his own money to help struggling families (donated around 2.3 million).
