James Scullin vs Jamil Mahuad

James Scullin became Prime Minister of Australia on October 22, 1929, leading a Labor government just days after the Wall Street Crash. His government faced the onset of the Great Depression, with rising unemployment and economic contraction, and struggled to implement effective policies.

Scullin's government appointed Sir Isaac Isaacs as the first Australian-born Governor-General of Australia in 1930, over the objections of King George V. This act asserted Australian autonomy in constitutional matters and was a significant step in the evolution of Australian sovereignty.

Scullin's government adopted the Premiers' Plan in June 1931, a set of austerity measures agreed with state premiers to combat the Depression. The plan included cuts to government spending, wage reductions, and increased taxes, which were deeply unpopular within the Labor Party and led to splits.

Scullin's government was weakened by a split in the Labor Party, with the formation of the Lang Labor faction led by New South Wales Premier Jack Lang. This division, along with defections to the new United Australia Party, led to the collapse of Scullin's government in late 1931.

Scullin's Labor government was decisively defeated in the December 1931 federal election by the United Australia Party under Joseph Lyons. The election marked the end of Labor's term, with the party reduced to a small minority in parliament.

Mahuad signed the Brasilia Presidential Act on October 26, 1998, ending the long-standing border dispute with Peru. The treaty resolved a conflict that had caused multiple wars and established a definitive border, earning Mahuad international recognition.

President Mahuad announced the adoption of the U.S. dollar as Ecuador's official currency on January 9, 2000, to combat hyperinflation and stabilize the economy. The policy ended the sucre's circulation and remains in effect, fundamentally reshaping Ecuador's monetary system.

Following widespread protests led by indigenous groups and a military uprising, Mahuad was forced to resign on January 21, 2000. Vice President Gustavo Noboa assumed power, marking the end of Mahuad's presidency after only 18 months.