William Lyon Mackenzie King

King became the tenth Prime Minister of Canada, leading the Liberal Party. His first term was marked by post-war reconstruction and economic challenges.

King requested a dissolution of Parliament from Governor General Lord Byng, who refused. King resigned, and the Conservative government fell within days. King returned to power after the election, establishing the principle that the Governor General must act on the Prime Minister's advice.

King led Canada through World War II, managing the war effort, mobilizing the economy, and maintaining national unity. He avoided a repeat of the 1917 conscription crisis by holding a plebiscite and limiting conscription to home defense until 1944.

King's government introduced the Family Allowance Act, providing monthly payments to all families with children. This was a landmark social welfare program that laid the foundation for Canada's post-war social safety net.