William Lyon Mackenzie as an agitator

William Lyon Mackenzie is remembered in history not only for the offices he held, but also for his belief in the natural rights of man as expressed in the 1837 Rebellion to reform the government of Upper Canada and dedication towards bringing responsible government. However, a closer look will reveal that Mackenzie's role was insignificant in the introduction of responsible government in Upper Canada. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 406) Born on March 12 1795 at Springfield, Dundee, Scotland. Mackenzie is one of …

…and not that of rebellions led by Mackenzie. Through an extensive analysis of Mackenzie's role in Canadian history, one can see that Mackenzie is not what he seems to be portrayed as in documentations. A legend is one thing, but what really happened is what is important. Mackenzie, is generally considered an agitator that did not bring responsible government. Hence, as a concluding notion, it is understandable that: "Mackenzie was not a hero, by far!"