Mackenzie Bowell becomes Canada's fifth prime minister

Background. Sir Mackenzie Bowell served as a cabinet minister for various portfolios, including Customs, Militia and Defence, and Trade and Commerce, before becoming prime minister. By 1892 he had held his Commons seat continuously for 25 years, and he became leader of the government in the Senate in October 1893. His appointment as prime minister occurred in December 1894 after the unexpected death of Prime Minister Thompson.

Appointment. Following the sudden death of Prime Minister John Sparrow David Thompson in December 1894, the Earl of Aberdeen, Canada's governor general, appointed Bowell to replace him. This appointment was based on Bowell's status as the most senior cabinet member. Bowell was one of two prime ministers in the 1890s who served while members of the Senate.

Tenure. Bowell's tenure as prime minister was primarily defined by the Manitoba Schools Question. His attempts to find a compromise alienated members of his own party. In early 1896, a Cabinet revolt forced him to resign in favor of Charles Tupper, who had joined the Cabinet and effectively held leadership.