Description
Book SynopsisSince Alberta became a province in 1905, three parties have held office. Each won a sweeping initial victory, followed by a long tenure of office during which the opposition was ineffective. Both of the first two parties then experienced virtual annihilation at the hands of a new grassroots movement.
Despite the non-party tradition which had early become established in the North-West Territories under F.W.G. Haultain, the Liberal party triumphed in the election that followed the founding of the province, and subsequently held office for sixteen years. Why was the victory so sweeping, and why did the Liberal machine eventually break down? Why was the Conservative party unable to establish an effective opposition, and why did the United Farmers of Alberta succeed in dislodging the Liberals when the Conservatives party unable to establish an effective opposition, and why did the United Farmers of Alberta succeed in dislodging the Liberals when the Conservatives had failed? Was th
