Factors affecting politics in Manitoba : a study of the provincial elections, 1870-99

Abstract

The key note of the Thesis will be a study of Provincial Elections in Manitoba during the period 1870 to 1899. The major political forces will be traced in an attempt to establish correlations between these forces and election results. Race and religion were at first the predominating political forces and the basis for representation in the Legislature. The influx of immigration modified representation by "classes and interests" and necessitated a readjustment in the political philosophy of the population. This readjustment was facilitated by the introduction of Dominion party lines, which also gave impetus to the political and economic growth of the Province and reflected itself in Provincial elections.