O'Canada

My knowledge of Irish history is tiny, and my knowledge of Canadian history isn’t great, so I put forward this comparison not knowing if it holds up at all: Daniel O’Connell (1775 – 1847) from Ireland and William Lyon Mackenzie (1795 – 1861) in Canada (or Upper Canada, as it was then; now called Ontario). Both politicians who fought against ruling Anglican elites, though with different means.

Daniel O'Connell (1775 - 1847)

William Lyon Mackenzie (1795 - 1861)

O’Connell was a Roman Catholic and battled the Protestant Ascendancy, the Anglican elite that controlled Ireland. Mackenzie wasn’t religious, but battled the Family Compact, the Anglican elite that controlled Ontario.

O’Connell was a peaceful man. He gained many rights for Catholics in Ireland, and tried but did not succeed to separate Ireland from the United Kingdom. Mackenzie was no pacifist. He led the Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837, a small and confused rebellion that didn’t get anywhere.

Grand statue of Daniel O'Connell in Dublin. Photo taken by Martin O'Connell

Small statue of William Lyon Mackenzie in Toronto

The ultimate aims of both men were achieved in the end. Ireland became free and Catholics have full rights. Canada has responsible government, thanks to the Durham Report and concern over the Upper Canada and Lower Canada rebellions.

Interesting connection: I (William Denton) am descended from an uncle of David Gibson, who fought with Mackenzie. Gibson fled the country after the failed rebellion and lived in the States for over a decade, but was later able to return and built a house in north Toronto that is now a museum: Gibson House. The uncle was about Gibson’s age and they were good friends.

O’Connell photo source: Wikipedia. Mackenzie photo source: Wikipedia. Photograph of statue of Daniel O’Connell taken from Flickr, courtesy of Martin O’Connell.