Joseph Roberts Smallwood: Masthead Newfoundlander, 1900-1949

Joseph Roberts Smallwood was a Canadian politician who served as the first premier of Newfoundland and Labrador from 1949 to 1972. He was a charismatic and controversial figure who played a major role in shaping the province's history.

Joseph Roberts Smallwood: Masthead Newfoundlander, 1900-1949

by Melvin Baker

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Smallwood was born in Gambo, Newfoundland, in 1900. He began his career as a journalist and became editor of the Evening Telegram, Newfoundland's largest newspaper. In the 1930s, he became involved in politics and was elected to the Newfoundland assembly in 1934. He served as leader of the Liberal Party from 1940 to 1949.

In 1948, Smallwood led Newfoundland to confederation with Canada. He became the province's first premier and served until 1972. During his time in office, Smallwood implemented a number of major reforms, including the establishment of a public health system, the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway, and the development of the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project.

Smallwood was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brilliant orator and a skilled politician, but he was also known for his arrogance and his authoritarian style of leadership. He was a staunch supporter of Newfoundland's independence, but he also recognized the need for the province to join Canada.

Smallwood's legacy is still debated today. Some view him as a hero who brought Newfoundland into the modern age, while others see him as a ruthless dictator who stifled dissent and trampled on civil liberties. Regardless of one's opinion of Smallwood, there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential figures in Newfoundland and Labrador's history.

Early Life and Career

Joseph Roberts Smallwood was born in Gambo, Newfoundland, on January 24, 1900. He was the son of John Smallwood, a fisherman, and Mary Ann Roberts. Smallwood's father died when he was young, and his mother was left to raise him and his six siblings on her own.

Smallwood attended school in Gambo and later in St. John's. He began his career as a journalist in 1918, working for the St. John's Daily News. In 1923, he became editor of the Evening Telegram, Newfoundland's largest newspaper. Smallwood used his position as editor to promote his political views and to criticize the government of the day.

Political Career

Smallwood entered politics in 1934, when he was elected to the Newfoundland assembly as a member of the Liberal Party. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party, becoming leader in 1940. Smallwood led the Liberal Party to victory in the 1949 general election, and he became Newfoundland's first premier.

As premier, Smallwood implemented a number of major reforms, including the establishment of a public health system, the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway, and the development of the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project. Smallwood also led Newfoundland to confederation with Canada in 1949.

Smallwood was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular one. He was known for his charisma and his ability to connect with people. Smallwood was also a skilled politician, and he was able to achieve a number of his goals, despite the challenges he faced.

Legacy

Smallwood retired from politics in 1972. He died in 1991, at the age of 91. Smallwood's legacy is still debated today. Some view him as a hero who brought Newfoundland into the modern age, while others see him as a ruthless dictator who stifled dissent and trampled on civil liberties.

Regardless of one's opinion of Smallwood, there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential figures in Newfoundland and Labrador's history. He was a complex and contradictory figure, but he was also a man of passion and conviction. Smallwood's legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.

Bibliography

• Smallwood, Joseph R. I Chose Canada. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1973.
• Petten, Ralph. Smallwood: The Man and His Era. St. John's: Jesperson Press, 1991.
• O'Flaherty, Patrick. Smallwood: A Political Biography. St. John's: Breakwater Books, 2006.

Joseph Roberts Smallwood: Masthead Newfoundlander, 1900-1949

by Melvin Baker

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15768 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	326 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE