Joseph Roberts Smallwood: Masthead Newfoundlander 1900-1949

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Joseph Roberts Smallwood (1900-1991) was a Canadian politician who served as the first Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador from 1949 to 1972. He was a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in Newfoundland's history.

Smallwood was born in Gambo, Newfoundland, on December 24, 1900. His father was a fisherman and his mother was a schoolteacher. Smallwood attended Memorial University College in St. John's, where he studied history and political science. After graduating, he worked as a journalist for the St. John's Evening Telegram.

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

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In 1932, Smallwood was elected to the Newfoundland House of Assembly as a Liberal. He quickly became a leading figure in the party, and in 1940 he was elected leader. In 1949, Smallwood led the Liberal Party to victory in the referendum on whether Newfoundland should join Canada. Newfoundland became a province of Canada on March 31, 1949, and Smallwood became its first Premier.

As Premier, Smallwood oversaw a period of great change in Newfoundland. He introduced a number of social and economic reforms, including the establishment of a free public education system and the development of the province's natural resources. He also played a key role in the construction of the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project.

Smallwood was a controversial figure. He was criticized for his authoritarian style of leadership and his close ties to the business community. However, there is no doubt that he was a visionary leader who helped to shape the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Smallwood retired from politics in 1972. He died in St. John's on December 18, 1991.

Legacy

Joseph Roberts Smallwood's legacy is complex and contested. He was a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in Newfoundland's history. He was a visionary leader who helped to shape the future of the province.

Smallwood's legacy is still debated today. Some people believe that he was a great leader who helped to bring Newfoundland into the modern world. Others believe that he was an authoritarian who stifled dissent and did not do enough to help the poor and disadvantaged.

Whatever one's opinion of Smallwood, there is no doubt that he was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a man of great ambition and determination, and he played a major role in shaping the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Timeline of Joseph Roberts Smallwood's Life

* 1900: Born in Gambo, Newfoundland * 1923: Graduates from Memorial University College * 1932: Elected to the Newfoundland House of Assembly * 1940: Elected leader of the Liberal Party * 1949: Leads the Liberal Party to victory in the referendum on whether Newfoundland should join Canada * 1949-1972: Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador * 1972: Retires from politics * 1991: Dies in St. John's, Newfoundland

Further Reading

* [Joseph Roberts Smallwood: The Man and His Era](https://www.mha.gov.nl.ca/publications/smallwood/index.html) * [Smallwood: The Unlikely Revolutionary](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/smallwood-the-unlikely-revolutionary-1.671621) * [Joseph Roberts Smallwood](https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/joseph-r-smallwood)

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