Lieutenant-Governors of Upper Canada
1836-1838: Francis Bond Head
Ruled over the Upper Canada Rebellions of 1837, a minor but impactful revolt led by prominent Upper Canadian radical William Lyon Mackenzie.
1838-1839: Sir George Arthur
Saw an attempt by Lord Durham to unify Upper and Lower Canada, ultimately failing due to resistance by Lower Canadians as well as by Upper Canadians who feared being ruled by Francophones.
1839-1842: Lord Syndenham
Saw newfound attempts by the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada to campaign for responsible government, but refused to accept them, filling up the Executive and Legislative Councils with Tories.
1842-1847: Lord Metcalfe
The Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada, led by fierce Reformer Robert Baldwin, amped up its attacks of the nature of the Executive Council being appointed by the Governor; ultimately, while Metcalfe refused some more radical demands for a Legislative Council appointed by the Assembly, he appointed Baldwin and other reformers occupy the Executive Council, ultimately resigning after frustration over being reduced to a figurehead but not before accusing the Reformers of wanting a democratic despotism. He was the last Lt-Governor to have real power.
Premiers of Upper Canada
1847-1851: Robert Baldwin (Reform)
Widely considered one of the greatest Premiers, Robert Baldwin achieved his demands. His first crisis was over terrorist attacks by Orangemen over the new reforms, but those quickly passed as people on both sides of the spectrum accepted that a democratic executive was here to stay. However, there was much talk by Tories about adopting an American-inspired elected executive on the basis that Canadian society was similar to Americans, as well as similar talk by pro-American radical Reformers. However, with its singular goal achieved, the party ceased to be united. Nevertheless, Baldwin, the first democratic head of government in Upper Canadian history, resigned, even applauded by his enemies for his honesty and achievements.
1851-1855: Francis Hincks (Reform)
A good friend, Hincks was a natural successor to Baldwin. Nonetheless, Reformers led by George Brown opposed Hincks, bringing his government to the precipice of a vote of no confidence. However, he gained the support of moderate Tories and retained power. Hincks was a firm believer in rail, purchasing railways and having a vision of a railway connecting all of British North America. However, scandals dealing with railway stock resulted in the fall of his government.
1855-1861: George Brown (Clear Grit)
In a party which consisted of people with radical and even annexationist tendencies, George Brown was far more moderate than his fellow Clear Grits. Nevertheless, he was accepted by them, as well as by the Upper Canadian public. As Premier, George Brown sought closer relations with the US, lowering tariffs despite the growing turmoil down south. As well, he saw success in turning the Legislative Council into an elective rather than appointed body, elected by districts with members elected by districts for twelve years. He also sought expansion and settlement westward, though in this he was constantly frustrated by the Hudson's Bay Company as well as the British government frankly having more important concerns than Upper Canadian expansionism. However, the growing anti-Americanism, amplified further as the nation tore into two, resulted in his government's fall.
1861-1865: J. Sanfield Macdonald (Conservative)
Largely considered a caretaker Premier, Macdonald's platform consisted of little more than reaction. Reaction against Brown and reaction against the US. However, as a moderate reformer, he nevertheless accepted the status quo. As the American Civil War continued, his government would be buoyed by war scare after war scare, and the Clear Grits continued to be humiliated as some backbencher said some stupid thing about the war effort. However, as it turned out, the war was the only thing holding the Conservatives together, and the government fell.
1865-1880: George Brown (Clear Grit)
And so, Upper Canada went right back to George Brown. His agenda of western expansion achieved its culmination in 1868, when Rupert's Land was purchased by Upper Canada, greatly expanding the size of what was once an inland colony. Settlers now looked to the west, towards the Prairies only populated by Metis and Indians. However, Metis over Louis Riel protested being ruled by faraway Toronto, stating that they needed their own government. And so, George Brown established a semi-nominated devolved parliament in Assiniboia, though he later revoked it when, a few years later, Louis Riel, now claiming to be a prophet named David, attempted to establish a theocratic republic, and the growing white population ensured the Metis had other concerns than Brown and the Clear Grits. Furthermore, Brown initiated the creation of a railway, one which he hoped would connect British Columbia to Upper Canada. Brown died in 1880, considered a hero who greatly expanded the fortunes of the Upper Canadian people and the true founder of Upper Canada.