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The Prairie Populist: George Hara Williams and the Untold Story of the CCF
The story of a socialist who led a populist movement of farmers in Saskatchewan, and went on to form the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation
George Hara Williams was the most successful of the early leaders of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in Saskatchewan. But his role in the party was undermined by Tommy Douglas and M. J. Coldwell, and now he is almost forgotten.
The populist who mobilized farmers of the province to support a socialist platform, he was one of five MLAs elected in the 1934 election, becoming Leader of the Opposition. He firmly supported socialists participating in the struggle against fascism, including military action, a position not held by everyone in the party. While Williams was serving overseas, a campaign to replace him as leader, led by Coldwell and Douglas, was successful.
The full story of Williams’ role in building the CCF and bringing it to the threshold of power, and the party machinations leading to his defeat as leader, has until now, been never fully documented.
George Hara Williams was the most successful of the early leaders of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in Saskatchewan. But his role in the party was undermined by Tommy Douglas and M. J. Coldwell, and now he is almost forgotten.
The populist who mobilized farmers of the province to support a socialist platform, he was one of five MLAs elected in the 1934 election, becoming Leader of the Opposition. He firmly supported socialists participating in the struggle against fascism, including military action, a position not held by everyone in the party. While Williams was serving overseas, a campaign to replace him as leader, led by Coldwell and Douglas, was successful.
The full story of Williams’ role in building the CCF and bringing it to the threshold of power, and the party machinations leading to his defeat as leader, has until now, been never fully documented.
- GenresHistory
336 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 3, 2018
It is unjust that the legacy of George Hara Williams has been shrouded in the vague disinterest that Canadians hold for the NDP and its roots in the CCF. Williams has been overshadowed by Tommy Douglas, and while the latter is interesting, it was Williams who connects the farming or agrarian roots of the party with its historical focus on socialism and a critique of capitalist organization.
By piecing together archival sources with hitherto unpublished work on Williams, Conway has done a wonderful and historic job in providing readers with an excellent survey of Saskatchewan socialist politics between the First and Second World Wars.
If you're interested in Canadian politics, and especially in the prairies or in Canadian socialism -- the first socialist government in North America was in Saskatchewan and a direct result of G. H. Williams' organizing -- you must read this book.
By piecing together archival sources with hitherto unpublished work on Williams, Conway has done a wonderful and historic job in providing readers with an excellent survey of Saskatchewan socialist politics between the First and Second World Wars.
If you're interested in Canadian politics, and especially in the prairies or in Canadian socialism -- the first socialist government in North America was in Saskatchewan and a direct result of G. H. Williams' organizing -- you must read this book.
July 13, 2019
Prairie populism is a fascinating aspect of Canadian politics and this point adds to the rich literature already in place by highlighting one of the forgotten heirs of the prairie populist movement.
Detailed, enlightening, and painstakingly researched, this biography seeks to educate the ready about GH Williams, agrarian socialism, populist politics, and the founding of the CCF (precursor to NDP). Much of the history of the Saskatchewan CCF is synonymous with Douglas and Caldwell, but ignores the major role played by Williams. This fills that gap.
It’s an fascinating dive into GH Williams, the CCF, and Prairie popularism with lessons that ring true today.
Detailed, enlightening, and painstakingly researched, this biography seeks to educate the ready about GH Williams, agrarian socialism, populist politics, and the founding of the CCF (precursor to NDP). Much of the history of the Saskatchewan CCF is synonymous with Douglas and Caldwell, but ignores the major role played by Williams. This fills that gap.
It’s an fascinating dive into GH Williams, the CCF, and Prairie popularism with lessons that ring true today.
July 29, 2019
The Prairie Populist is a fascinating look at a Canadian figure whose historic achievements are often overlooked.
George Hara Williams was arguably the driving force who built the CCF (a precursor to today's NDP) and a leader in the movement to bring about social programs such as universal healthcare. He was the organizational power behind the party's success, and his contributions to the movement largely went unheralded in favor of the more well-known M.J. Coldwell and (especially) Tommy Douglas.
This book corrects that grave historic error by presenting evidence that suggests just how integral G.H. William's involvement during the party's infancy was to its eventual success.
Though it can be a little dry in parts, this is well worth the read for those interested in this area of Canadian political history.
George Hara Williams was arguably the driving force who built the CCF (a precursor to today's NDP) and a leader in the movement to bring about social programs such as universal healthcare. He was the organizational power behind the party's success, and his contributions to the movement largely went unheralded in favor of the more well-known M.J. Coldwell and (especially) Tommy Douglas.
This book corrects that grave historic error by presenting evidence that suggests just how integral G.H. William's involvement during the party's infancy was to its eventual success.
Though it can be a little dry in parts, this is well worth the read for those interested in this area of Canadian political history.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews