Richard Bedford Bennett, commonly known as R.B. Bennett, was born on July 3, 1870, in Canada. He was raised in New Brunswick by his parents, Henry Bennett and Henrietta Stiles. Bennett was a bright and ambitious young man who excelled in his studies early on. He attended Dalhousie University, where he earned a law degree in 1893. Despite his academic achievements, Bennett was a loner and had few close friends growing up.
Bennett's foray into politics began when he was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1911. Over the years, he held various positions within the government, including Minister of Justice and Attorney General. In 1930, Bennett was appointed as the 11th Prime Minister of Canada, a position he held until 1935. His term in office coincided with the worst years of the Great Depression, and he implemented various policies to try and alleviate the economic hardships facing the country.
Despite his efforts to combat the Great Depression, Bennett's time as Prime Minister was met with mixed reviews. Some praised his leadership during a challenging period, while others criticized his handling of the crisis. In 1935, Bennett's government was defeated in the election, and he stepped down from office. He remained involved in politics in the years following his term as Prime Minister but never returned to a position of such prominence.
Bennett was a private man who never married. He lived a modest lifestyle and was known for his reserved nature. In 1947, just one week shy of his 77th birthday, Bennett passed away from a heart attack while taking a bath. He was survived by his brother, Ronald V. Bennett, who continued to honor his brother's memory in the years that followed.
Overall, R.B. Bennett left a mark on Canada that is still felt today. His commitment to improving the lives of his fellow citizens and his willingness to tackle difficult issues make him a figure worth remembering in Canadian political history.