Henri Bourassa

Henri Bourassa was a French Canadian journalist, nationalist, and politician who founded the Montreal newspaper *Le Devoir* in 1910.

Henri Bourassa was a French Canadian journalist, nationalist, and politician who founded the Montreal newspaper *Le Devoir* in 1910. He was a leading advocate of Canadian autonomy and French Canadian rights, and he served in both the House of Commons and the Quebec Legislative Assembly.

Early life and background

Henri Bourassa was born in Montreal in 1868 to a prominent French Canadian family. He was the grandson of Louis-Joseph Papineau, a major figure in Canadian political history.

Political career

Bourassa entered federal politics in 1896 as an independent Liberal and later served in Quebec politics as a member for Saint-Hyacinthe. He became known for his independence from party leadership and his strong nationalist positions.

Le Devoir and journalism

In 1910, Bourassa founded *Le Devoir*, a newspaper that became a major voice for French Canadian nationalism and political commentary. He remained closely associated with the paper until 1932.

Political ideas and legacy

Bourassa promoted Canadian autonomy, opposed imperialism, and defended French Canadian cultural rights. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential French Canadian nationalist thinkers and political voices of the early 20th century.