Sam Steele


Sam Steele by R.C. Macleod

The biography of Sam Steele was much more than the life story of a great Canadian; it was also a history of the opening of western Canada, the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway, The rebellion in the Red River Valley, the KlondikeGold Rush, the Boer War and World War I. Sam Steele was remarkably involved to some degree in all of these events that significantly affected Canada. 

Macleod wrote an engaging book that draws you into the life of Sam Steele without descending into hagiography. Macleod is just as likely to point our Sam Steele’s faults as well as his virtues. On the whole, I would say that Sam Steele had more virtues than faults; he was an ambitious man but he always tried to do what was right and treat people fairly. He always followed the path that would further his career but he also tried to always do what was best for his family as well.

Sam Steele wanted to rise as high as he could in his life and he rose to great heights. After spending over 20 years in the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), Sam Steele went to South Africa and led the battalion know as Lord Strathcona’s Horse, mounted Calvary where he distinguished himself. He finished his career as a general in World War I (WWI) in charge of training soldiers who went to fight on the front lines in France.

Sam Steele was not only a witness but a participant to some of the major events in the 19th century and early 20th century; 1848 – 1873 – the red River Expedition,  the 1885 rebellion, 1898 – 1899 Klondike gold Rush, 1899 – 1901 Boer War, 1914 – 1918 – World War I.

The history of Canada would have turned out differently if not for Sam Steele. The opening of the Canadian West was controlled by the rule of law, by men under the leadership of Sam Steele. This is an important book for anyone who is interested in the history of Canada in the 19th century and early 20th century.

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