Frank Underhill facts for kids

Frank Hawkins Underhill, SM, FRSC (born November 26, 1889 – died September 16, 1971) was an important Canadian writer, historian, and political thinker. He was known for sharing his ideas about Canada's history and future. He received the Medal of Service and was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

A Life of Learning and Ideas

Early Life and Education

Frank Underhill was born in Stouffville, Ontario. He studied at the University of Toronto and later at the University of Oxford in England. While at Oxford, he was part of the Fabian Society, a group that believed in making society better through gradual changes. He was inspired by thinkers like George Bernard Shaw.

Teaching and War Service

Underhill taught history at the University of Saskatchewan from 1914 to 1927. His teaching was paused during World War I. He served as an officer in the British Army on the Western Front. After the war, he continued teaching. From 1927 to 1955, he taught at the University of Toronto. Later, he joined Carleton University.

Political Involvement

During the Great Depression, Underhill joined other thinkers to form the League for Social Reconstruction. This group wanted to improve society. He also helped start the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, a political party. He even helped write their main ideas in the Regina Manifesto in 1933.

Underhill also wrote for the Canadian Forum, a magazine. He had a column called "O Canada" where he shared his political thoughts.

Views on Canada and Academic Freedom

During World War II, Underhill's political views changed. He became a liberal thinker. He believed Canada should become closer to the United States and move away from the British Empire. In 1941, he almost lost his job at the University of Toronto for these ideas. This event became a famous example of academic freedom in Canada. Academic freedom means professors can share their ideas without fear of losing their jobs.

Important Writings and Legacy

Key Books and Essays

Many of Underhill's important writings are in his 1960 book, In Search of Canadian Liberalism. In these essays, he wrote about many Canadian topics. He discussed politics before and after Canadian Confederation. He also wrote about Canada's relationships with the United States and Britain. His essays were known for being sharp and witty.

Other notable books by Underhill include Canadian Political Parties (1957) and The Image of Confederation (1964).

Later Life and Recognition

In his later years, Underhill strongly supported the United States during the Cold War. He also became a supporter of the Liberal Party of Canada. This was especially true when his friend Lester Pearson became a leader in the government.

Underhill served as a lecturer and head of the history department at Carleton University in Ottawa. Carleton University has honored him by naming a reading room and a student discussion group after him.

In 1967, he received the Medal of Service of the Order of Canada. Frank Underhill passed away in Ottawa, Ontario in 1971.