Born at Amherst and educated in medicine, Tupper was elected in 1855 to the Nova Scotia Assembly, becoming Premier in 1864. In alliance with John A. Macdonald, he skilfully manoeuvered unwilling Nova Scotians into Confederation. Having held several federal cabinet portfolios, he served as High Commissioner to London for eleven years (1883-87 and 1888-96). Returning to politics he entered Bowell’s Cabinet in 1896 and soon succeeded him as Prime Minister. When, in that same year, his party was defeated at the polls he became leader of the opposition, a post he held until his personal defeat in 1900. He died in England.