Desmond Morton (historian)

Desmond Morton (1937-2019) was a prominent Canadian historian, author, and academic specializing in Canadian military, political, and labour history. He was a professor at the University of Toronto and later at McGill University, where he taught for many years. Morton was a prolific writer, producing numerous influential books and articles that shaped the understanding of Canadian history, particularly its military involvement in both World Wars and its social and political development.

Morton's work was characterized by a focus on the experiences of ordinary Canadians, particularly soldiers and working-class individuals. He challenged traditional narratives and explored the complexities of Canadian identity and its place in the world. His book A Military History of Canada is considered a standard text in the field. Other notable works include Working People: An Illustrated History of Canadian Labour, When Your Number's Up: The Canadian Soldier in the First World War, and Marching to Armageddon: Canadians and the Great War, 1914-1919.

Beyond his academic work, Morton was actively involved in public debates about Canadian history and national identity. He was a frequent commentator in the media and participated in various historical projects and commemorations. He also served as the director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. His contributions to Canadian historical scholarship and public understanding of the past were widely recognized, and he received numerous awards and honours throughout his career. He was known for his engaging writing style, his commitment to historical accuracy, and his passion for making history accessible to a broad audience.