William Lyon Mackenzie is remembered in history not only for the offices he held, but also for his belief in the natural rights of man as expressed in the 1837 Rebellion to reform the government of Upper Canada and dedication towards bringing responsible government. However, a closer look will reveal that Mackenzie's role was insignificant in the introduction of responsible government in Upper Canada. ("Mackenzie" 1976: 406) Born on March 12 1795 at Springfield, Dundee, Scotland. Mackenzie is one of history's most frequently misunderstood figures of all time. Only if the man and the legend are separated can one understand h