The 1871 provincial election in British Columbia was a significant event in the province's political history. The election saw the rise of the province's first elected government, led by Premier Amor De Cosmos. This essay will discuss the events and issues of the campaign and the results of the election.

One of the key issues of the campaign was the need for greater self-government and representation for British Columbia in the Canadian Confederation. At the time, British Columbia was a relatively new province, having only joined the Confederation in 1871. The government, led by Premier Amor De Cosmos, campaigned on a platform that emphasized the need for greater autonomy and representation for British Columbians in the federal government. The party argued that their policies would help to strengthen the province's position within the Confederation and ensure that the province's interests were adequately represented at the federal level.

The opposition, on the other hand, argued that the government's policies were too radical and would lead to greater division within the province. The opposition also raised concerns about government corruption and called for greater transparency and accountability in government.

Another important issue of the campaign was the need for economic growth and development in the province. Both the government and the opposition supported policies that would help to stimulate economic development and create new opportunities for British Columbians. The government emphasized the importance of private enterprise and free market principles, while the opposition called for greater government intervention in the economy.

The election was held on July 20, 1871, and the government emerged victorious, winning 18 seats compared to the opposition's 9. The government won a majority of the popular vote, with 52.5% compared to the opposition's 47.5%.

Following the election, Amor De Cosmos became the first elected premier of British Columbia and the new government began to implement its campaign promises. The government continued to emphasize the need for greater autonomy and representation for British Columbians in the federal government, while also promoting policies that would help to stimulate economic growth and development in the province.

In conclusion, the 1871 provincial election in British Columbia was a significant event in the province's political history, as it saw the rise of the province's first elected government led by Premier Amor De Cosmos. The campaign was dominated by debates over the need for greater autonomy and representation for British Columbians in the federal government, as well as the need for economic growth and development in the province. The election results led to a period of government in the province, with policies that emphasized greater self-government and representation, as well as policies that would help to stimulate economic growth and development.