led the Progressive Conservatives in five general elections. He was successful in the general elections of 1957, 1958, and 1962, but was defeated in the elections of 1963 and 1965. Federal election, 1957 Diefenbaker led the Progressive Conservatives in the general election of 1957. The election resulted in a minority government, with no party having a majority. Although the Liberals came in first in the popular vote, they came in second in seats in the House of Commons, behind Diefenbaker and the Progressive Conservatives. St. Laurent resigned and Diefenbaker formed a minority government, ending twenty-three years of Liberal rule. 1 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Prime Minister after election. 2 Prime Minister when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election. 3 Table does not include parties which received votes but did not elect any members. Federal election, 1958 A year after winning the 1957 election, Diefenbaker led the Progressive Conservatives in the general election of 1958. He won the biggest seat majority in Canadian history up to that time, 208 seats in a House of Commons with 265 seats. Diefenbaker formed a majority government, with a 151-seat majority over the other three parties combined. 1 Prime Minister when election was called; Prime Minister after election. 2 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election. 3 Table does not include parties which received votes but did not elect any members. Federal election, 1962 After four years of majority government, Diefenbaker again led the Progressive Conservatives to the polls, but lost almost one hundred seats and was reduced to a minority government. 1 Prime Minister when election was called; Prime Minister after election. 2 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election. 3 Table does not include parties which received votes but did not elect any members. Federal election, 1963 Diefenbaker's minority government following the 1962 election lasted less than a year. His government was defeated on a motion of non-confidence in February, 1963, which resulted in the dissolution of Parliament and a general election. Lester Pearson and the Liberals won the election, but fell five seats short of a majority. Pearson become prime minister of a minority government, and Diefenbaker became Leader of the Opposition. 1 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Prime Minister after election. 2 Prime Minister