Liberals in seven general elections, winning four (1896, 1900, 1904, and 1908) and losing three (1891, 1911, 1917). Federal election, 1891 The 1891 election was Laurier's first election as leader of the Liberals. His opponent in the 1891 election was Sir John A. Macdonald, in his last election. Macdonald, aged 76, again led the Conservatives to victory, albeit with a reduced majority. Laurier remained the Leader of the Official Opposition after the election. 1 Prime Minister when election was called; Prime Minister after the election. 2 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election. 3 Acclaimed. 4 Election returns in 1887 did not require candidates to declare party affiliation. Many candidates did not list a party affiliation. Federal election, 1896 Laurier won his second general election, defeating the Conservatives led by Prime Minister Charles Tupper. The main issue was the Manitoba Schools Question, which had divided the country on linguistic and religious lines. Although Tupper and the Conservatives won the popular vote, Laurier and the Liberals won the majority of seats and formed the government, the first time at the federal level that the party with the greatest popular vote support did not form the government. 1 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Prime Minister after the election. 2 Prime Minister shortly after election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election. 3 Election returns in 1896 did not require candidates to declare party affiliation. Some candidates did not list a party affiliation. Federal election, 1900 Laurier again faced Tupper in the general election of 1900. Laurier and the Liberals increased both their popular vote and seats won. Tupper retired from public life, the last of the Fathers of Confederation to leave Canadian politics. 1 Prime Minister when election was called; Prime Minister after the election. 2 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election. 3 Election returns in 1900 did not require candidates to declare party affiliation. Some candidates did not list a party affiliation. 4 "Unknown" candidates only received 27 votes nationally. 5 Rounding error. Federal election, 1904 Laurier again led the Liberals in the 1904 general election. His opponent this time was Robert Laird Borden, who had replaced Tupper as leader of the Conservatives. Laurier again won a majority government. 1 Prime Minister when election was called; Prime Minister after