Meaning: The quote is from William Lyon Mackenzie King, a Canadian politician who served as the tenth Prime Minister of Canada. The quote refers to the period just before the outbreak of World War I and highlights the significant amount of spirits, both domestic and imported, that were released for sale in Canada. The context of this quote sheds light on the economic and social landscape of Canada at that time, as well as the impact of the impending war on the country's alcohol industry and consumption patterns.

During the period leading up to World War I, Canada experienced a period of economic growth and industrialization. The country's population was increasing, and urbanization was on the rise. This period also saw the expansion of the alcohol industry in Canada, with a growing demand for spirits both domestically produced and imported from other countries. The quantity of spirits released for sale, as mentioned in the quote, reflects the significant volume of alcohol being consumed and traded in Canada at that time.

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had far-reaching implications for Canada, including its alcohol industry. The war disrupted trade routes and supply chains, leading to shortages of various goods, including alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the wartime economy and government regulations had an impact on the production, distribution, and consumption of alcohol in Canada. The quote by William Lyon Mackenzie King serves as a reflection of the pre-war period, capturing the scale of the alcohol industry in Canada before the country's involvement in the global conflict.

The significance of the quote lies in its portrayal of the societal and economic dynamics of Canada in the early 20th century. The mention of "three and a half million proof gallons" underscores the magnitude of alcohol consumption and trade during that time. It also provides a glimpse into the regulatory and commercial landscape of the alcohol industry in Canada, shedding light on the scale of production and availability of spirits in the country.

William Lyon Mackenzie King, as a prominent political figure of his time, was known for his attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping. His focus on statistics and data is evident in this quote, as he quantifies the volume of spirits released for sale, emphasizing the magnitude of the alcohol trade in Canada during the period preceding the outbreak of World War I.

In conclusion, the quote by William Lyon Mackenzie King offers a historical perspective on the alcohol industry in Canada before the onset of World War I. It serves as a reminder of the economic and social conditions of the time, highlighting the scale of alcohol production and consumption in the country. By providing quantitative data on the volume of spirits released for sale, the quote contributes to our understanding of the alcohol trade and its significance in the pre-war Canadian society.