Passion or Profession: Prime Minister

Period: 1919–2000

Born in Québec, Trudeau spoke mostly French at home, though he learned English as a child. In 1968, he became prime minister for the first time. Trudeau helped Canada form its unique identity by fighting for the status of both French and English as national languages, achieving parliamentary independence from Britain, helping create a new constitution, and improving international relations. He was also instrumental in keeping Québec from seceding.