The man on our $100 bill started life as a bit of a nerd who spent a lot of time making endless lists about his chores, school lessons, and other activities. Even his mom told him that he worked too hard and was too serious. While Robert grew up to be a clever and hardworking man, many people didn’t think of him as a good leader because he was a boring speaker. He was also accused of being indecisive and a hypochondriac.

When Robert became prime minister, he was quick to pledge full support to the war effort and sent thousands of soldiers to the battlefield. Then, in 1915, he visited wounded Canadian soldiers in 53 hospitals in England and France. He was horrified by their suffering. It was this experience that convinced him that Canada should have a say in how the war was run and the terms of any peace treaty. He demanded that Canada’s voice be heard. And he won! Canada became a full member of the newly formed League of Nations—and it was quiet, reluctant Robert who made it happen.