Duplessis was born at Trois-Rivières, which he represented in the Legislative Assembly from 1927 to 1959. While Conservative leader in 1935 he formed the Union nationale, an alliance of Conservatives and dissident Liberals which held power from 1936 to 1939 and from 1944 until his death. "Le Chef", as he was known, was one of the country's most colourful and influential political figures. His years in office were marked by frequent controversy but also by the assertion of Québec autonomy, and the initiation of major public works which changed the face of the province.