Ramsay MacDonald

Ramsay MacDonald was born on October 12, 1866 in Lossiemouth, Scotland. He later became the first Labour Prime Minister of Britain in 1924.

In 1883, MacDonald delivered a speech to the Mutual Improvement Society discussing the prevalence and danger of superstition, which he described as a hindrance to social progress and scientific research.

In 1886, MacDonald moved to London and continued his involvement in the socialist movement, while also attending evening classes at Birkbeck College.

On November 13, 1887, Ramsay MacDonald witnessed the Bloody Sunday event in Trafalgar Square. In response to this, he had a pamphlet published titled 'Remember Trafalgar Square: Tory Terrorism in 1887'.

On March 6, 1888, Ramsay MacDonald took part in a meeting that led to the formation of the London General Committee of Scottish Home Rule Association. This event showcased MacDonald's continued interest in Scottish politics.

In 1893, Ramsay MacDonald became a member of the Independent Labour Party after working as a Liberal candidate's assistant in London.

In May 1894, MacDonald joined Keir Hardie's newly formed Independent Labour Party.

In 1895, Ramsay MacDonald stood as a parliamentary candidate but was unsuccessful, while also working as a journalist.

In 1896, Ramsay MacDonald married Margaret Gladstone, who was not related to the politicians of the same name. Her wealth enabled them to travel extensively to various countries.

In 1897, Ramsay MacDonald and his wife visited Canada and the United States as part of their extensive travels.

In 1898, MacDonald was a founding member of Stanton Coit’s Society of Ethical Propagandists, a group aimed at promoting the Ethical movement. The society believed in the idea that a good life is valuable in itself and does not require supernatural approval.

In 1902, Ramsay MacDonald visited South Africa as part of his travels to different countries.

A platinum print portrait of Ramsay MacDonald taken by Benjamin Stone in July 1907.

When war was declared in August 1914, Ramsay MacDonald expressed a neutral stance, believing that the country should have remained neutral. Despite his anti-war opinion, he resigned from the party Chairmanship when the Party supported the government's request for war credits.

In August 1916, the Moray Golf Club passed a resolution stating that Ramsay MacDonald's anti-war activities had endangered the club's character and interests, leading to MacDonald forfeiting his membership.

In January 1917, Ramsay MacDonald published 'National Defence', advocating for open diplomacy and disarmament as necessary measures to prevent future wars.

In the 1918 'Coupon Election', Ramsay MacDonald lost his seat as a result of his opposition to the war. The election campaign in Leicester West focused on his anti-war stance.

A sepia-toned platinotype portrait of Ramsay MacDonald captured by George Charles Beresford in December 1919.

Ramsay MacDonald published 'Parliament and Revolution', a work discussing parliament and revolution.

In the 1921 Woolwich East by-election, Ramsay MacDonald stood for Parliament but lost to his opponent Captain Robert Gee. MacDonald tried to appeal to ex-soldiers and promised to convert the Woolwich Arsenal to civilian use.

MacDonald's first government in 1924, with Liberal support, passed social reform legislation focusing on housing, requiring local councils to build affordable social housing known as Council Housing.

Ramsay MacDonald became the Prime Minister of Great Britain and also served as the Foreign Secretary. During his leadership, significant events like granting recognition to the Soviet regime in Russia and initiating the Geneva Protocol took place.

Ramsay MacDonald delivered a speech titled 'The Way to Peace' to the League of Nations Assembly in Geneva on September 4, 1924.

On October 25, 1924, just before the UK general election, the Daily Mail reported on a controversial letter allegedly from Grigory Zinoviev, reflecting tensions between Britain and the Bolsheviks.

On October 29, 1924, the Conservative Party under Stanley Baldwin won a landslide victory in the UK general election, decisively defeating the Liberals.

In 1927, MacDonald contracted a mysterious throat infection during a visit to the United States, nearly dying. He had to spend a month recovering at a hospital in Philadelphia.

In MacDonald's second term as Prime Minister in 1929, Margaret Bondfield was appointed as the first woman cabinet member.

On June 5, 1929, Ramsay MacDonald became Prime Minister for the second time, leading a minority government. However, his alliance with the Conservative Party and the formation of the National Government in 1931 led to criticism and accusations of betrayal.

The Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression led to the formation of a National Government in 1931, with Conservative participation, to address the economic challenges.

Ramsay MacDonald offered his resignation as Prime Minister of Great Britain due to the effects of the worldwide economic depression. However, he continued in office as head of a coalition government with Conservative and Liberal support.

In 1935, MacDonald was forced to retire due to disagreements over military stance against Germany, marking the end of his political career.

Ramsay MacDonald was one of the signatories to the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, which had implications for the relationship between Britain and Egypt.

Ramsay MacDonald passed away on November 9, 1937, at sea en route to South America at the age of 71.

Ramsay MacDonald's funeral took place in Westminster Abbey on 26 November 1937, followed by a private cremation service at Golders Green. His ashes were later buried in Lossiemouth alongside his wife and son.

MacNeill Weir published the first major biography of Ramsay MacDonald in 1938, demonising him for careerism, class betrayal, and treachery.

Lord Godfrey Elton published 'The Life of James Ramsay MacDonald', a biography detailing the life of James Ramsay MacDonald.

Clement Attlee, in his autobiography, referred to Ramsay MacDonald's decision to abandon the Labour government in 1931 as 'the greatest betrayal in the political history of the country'.

The book 'Ramsay MacDonald's Political Writings' was published in 1972, edited by Bernard Barker.

In 1977, Ramsay MacDonald received a long scholarly biography that historians have considered 'definitive', highlighting his role in founding and building the Labour Party.

A book by Austen Morgan part of the 'Lives of the Left' series, focusing on the life of J. Ramsay MacDonald. It provides a comprehensive look at MacDonald's involvement in left-wing politics.

The book 'A Singular Marriage: a Labour Love Story in Letters and Diaries' by Jane Cox was published, focusing on the relationship between Ramsay and Margaret MacDonald.