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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Clement Attlee

British Prime Minister after World War II
British Prime Minister after World War II

Clement Attlee, a British statesman, served as Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951. His government focused on social reforms, nationalization, and decolonization efforts. Attlee is regarded as one of the greatest British prime ministers, known for creating the NHS and welfare state reforms.

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1883-01-03
Birth of Clement Attlee

Clement Attlee, the British Labour Party leader and Prime Minister known for his commitment to social reform, was born on January 3, 1883 in Putney, London, England.

1901
Attlee's University Education

In 1901, Clement Attlee went up to University College, Oxford, where he read modern history. He graduated in 1904 with second-class honours.

1905
Visit to Stepney Boys' Club

In 1905, Clement Richard Attlee visited a Stepney Boys' club which dramatically altered his course towards social service.

1906
Attlee's Volunteer Work at Haileybury House

In 1906, Clement Attlee became a volunteer at Haileybury House, a charitable club for working-class boys in Stepney. This experience led him to convert to socialism.

1907
Becoming Resident Manager of Stepney Boys' Club

In 1907, Clement Richard Attlee became the resident manager of the Stepney Boys' club, continuing his family tradition of social service.

1908
Clement Attlee joins the Independent Labour Party

In 1908, Clement Attlee joined the Independent Labour Party after being deeply influenced by the poverty he witnessed in London's East End during his time managing Haileybury House.

1912-12
Appointment as Tutor in Department of Social Science and Administration at LSE

In December 1912, the individual was appointed as a tutor in the newly established Department of Social Science and Administration at LSE. They lectured on topics related to local authorities and agencies, making a significant impact despite the modest beginnings of the department.

1913
Attlee lectures at London School of Economics

In 1913, Clement Attlee started lecturing at the London School of Economics, a renowned institution for social sciences, economics, and politics.

1914-07-28
Service in World War One

Clement Attlee served in the British Army during World War One, where he gained valuable experience that later influenced his political career and leadership style.

1915-04
Battle of Hanna

During the Mesopotamian campaign in April 1916, Attlee was badly wounded in the leg by friendly fire while storming an enemy trench. The battle was an unsuccessful attempt to relieve the Siege of Kut, resulting in many casualties among Attlee's fellow soldiers.

1916-12-18
Transfer to Heavy Section of the Machine Gun Corps

On December 18, 1916, Attlee was transferred to the Heavy Section of the Machine Gun Corps. This transfer marked a significant point in his military career.

1917-03-01
Promotion to Temporary Rank of Major

Attlee was promoted to the temporary rank of major on March 1, 1917. This promotion led to him being known as 'Major Attlee' for much of the inter-war period.

1917-07-02
Temporary Commanding Officer of L Battalion, the Tank Corps

From July 2 to 9, 1917, Attlee served as the temporary commanding officer of the newly formed L Battalion, later known as the 10th Battalion, the Tank Corps at Bovington Camp, Dorset.

1918-06
Service on the Western Front

In June 1918, Attlee was sent to France to serve on the Western Front for the final months of World War I. His service in this crucial period had a lasting impact on his future political career.

1919-01
Discharge from the Army

After being discharged from the Army in January 1919, Attlee returned to Stepney and resumed his part-time lecturing job at the London School of Economics. This marked the beginning of his transition into politics.

1920
Publication of The Social Worker

In 1920, Clement Attlee published a book titled The Social Worker as part of a series of books known as 'The Social Service Library'. The book caused a stir and led to his academic boss writing a letter of regret to the Charity Organisation Society.

1922-01-10
Marriage to Violet Millar

Clement Attlee married Violet Millar on January 10, 1922, at Christ Church, Hampstead. Their marriage was described as devoted, with Violet providing a supportive home for Attlee amidst political challenges.

1923-01
Clement Attlee formally resigns

In January 1923, Clement Attlee formally resigned from his position. Despite resigning, he continued to give lectures for a few months.

1924
Undersecretary of State for War in First Labour Government

In the first Labour government in 1924, Attlee held the position of Undersecretary of State for War, contributing to the government's policies.

1925
Collaboration with William A Robson on local government study

Two years later, in 1925, Clement Attlee collaborated with LSE lecturer William A Robson on a study about the important role of town councillors in local government. The study emphasized the enhancement of civic spirit.

1926
Attlee opposes the 1926 General Strike

Attlee opposed the 1926 General Strike, believing that strike action should not be used as a political weapon, but he did not attempt to undermine it.

1927
Attlee appointed member of the Simon Commission

In 1927, Clement Attlee was appointed as a member of the Simon Commission, a royal commission to examine the possibility of granting self-rule to India.

1930-05
Attlee becomes Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

In May 1930, Attlee was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster after Oswald Mosley left the Labour Party.

1931-03
Attlee becomes Postmaster General

In March 1931, Clement Attlee assumed the position of Postmaster General, which he held for five months.

1931-08
Labour government falls, Attlee declines National Government offer

In August 1931, the Labour government fell due to disagreements on tackling the Great Depression. Ramsay MacDonald formed a National Government, but Attlee refused to join and remained loyal to the Labour party.

1933
Attlee as Acting Leader

In December 1933, Clement Attlee served as acting leader of the Labour Party for nine months when Arthur Henderson was incapacitated. This period raised Attlee's public profile significantly.

1935-12-03
Clement Attlee Elected Leader of the Labour Party

Clement Attlee was formally elected Leader of the Labour Party on 3 December 1935, after winning the leadership election against Herbert Morrison and Arthur Greenwood.

1939
Attlee Supports British Declaration of War Against Germany

In 1939, Attlee gave his full support to the British declaration of war against Germany, showing his commitment to resisting fascism and aggression.

1942
Implementation of the Welfare State

Following the Beveridge report in 1942, the Labour government under Attlee implemented the welfare state in Britain. This initiative aimed to provide social security and support for citizens 'from the cradle to the grave', shaping the foundation of a more egalitarian society.

1944
Education Act 1944 Implementation

The Attlee government ensured the full implementation of the Education Act 1944, providing free secondary education for the first time and eliminating fees in state grammar schools. Initiatives like the HORSA and S.F.O.R.S.A. schemes helped raise the school leaving age to 15 in 1947.

1944-09-17
Attlee discusses atomic energy control

In September 1944, Prime Minister Attlee engaged in informal discussions regarding the international control of atomic energy.

1945-07-05
General Election of 1945

The general election held in 1945 where Clement Attlee's Labour Party triumphed over Winston Churchill's Conservative Party, leading to Attlee becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

1945-07-17
Attlee assumes office as Prime Minister during Potsdam Conference

After Labor's victory in the 1945 elections, Clement Attlee became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the final Allied war conference in Potsdam, Germany. This marked the beginning of his leadership during a crucial period of post-World War II diplomacy.

1945-07-26
Formation of the 1945-1951 Labour Government

The 1945-1951 Labour government led by Clement Attlee was known for introducing significant reforms in Britain, including the establishment of the National Health Service and nationalization of key industries.

1945-08-14
Announcement of Japanese Surrender

On August 14, 1945, Prime Minister Clement Attlee and Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin announced the news of the Japanese surrender in a speech broadcast to Britain and the Empire. This marked a significant moment in history, signaling the end of World War II.

1946
Pioneering the Modern Welfare State

Clement Attlee, along with William Beveridge and Nye Bevan, played a significant role in pioneering the modern welfare state. Their efforts were motivated by a sense of social responsibility, socialism, and humanism.

1947
Britain's Independent Nuclear Weapons Programme

Attlee's government decided that Britain should have an independent nuclear weapons programme, which began in 1947. This decision was partly prompted by the US McMahon Act, which prohibited Americans from sharing nuclear technology with allied countries.

1947-08-15
Indian Independence

Attlee oversaw Indian independence during his time as Prime Minister. This event marked the end of British colonial rule in India.

1947-11
Clement Attlee's Term

Clement Attlee served from the death of Stanley Baldwin in November 1947 until the end of his term in October 1951. During this period, only Winston Churchill was alive.

1948-01-05
Nationalisation of Major Industries and Public Utilities

In 1948, Prime Minister Clement Attlee's government nationalised major industries and public utilities in Britain, bringing them under state ownership and control.

1948-06-24
Berlin Airlift

During Attlee's time as Prime Minister, Britain was involved in the Berlin Airlift, a massive humanitarian effort to supply West Berlin by air during the Soviet blockade. This demonstrated Western commitment to the city's freedom.

1948-07-05
Clement Attlee replies to concerns about West Indians on HMT Empire Windrush

Attlee replied to concerns raised about West Indians who arrived on HMT Empire Windrush, showcasing his government's stance on immigration and social issues.

1948-12-15
Awarded Honorary Fellowship of Queen Mary College

On December 15, 1948, Clement Attlee was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Queen Mary College. This recognition underscored his significant impact and influence in the academic sphere.

1949-10-01
Recognition of People's Republic of China

On October 1, 1949, Britain became the first western country to formally recognize the People's Republic of China. This decision was significant in the context of the Chinese Communist victory and the Cold War.

1950-10-25
General Election of 1951

On 25th October 1951, Clement Attlee called a new election in an attempt to gain a larger majority but was narrowly defeated by the Conservative Party, leading to Labour going into a 13-year spell in opposition.

1950-12-04
Attlee discusses military situation with Truman

Prime Minister Attlee discussed the military situation in Korea and developments in the Far East and Europe with President Truman.

1951-10
Resignation as Prime Minister of Britain

He stepped down from his position as Prime Minister of Britain in October 1951 after the Conservatives won the election.

1952-10
First Operational British Nuclear Bomb Detonation

The first operational British nuclear bomb was detonated in October 1952, about one year after Attlee had left office. This event marked a significant milestone in Britain's nuclear weapons development.

1955
Clement Attlee became the 1st Earl Attlee

Clement Attlee was bestowed the title of 1st Earl Attlee in 1955 following his term as prime minister.

1955-09
Attlee's interview with Percy Cudlipp

In an interview with Percy Cudlipp in mid-September 1955, Attlee expressed his thoughts on Labour's future direction and his preference for the leadership succession.

1955-12
Elevation to Earl

He was made an earl in December 1955 as a recognition of his contributions and achievements.

1956
Clement Attlee becomes a Knight of the Garter

In 1956, Clement Attlee was honored as a Knight of the Garter, one of the highest orders of chivalry in England. This recognition added to his distinguished political career and contributions.

1958
Establishment of the Homosexual Law Reform Society

In 1958, Clement Attlee, along with other notable figures, founded the Homosexual Law Reform Society, which advocated for the decriminalisation of homosexual acts in private by consenting adults. This reform was eventually passed by Parliament nine years later.

1962-11
Speech against UK joining the European Communities

In November 1962, Clement Attlee delivered a speech in the House of Lords opposing the British government's application for the UK to join the European Communities ('Common Market'). He argued that Britain had a distinct parliamentary tradition from the EC countries and that joining would restrict the British government's ability to plan the economy.

1964
Death of Violet Millar

Violet Millar, Clement Attlee's wife, passed away in 1964. Her support and companionship had been a significant part of Attlee's personal life.

1965-01
Attendance at Winston Churchill's funeral

In January 1965, Clement Attlee attended Winston Churchill's funeral, where he had to remain seated due to frailty. He witnessed the Labour Party's return to power under Harold Wilson in 1964 and the loss of his old constituency to the Conservatives in September 1967.

1967-01-01
Death of Clement Attlee

Clement Attlee passed away in 1967, leaving behind a legacy in healthcare, politics, and social reform.

1967-10-08
Death of Clement Attlee

Clement Attlee, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who presided over the establishment of the welfare state and the nationalization of major British industries, passed away on October 8, 1967 in Westminster, London.

1967-11-07
Burial of Clement Attlee

Clement Attlee was buried on November 7, 1967.

1982
Attlee by Kenneth Harris

A biography of Clement Attlee written by Kenneth Harris in 1982.

1988-11-30
Unveiling of Bronze Statue of Clement Attlee by Harold Wilson

A bronze statue of Clement Attlee was unveiled in 1988 by Harold Wilson outside Limehouse Library. This event was one of the last public appearances by Wilson, who was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

1991
Succession of the title to 2nd Earl Attlee

Upon Clement Attlee's death, the title passed to his son Martin Richard Attlee, who became the 2nd Earl Attlee. Martin later defected from Labour to the SDP in 1981. The title is currently held by Clement Attlee's grandson, John Richard Attlee, the 3rd Earl Attlee.

2004
Voted Most Successful British Prime Minister of the 20th Century

In 2004, Clement Attlee was voted the most successful British Prime Minister of the 20th century by a poll of 139 academics. This recognition highlighted his impactful leadership and governance during his tenure.

2016
Owen Jones lists Clement Attlee as a historic humanist in Holyoake Lecture

In the 2016 Holyoake Lecture by Humanists UK, Owen Jones highlighted Clement Attlee as one of the historic humanists whose examples can still inspire us today. Jones emphasized the importance of following the footsteps of great humanists like Attlee in building a society that is free, just, and equal.

2017-03-14
The Life and Times of Clement Attlee: From Houghton Street to Downing Street

A podcast event discussing the life and political career of Clement Attlee, focusing on his journey from Houghton Street to Downing Street. The event sheds light on his leadership and impact on British politics.

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Clement Attlee
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