David Lloyd George

David Lloyd George, a Liberal Party politician from Wales, served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1922. He led the country during World War I, implemented social-reform policies, and played a key role in the Paris Peace Conference and the establishment of the Irish Free State.

In 1884, David Lloyd George qualified as a solicitor and joined a firm in Porthmadog. This marked a significant milestone in his career, setting the stage for his future political endeavors.

David Lloyd George had the longest unbroken career as a Member of Parliament, representing Carnarvon Boroughs for 54 years and 350 days. He received a peerage but was not able to take his seat in the Lords.

In 1898, David Lloyd George established the Welsh National Liberal Council, which later evolved into the Liberal Party of Wales, providing a unified political platform for Welsh Liberals.

David Lloyd George supported the establishment and development of key Welsh institutions such as the National Library of Wales, the National Museum of Wales, and the Welsh Department of the Board of Education, as well as advocating for increased funding for the University of Wales.

David Lloyd George caused a public uproar by refusing to retract his comments about Lord Kitchener's brutal methods in the Boer War. His stance against the use of 'methods of barbarism' to win the war garnered attention and controversy.

David Lloyd George gained national fame for his vocal opposition to the Second Boer War, criticizing Britain's war aims, the cost of the war, and the conduct of the generals. He particularly targeted the Chamberlains for alleged war profiteering, leading to a significant split within the Liberal Party.

After Asquith became Prime Minister, Lloyd George succeeded him as Chancellor of the Exchequer in April 1908. In this role, Lloyd George emerged as a dynamic and radical force in the government, introducing major Liberal social reforms and implementing measures for naval rearmament.

In 1909, Lloyd George introduced the People's Budget, which aimed to finance social reforms and naval rearmament. Its rejection by the House of Lords led to a constitutional crisis and two general elections in 1910, ultimately leading to the curtailment of the Lords' veto power.

The 1909 budget introduced by Lloyd George was passed on April 28, 1910, after facing opposition in the House of Lords. This event led to the subsequent Parliament Act 1911, limiting the House of Lords' power over money bills.

In 1911, an act of Parliament was passed which abolished the power of the House of Lords to reject a money bill such as the budget, due to strong public support for Lloyd George's budget.

In 1913, Lloyd George and Rufus Isaacs were accused of speculating in Marconi shares using inside information. Lloyd George denied speculating in the shares of the company, but it was later revealed that he had bought shares in the American Marconi Company.

In May 1915, Lloyd George became the Minister of Munitions, displaying dynamism and negotiation skills in industrial relations. He advocated for conscription and organized the country for war efforts, gaining admiration from Conservatives despite outraging some former supporters.

On 6 July 1916, Lloyd George succeeded the deceased Kitchener as Secretary of State for War. His tenure was marked by efforts to control the war more effectively, leading to a political crisis and Asquith's resignation as Prime Minister.

Lloyd George assumed office as Prime Minister on 6 December 1916, a position he held until 1922. His leadership during and after the war relied on multi-party support, with his post-war government depending on Conservative and some Liberal backing.

Following Asquith's resignation, Lloyd George was invited to form a new government. He successfully formed a small War Cabinet and became the Prime Minister the next day, with significant support from senior Liberals.

At the Rome Conference, Lloyd George discreetly discussed plans related to capturing Jerusalem, which he believed would advance British interests. However, he faced challenges in obtaining support from the French and Italians for his proposed military strategies.

In February 1917, Maurice Hankey wrote a memorandum for Lloyd George calling for the introduction of 'scientifically organised convoys' after being persuaded by Commander Reginald Henderson and Shipping Ministry officials.

Lloyd George supported French General Nivelle's plan to put British forces under his command for a major offensive in 1917. However, the proposal faced opposition from British ministers, leading to compromises and strained relations between military leaders.

Lloyd George welcomed the Fall of the Tsar and hoped for an invigorated war effort from Russia, despite concerns. He cautiously supported the suggestion of giving sanctuary to the toppled Tsar and his family in Britain.

On April 15, 1917, Lloyd George visited Admiral Beatty at Invergordon, who supported the idea of convoys.

On April 25, 1917, the War Cabinet authorized Lloyd George to investigate the anti-submarine campaign.

On April 30, 1917, Lloyd George visited the Admiralty and was authorized by the War Cabinet to look into the anti-submarine campaign.

On July 31, 1917, the ill-fated Passchendaele offensive began under Lloyd George's leadership, resulting in enormous loss of life and failure to achieve its main objectives.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in December 1921, leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State and the Parliament of Northern Ireland opting out of the Irish Free State.

In the general election of 1929, Lloyd George made promises to tackle unemployment but lost to the rising Labour party.

David Lloyd George published a 2-volume work titled The Truth About the Peace Treaties in 1938.

During the Norway Debate in May 1940, Lloyd George delivered a powerful speech that contributed to undermining Chamberlain as prime minister and paving the way for Churchill's ascendancy.

In September 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Lloyd George wrote to the Duke of Bedford advocating a negotiated peace with Germany, expressing his pessimism about Britain's chances in the war.

Lloyd George's pessimistic speech on 7 May 1941 led Churchill to compare him with Philippe Pétain, reflecting his negative outlook during the wartime.

In October 1943, at the age of 80, David Lloyd George married Frances Stevenson, his long-term mistress. Frances became the first Countess Lloyd-George and is remembered for her diaries that covered the significant issues and statesmen of Lloyd George's era.

Lloyd George passed away at the age of 82 on 26 March 1945 due to cancer, leaving behind a complicated and controversial legacy as a British prime minister.

John Griggs published the first volume of a biography on David Lloyd George titled The Young Lloyd George in 1973.

Kenneth O. Morgan published a short biography on David Lloyd George in 1974.

Peter Rowland published a single-volume biography on David Lloyd George titled Lloyd George in 1975.

John Griggs published a volume on David Lloyd George's early years titled Lloyd George: The People’s Champion, 1902-11 in 1978.

John Griggs published a volume on David Lloyd George's transition from peace to war titled Lloyd George: From Peace to War, 1912-1916 in 1985.

Bentley B. Gilbert published the first volume of a substantial biography on David Lloyd George titled David Lloyd George: A Political Life in 1987.

Martin Pugh published a short biography on David Lloyd George in 1988.

Bentley B. Gilbert published the second volume of a substantial biography on David Lloyd George titled David Lloyd George: A Political Life in 1992.

Historian John Shepherd noted in 2007 that in any poll of modern historians, Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George would be considered the two most renowned prime ministers of the past century.