British prime ministers - from 1830: 1830 - 2010

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Timeline: British prime ministers - from 1830

Years: 1830 - 2010	Subject: Social sciences, Politics
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737701

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BCE CE

Year	Event
1830	Earl Grey becomes British prime minister at the head of a Whig government committed to reform Go to Grey, Charles, 2nd Earl (1764–1845) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1831	Old Sarum, the most notorious of Britain's rotten boroughs, has just seven voters but returns two members to parliament Go to Old Sarum in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The first Whig Reform Bill is carried in the British House of Commons by a single vote Go to Reform Acts in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1832	After several rejections by Britain's House of Lords, the Reform Bill finally passes and receives royal assent Go to Reform Acts in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1834	Lord Melbourne becomes Britain's prime minister, at the head of the same Whig administration after the resignation of Earl Grey Go to Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount (1779–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Prime minister Lord Melbourne has difficulties in holding his government together and is dismissed by William IV Go to Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount (1779–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain William IV invites the Tory leader Robert Peel to form a government in place of the Whigs Go to Peel, Sir Robert (1788–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain In London a great fire destroys most of the Palace of Westminster, including the two houses of parliament Go to Westminster, Palace of in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1835	Election results in Britain mean that Robert Peel is unable to form a Tory government, and Lord Melbourne returns as Britain's prime minister Go to Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount (1779–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1837	The 18-year-old Victoria comes to the throne in Britain, beginning the long Victorian era Go to Victoria (1819–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1838	The People's Charter, with its six political demands, launches the Chartist movement in England Go to Chartism noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Seven Manchester merchants and mill-owners found the Anti-Corn Law League Go to Anti-Corn Law League in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1841	Robert Peel replaces Lord Melbourne as prime minister after a Conservative victory in the British general election Go to Peel, Sir Robert (1788–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1842	Robert Peel's Conservative administration reintroduces income tax in Britain, at a fixed level of approximately 3% Go to income tax in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1844	In his novel Coningsby Benjamin Disraeli develops the theme of Conservatism uniting 'two nations', the rich and the poor Go to Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1846	British prime minister Robert Peel carries a bill to repeal the Corn Laws, splitting his own party in the process Go to Anti-Corn Law League in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The minority of Conservatives supporting Peel become a separate faction, henceforth known as the Peelites Go to Peelite noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain With his Conservative party split, Peel's government falls and Lord John Russell becomes British prime minister at the head of a Whig administration Go to Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1850	British foreign secretary Lord Palmerston sends a naval squadron to seize Greek ships in the Don Pacifico case Go to Don Pacifico affair in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Europe Rulers and politicians
1852	Lord John Russell's Whig administration collapses, and Lord Derby follows him as a Conservative prime minister at the head of a coalition government Go to Derby, Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, 14th Earl of (1799–1869) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Lord Aberdeen, leader of the 'Peelite' minority of the Conservative party, forms a new coalition government with the Liberals Go to Aberdeen, George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of (1784–1860) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1853	In the expectation of British and French support, the Ottoman sultan declares war on Russia - launching the Crimean War Go to Crimean War (1853–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War War Turks British empire Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Russia Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions
1854	Britain and France enter the war between Turkey and Russia, on the Turkish side Go to Crimean War (1853–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 War Turks Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Ottoman empire Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1855	Lord Palmerston heads the coalition government in Britain after Lord Aberdeen loses a vote of confidence on his conduct of the Crimean War Go to Aberdeen, George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of (1784–1860) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1856	The treaty of Paris ends the Crimean War, limiting Russia's special powers in relation to Turkey Go to Paris, treaty of (1856) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1858	Palmerston's government collapses and Lord Derby heads another Conservative minority administration Go to Derby, Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, 14th Earl of (1799–1869) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1859	Liberal leader Lord Palmerston returns to office as the British prime minister after the collapse of Derby's coalition government Go to Palmerston, 3rd Viscount in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1865	A committee to campaign for women's suffrage is formed in Manchester, the first of many in Britain Go to women's suffrage in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Palmerston dies in office, and is succeeded as leader of the Liberal government in Britain by his foreign secretary, Earl Russell Go to Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1866	Russell's government falls, and Lord Derby returns for the third time, but again briefly, as Britain's prime minister Go to Derby, Edward Stanley, 14th earl of (1799–1869) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1867	Britain's new Reform Act extends the franchise to working men in British towns Go to Reform Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1868	Benjamin Disraeli becomes British prime minister for the first time, at the head of a Conservative government, but only for a few months Go to Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Liberal leader William Ewart Gladstone becomes British prime minister, for the first of four times, and remains in office for six years Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1870	Isaac Butt, an Irish MP at Westminster, founds the Home Rule association Go to Home Rule in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1872	The Ballot Act adds to the British electoral system the essential element of secrecy in voting Go to secret ballot in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1874	Conservative leader Benjamin Disraeli, at the age of 70, begins a 6-year term of office as Britain's prime minister Go to Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1875	Benjamin Disraeli buys for Britain a controlling share in the Suez Canal, with money borrowed from Lionel Nathan de Rothschild Go to Rothschild, Lionel (1808–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Canals Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1876	William Gladstone's pamphlet Bulgarian Horrors, protesting at massacre by the Turks, sells 200,000 copies within a month Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Persecution and repression Turks Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain India becomes the 'jewel in the crown' of Queen Victoria when Benjamin Disraeli secures for her the title Empress of India Go to Victoria (1819–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain
1878	On a wave of jingoism Benjamin Disraeli sends six British ironclads, in support of Turkey, to confront the Russians near Istanbul Go to jingoism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1880	For the second time Gladstone replaces Disraeli as Britain's prime minister, following a Liberal election victory over the Conservatives Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1884	The British empire is first described as a 'Commonwealth of Nations', by Lord Rosebery speaking in Australia Go to Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th earl of (1847–1929) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Australia Britain English socialists, including Bernard Shaw and Sidney Webb, found the Fabian Society as part of a long-term political strategy Go to Fabian Society in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain A new Reform Act in Britain further reduces the financial threshold for voters in Britain, in effect extending the franchise to male workers in rural areas Go to Reform Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1885	Gladstone resigns as British prime minister, after a defeat on the budget, and is followed by a minority government headed by Conservative leader Lord Salisbury Go to Salisbury, Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoigne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of (1830–1903) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1886	Gladstone becomes Britain's prime minister again, after joining forces with the Irish Nationalists to defeat Lord Salisbury's government Go to Irish Parliamentary Party in The Concise Oxford Companion to Irish Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Gladstone's bill promising Home Rule for Ireland splits the Liberal party in Britain's House of Commons Go to Home Rule, Irish in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain The split in the Liberal party over Home Rule results in a defeat for Gladstone and the return of Lord Salisbury as Britain's prime minister Go to Liberal Unionists in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Home Rule campaign for Ireland prompts a Scottish Home Rule Association to fight in a related cause Go to Scottish National Party in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain Those in Britain's Liberal party opposing Home Rule for Ireland become a separate group under the name of Unionists Go to Liberal Unionists in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1892	Gladstone, becoming prime minister for the fourth time, is described by the queen as 'an old, wild and incomprehensible man of eighty two and a half' Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1893	The Independent Labour Party, later changing its name to the Labour Party, is founded in Britain by the trade unionist Keir Hardie Go to Independent Labour Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Gladstone finally gets a Home Rule bill through the Commons, only to have it rejected in the Lords Go to Home Rule in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1894	Gladstone retires as Britain's prime minister and his place is taken by his foreign secretary, Lord Rosebery Go to Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of (1847–1929) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1895	Lord Rosebery's Liberal government suffers a defeat in the House of Commons, and Lord Salisbury returns as Britain's prime minister Go to Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of (1847–1929) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1898	Winston Churchill gallops into battle with the Twenty-First Lancers at Omdurman Go to Omdurman, battle of (2 September 1898) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles Africa East Africa Rulers and politicians
1902	Lord Salisbury resigns as British prime minister and is succeeded by his nephew, A.J. Balfour Go to Balfour, Arthur James, 1st Earl of (1848–1930) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1903	Emmeline Pankhurst founds the Women's Social and Political Union to fight for women's political rights in the UK Go to Pankhurst, Emmeline (b. 4 July 1858) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1905	The Ulster Unionist Party is founded in Belfast to oppose Home Rule Go to Ulster Unionist Party in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain Conservative prime minister Balfour resigns and Henry Campbell-Bannerman forms an interim Liberal government in Britain Go to Campbell-Bannerman, Sir Henry (1836–1908) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1906	Henry Campbell-Bannerman leads the Liberals to a massive election victory in the UK on a promised programme of reform Go to Campbell-Bannerman, Sir Henry (1836–1908) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Britain's Labour Party achieves its first electoral success, winning twenty-nine seats at Westminster Go to Labour Party in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1908	UK prime minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman resigns because of ill health and is followed as Liberal leader and prime minister by Herbert Asquith Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith (1852–1928) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain David Lloyd George becomes chancellor of the exchequer in Asquith's new cabinet Go to Lloyd George, David (1863–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1909	The Conservative majority in the House of Lords rejects Lloyd George's reforming budget, giving the Liberals the chance to call an election on an emotive issue Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1910	British prime minister Herbert Asquith leads the Liberal party to a narrow victory, in an election fought on the issue of the House of Lords Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1910s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain UK prime minister Herbert Asquith plans to reduce the power of the House of Lords, but the upper house as yet is certain to block any such bill Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1910s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain George V succeeds his father, Edward VII, on the British throne Go to George V (1865–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Winston Churchill becomes home secretary in Asquith's Liberal government Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (b. 30 Nov. 1874) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Liberals win another general election called on the House of Lords issue, becoming the first British political party since 1832 to win three successive victories Go to Liberal Party, UK in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1911	The British chancellor, David Lloyd George, introduces the National Insurance Bill, providing workers with insurance in a few selected industries Go to National Insurance in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain Asquith's Parliament Bill proposes to end the constitutional crisis in the UK by restricting the power of the House of Lords Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Confronted with the threat of 300 newly created peerages, the House of Lords narrowly passes Asquith's Parliament Bill (by 17 votes) Go to Parliament Act (1911) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Edward Carson tells a vast crowd in Northern Ireland that they must be ready to defend their Protestant province by force Go to Carson, Edward Henry (9 Feb. 1854) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1912	UK suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst is arrested, released and rearrested twelve times within the year Go to Pankhurst, Emmeline (1858–1928) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Half a million Unionist men and women in Belfast commit themselves to civil disobedience if Home Rule government is established in Ireland Go to Ulster Covenant in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1914	A Home Rule Act is finally passed for Ireland, with its implementation postponed until after the war Go to Irish Home Rule in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain August 4 - German troops invade Belgium, violating her guaranteed neutrality Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 4 - bound by treaty to defend Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire German empire Europe Germany Empires Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain With five major European nations committed within a few days to hostilities, World War I begins Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1915	January - Winston Churchill is heavily involved in a bold plan to secure Allied access through the Dardanelles to the Black Sea Go to Dardanelles in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Asia West Asia Turkey Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Winston Churchill is a firm supporter of a new invention, the tank, encouraging its initial development while still at the Admiralty Go to tanks in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain March 18 - British and French battleships are sunk by mines in the Dardanelles, with the loss of 620 French sailors on one of them Go to Dardanelles in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Asia West Asia Turkey Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 December - Allied troops begin a withdrawal from the Dardanelles after the abject failure of the Gallipoli campaign Go to Gallipoli campaign (25 Apr. 1915–9) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Asia West Asia Turkey Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1916	Lloyd George splits his own Liberal party when he forms a coalition government with the Conservatives Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain December 6 - Herbert Asquith resigns in the face of a political coup against him, and is replaced as UK prime minister by Lloyd George Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1917	Foreign Secretary A.J. Balfour declares Britain's conditional support for a homeland in Palestine for the Jews Go to Balfour declaration in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Religion Judaism Migration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain Chequers, in the Chilterns, is privately donated to the nation to become the British prime minister's country residence Go to Chequers in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1918	British women are at last given the right to vote, but only if aged 30 or over Go to suffrage in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Lloyd George, fighting the British general election as head of a coalition, devastates the Liberal opposition Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain November 11 - the Allies and the Germans finally agree the terms of an armistice at 5 a.m. Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Europe France Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November 11 - the war ends with the official cessation of hostilities at 11 a.m., the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month Go to Armistice, 1918 in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1920	The Government of Ireland Act provides for separate devolved parliaments in southern Ireland and the six counties of Ulster Go to Government of Ireland Act (1920) in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1921	The Anglo-Irish Treaty, agreed in London, ends the war between the British army and the IRA Go to Anglo‐Irish treaty (1921) in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1922	The reputation of UK prime minister Lloyd George suffers severely when he is accused of selling peerages so as to build up a personal political fund Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Winston Churchill buys Chartwell, a house in Kent that remains his home until his death Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (1874–1965) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Lloyd George loses his majority in the House of Commons when the Conservatives vote in a Carlton Club meeting to withdraw from his coalition Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Conservatives under Andrew Bonar Law win 347 seats in the British general election, giving them a large majority Go to Law, Andrew Bonar (16 Sept. 1858) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1923	Stanley Baldwin becomes UK premier and leader of the Conservative party after ill health compels Bonar Law to resign Go to Baldwin, Stanley (3 Aug. 1867) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1924	Winston Churchill, accepting the position of chancellor of the exchequer in Baldwin's cabinet, returns to the Conservative party Go to Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (30 Nov. 1874) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain A general election brings in Britain's first Labour prime minister, Ramsay MacDonald, at the head of a minority government Go to MacDonald, James Ramsay (12 Oct. 1866) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain A massive Conservative victory in the UK general election follows publication of the forged Zinoviev letter, and Baldwin returns as prime minister Go to Zinoviev, Grigori Yevseyevich (1883–1936) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1926	Miners go on strike in Britain in protest against employers' attempts to reduce wages Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain A general strike begins in Britain in support of the striking miners Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain The prime minister Stanley Baldwin uses BBC radio to broadcast a conciliatory message to the workers in Britain's general strike Go to Baldwin, Stanley, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (b. 3 Aug. 1867) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Politics Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain The Trades Union Congress calls off Britain's general strike after nine days Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain The Balfour Report, by former UK prime minister A.J. Balfour, suggests the way forward for the British Commonwealth of Nations Go to Balfour Report in Oxford Companion to Australian Politics (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain
1928	The age limit for British women to vote is lowered to 21, finally giving them parity with men Go to women's suffrage in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1929	Labour is the largest party in the UK parliament but still has no overall majority, so Ramsay MacDonald forms his second minority government Go to MacDonald, J. Ramsay (1866–1937) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1931	Amid political crisis Labour-leader Ramsay MacDonald forms an all-party National Government in Britain Go to National governments in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1934	The Scottish National Party, or SNP, is founded to campaign for an independent Scotland Go to Scottish National Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1935	Within the National government Ramsay MacDonald cedes the role of prime minister to the Conservative leader, Stanley Baldwin Go to National Government in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1936	George V dies and is succeeded on the British throne by his eldest son Edward VIII Go to Edward VIII (b. 23 June 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Edward VIII informs Baldwin, the UK prime minister, that he intends to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson Go to Edward VIII (1894–1972) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Edward VIII, forced to choose between the British throne and Wallis Simpson, opts for the path of love and abdicates Go to Abdication Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Edward VIII is succeeded on the British throne by his brother, as George VI Go to George VI (b. 14 Dec. 1895) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1937	Neville Chamberlain follows Baldwin as prime minister at the head of the UK's National government Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1938	September 15 - Neville Chamberlain makes the first of three flights to Germany, this time to negotiate with Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden Go to appeasement in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 29 - Neville Chamberlain and édouard Daladier fly to Munich to discuss Hitler's designs on the Czech Sudetenland Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 29 - Chamberlain and Daladier agree at Munich that Hitler may annexe the Czech Sudetenland, with its largely German population Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 30 - Neville Chamberlain returns to Britain from Munich claiming to have achieved 'peace for our time... peace with honour' Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1939	March 31 - the recent fate of Czechoslovakia prompts France and Britain to guarantee the security of Poland Go to Poland, Guarantee of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 1 - Adolf Hitler launches a massive attack on Poland, with tanks crossing the border and air raids on Warsaw Go to Polish campaign (1939) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Europe Germany Poland Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 3 - Britain and France, receiving no answer from Hitler to their ultimatum over his attack on Poland, declare war on Germany Go to World War 2 (1939–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1940	April 5 - inactivity during the Phoney War prompts Neville Chamberlain to assure the House of Commons that Hitler has 'missed the bus' Go to Phoney War (Sept. 1939–Apr. 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 May 10 - after the German invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium, Winston Churchill replaces Chamberlain as the British prime minister Go to Churchill, Sir Winston (1874–1965) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain May 13 - Winston Churchill, in his first speech to the House of Commons as prime minister, offers the nation nothing but 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (1874–1965) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain June 26 - the British government gives recognition to Charles de Gaulle as official leader of the Free French Go to Free French in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain August 20 - Churchill says of the Battle of Britain pilots that never has so much been owed by so many to so few Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1941	August 14 - Roosevelt and Churchill publish a joint Atlantic Charter, foreseeing a future free from 'Nazi tyranny' Go to Atlantic Charter in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States
1943	January 12 - Roosevelt and Churchill meet in Casablanca for a strategic conference Go to Casablanca Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War US presidents Africa North Africa Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1945	February 4 - Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill meet at Yalta to discuss Allied post-war plans Go to Yalta Conference (February 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Communism War US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April - Adolf Hitler orders a scorched earth policy within Germany, in the path of the advancing Allies Go to Germany, Battle for in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 25 - Soviet armies form a complete circle around Berlin to isolate the city Go to Berlin, battle of (May 1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 May 7 - the unconditional surrender of all German forces is accepted at Eisenhower's headquarters Go to unconditional surrender in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War US presidents Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 May 8 - World War II ends in Europe on V-E day (Victory in Europe day) Go to V-E Day in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Society Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 July 17 - Truman, Stalin and Churchill meet for a summit conference in Potsdam Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War US presidents Cold war Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 July 26 - the British electorate dismisses Winston Churchill, giving the Labour party and Clement Attlee a landslide victory Go to Attlee, Clement, 1st Earl Attlee (1883–1967) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain July 26 - Winston Churchill, losing the postwar general election in Britain, has to yield his seat at Potsdam in mid-conference to Clement Attlee Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 2 - World War II ends officially with the surrender of Japan, formally accepted by Douglas MacArthur Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1946	The takeover of the Bank of England launches an extensive programme of nationalization by the Attlee government Go to nationalization in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain The National Insurance Act secures state benefits in Britain for the sick, old and unemployed Go to National Insurance in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain March 5: Winston Churchill, in a speech in Fulton, Missouri, expresses the harsh truth that an iron curtain has descended across Europe Go to ”Iron Curtain” speech in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Cold war Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1948	The National Health Service comes into effect in Britain, providing free medical, dental and hospital services for the entire population Go to National Health Service in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1949	The British government declares that northern Ireland will remain British unless the parliament in Stormont decides otherwise Go to Ireland Act (1949) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1951	Labour loses the general election and Winston Churchill returns to Downing Street as prime minister Go to Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (30 Nov. 1874) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1952	George VI dies and is succeeded by his elder daughter as Elizabeth II Go to Elizabeth II (b. 21 Apr. 1926) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1954	Politician and author Winston Churchill completes his six-volume history The Second World War Go to Churchill, Sir Winston (1874–1965) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1955	81-year-old Winston Churchill resigns as Britain's prime minister and is succeeded by Anthony Eden Go to Eden, Robert Anthony (12 June 1897) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1956	Egypt's president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the Suez canal and wins Soviet finance for his Aswan dam Go to Suez Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Cold war Africa North Africa Egypt Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Nasser disregards a French and British ultimatum to withdraw from the Suez canal Go to Suez Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Africa North Africa Egypt Rulers and politicians The British and French bomb Egyptian airfields, and land troops near Port Said and the Suez canal Go to Suez crisis in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Africa North Africa Egypt Rulers and politicians Under international pressure Britain and France agree to a humiliating withdrawal from Suez Go to Suez crisis in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Africa North Africa Egypt Rulers and politicians
1957	Anthony Eden resigns as UK prime minister after the fiasco of the Suez Crisis, and is succeeded by Harold Macmillan Go to Eden, Robert Anthony (12 June 1897) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1960	UK prime minister Harold Macmillan, in Cape Town, warns the white settlers of Africa that 'the wind of change' is blowing through their continent See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Rulers and politicians
1963	Macmillan resigns on grounds of ill health and is succeeded by Alec Douglas-Home as UK premier Go to Home, Sir Alec Douglas‐Home, 14th earl of (1903–95) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1964	Harold Wilson becomes prime minister after Labour narrowly wins the UK general election Go to Wilson, Harold, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx (b. 11 Mar. 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1965	Winston Churchill dies, and lies in state in London's ancient Westminster Hall Go to Westminster hall in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The General Assembly of the UN asks Argentina and Britain to enter negotiations on their long-running dispute over the Falklands Go to Falklands War in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain Latin America Argentina South America
1968	The first civil rights march in northern Ireland, in Derry, is halted by the police with batons and water cannon Go to Northern Ireland, Civil Rights Association of in The Oxford International Encyclopedia of Peace (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1969	The Provisional IRA reintroduces terrorism to northern Ireland after Protestants attack a civil rights march Go to Irish Republican Army in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1970	Edward Heath is prime minister after leading the Conservatives to UK election victory Go to Heath, Sir Edward Richard George (1916–2005) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1971	Ian Paisley and others in northern Ireland form the Democratic Unionist Party, as the intransigent wing of Ulster Unionism Go to Democratic Unionist Party in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain Gerry Adams is imprisoned for suspected IRA links but is released for lack of evidence Go to Adams, Gerard (b. 6 Oct. 1948) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1972	British paratroops open fire on a civil rights march in Derry, killing thirteen, in what becomes known as Bloody Sunday Go to ‘Bloody Sunday’ (1887) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Society Rulers and politicians Britain The British government suspends the parliament at Stormont and imposes direct rule from Westminster Go to Stormont in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1973	Prime minister Edward Heath takes Britain into the European Community, on the third attempt Go to Heath, Edward (9 July 1916) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1974	Former prime minister Harold Wilson returns to Downing Street as leader of a minority government, but wins a second general election later in the year Go to Wilson, Harold, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx (b. 11 Mar. 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The SNP achieves a surge in Scottish nationalism, winning eleven seats at Westminster on 30% of the Scottish vote Go to Scottish National Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1976	Harold Wilson unexpectedly resigns as the British prime minister and is succeeded by James Callaghan Go to Callaghan, (Leonard) James, Baron (1912–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1979	The Conservative party wins the general election and Margaret Thatcher becomes Britain's first female prime minister Go to Thatcher, Margaret Hilda, Baroness (1925– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1981	Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan share a common economic viewpoint, following the policy known as monetarism Go to Reagan, Ronald W(ilson) (1911–2004) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain North America United States
1982	5000 Argentinian troops land in the Falkland Islands, provoking war with Britain Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War British empire European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Argentina South America British troops recapture Port Stanley, after which the Argentinian forces in the Falklands surrender Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War British empire European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Argentina South America
1983	British economist Nicholas Kaldor attacks monetarism in The Economic Consequences of Mrs Thatcher Go to Kaldor, Nicholas, Baron (1908–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1984	British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and union leader Arthur Scargill begin a bitter personal struggle in the miners' strike Go to Scargill, Arthur (1938) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1985	The miners' strike, ending after eleven bitter months, proves a turning point in the struggle between Margaret Thatcher and the unions Go to Thatcher, Margaret Hilda, Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven in the County of Lincolnshire (b. 13 Oct. 1925) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Britain's Margaret Thatcher and Ireland's Garret FitzGerald sign an Anglo-Irish Agreement to tackle shared problems Go to Anglo‐Irish agreement (1985) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1989	British prime minister Margaret Thatcher introduces an extremely unpopular poll tax, last used in the Middle Ages Go to Poll Tax in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1990	The Conservative government's poll tax is greeted with violent riots in London and a campaign of non-payment Go to Poll Tax in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher, by now at odds with many in her cabinet, is challenged in a leadership contest and loses Go to Thatcher, Margaret Hilda, Baroness (1925– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain John Major is elected leader of the Conservative party and succeeds Thatcher as UK prime minister Go to Major, John (29 Mar. 1943) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1993	UK and Irish premiers John Major and Albert Reynolds sign the Downing Street Declaration, a strategy for peace in Northern Ireland Go to Downing Street Declaration (15 Dec. 1993) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1994	Tony Blair wins the leadership of the Labour party, and sets about establishing what he calls New Labour Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The IRA declares a cease-fire in Northern Ireland, a gesture followed a month later by Protestant paramilitaries Go to IRA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1997	Tony Blair leads the Labour party to its greatest ever electoral victory, winning 418 seats at Westminster Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain In referenda held by the new Labour government, Scotland votes conclusively for devolution but Wales is lukewarm Go to Scotland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland Wales British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1998	A proposed referendum on northern Irish issues is accepted by all the relevant political parties in what becomes known as the Good Friday Agreement Go to Good Friday Agreement (10 April 1998) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain In the referendum to endorse the Good Friday Agreement, the terms are accepted by majorities in both the republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Go to Good Friday Agreement (10 April 1998) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain
1999	The Scottish parliament and the Welsh assembly hold their first elections, both narrowly won by Labour Go to Scottish Parliament in A Dictionary of Law (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Scotland Wales British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Britain's hereditary peers lose their rights in the House of Lords, apart from a few elected to serve for an interim period Go to House of Lords in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
2001	Tony Blair leads Britain's Labour party in a second successive election victory, with a majority only marginally reduced from 179 to 167 Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
2005	Tony Blair wins the Labour party an unprecedented third successive term, but with a majority reduced from 167 to 66 Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Provisional IRA announces a formal end to armed conflict and orders units to dump all their weapons Go to IRA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Terrorism and assassination Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain David Cameron wins the Tory leadership election, succeeding Michael Howard as the Leader of the Opposition in Britain Go to Cameron, David (b. 1966) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
2006	The Scottish National Party lays a charge that peerages are being 'sold' in Britain, provoking a police enquiry and a 'cash for honours' crisis Go to peerage in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The prime minister, Tony Blair, is questioned by police in Britain's 'cash for honours' enquiry Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
2007	Gordon Brown succeeds Tony Blair as leader of the Labour Party and prime minister of the United Kingdom Go to Brown, James Gordon (b. 1951) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
2010	The UK general election results in no overall majority, with the Conservatives winning 306 seats, the Labour party 258 and the Liberal Democrats 57 Go to General Election 2010 in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Conservative leader David Cameron becomes UK prime minister, forming a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats and appointing Nick Clegg as his deputy prime minister Go to Cameron, David (b. 1966) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Rulers and politicians Britain

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date: 08 December 2023

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