That changed the world

Clement Richard Attlee

 

Prime Minister 1945-1951

 

British statesman, Prime Minister, and Labour leader. Born into the

governing class, he was a champion of the poor and an advocate for

social democracy. Carried off the battlefield three times during WW1

and stood should to shoulder with Churchill at Britain's darkest hour,

and then triumphed over him in the general election of 1945.

 

"Trouble with Winston. Nails his trousers to the mast.

Can't get them down." Clement Atlee quipped.

 

He led Britain through the darkest days of rationing and austerity.

When he left office in 1951, he had established the NHS and the

welfare state, rebuilt the ruined economy, nationalised a series of

industries, given freedom to India, played a vital role in the creation

of NATO, and so much more. His record was astonishing!

 

"There were few who thought him a starter. Many

who thought themselves smarter. But he ended

PM, CH and OM, an Earl and a Knight of the Garter"

(Atlee's own words).

Labour's 1945 manifesto

This work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain.