David Lloyd George, a British Liberal politician, served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1922. He assumed this role during the First World War and played a crucial part in implementing progressive social welfare reforms. Lloyd George’s exceptional leadership as the Minister of Munitions and later as the Secretary of State for War earned him widespread acclaim. Despite his popularity, his involvement in a scandal and the Chanak crisis ultimately led to his resignation.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In January Died At Age: 82
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Countess Lloyd-George of Dwyfor, Frances Lloyd George, Margaret Lloyd George
- Children: 1st Viscount Tenby, Desmond Donnelly, Gwilym Lloyd George, Mair Lloyd George, Megan Lloyd George, Olwen Lloyd George, Richard Lloyd George Lloyd George
- Born Country: England
- Quotes By David Lloyd George
- Prime Ministers
- Political ideology: Political party : (1890–1916 and 1924–1945) – Liberal, (1916–1924) – National Liberal
- Died on: March 26, 1945
- Place of death: Tŷ Newydd
- Cause of Death: Cancer
- City: Manchester, England
- Founder/Co-Founder: UBM plc
- More Facts
- Education: Llanystumdwy National School
Childhood & Early Life
David Lloyd George was born as David George in England on 17 January 1863. His parents were William George, a teacher, and his wife Elizabeth. Unfortunately, his father passed away when David was a young child due to poor health. After his father’s death, David’s mother took the children and moved in with her brother, Richard Lloyd. David was greatly influenced by his uncle during his upbringing and later added his uncle’s surname to become “David Lloyd George”. He studied to become a lawyer and passed his final examination in 1884.
Career
After becoming a lawyer, David Lloyd George set up his own legal practice and became successful in his profession. He also became politically active during the late 1880s and entered the Parliament in 1890, winning a by-election at Caernarvon Boroughs. In 1897, he merged his successful law firm with that of Arthur Rhys Roberts, forming Lloyd George, Roberts and Co. He was appointed as President of the Board of Trade in 1905 by the Liberal Prime Minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. When Campbell-Bannerman passed away in 1908, H.H. Asquith became the Prime Minister and Lloyd George was named Chancellor of the Exchequer in his government.
As the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lloyd George played a crucial role in creating the 1909 budget, known as the “People’s Budget”. This budget introduced new welfare programs that would be financed by increased taxes on land, high incomes, luxuries, liquor, and tobacco. During the Shell Crisis of 1915, when the army was running short of arms and munitions, Lloyd George was appointed as the Minister of Munitions. In this position, he successfully increased the production of munitions and earned much acclaim.
In 1916, H.H. Asquith resigned from his post as Prime Minister and Lloyd George took over the position. As the Prime Minister during World War I, Lloyd George proved to be a capable wartime leader. He set up various committees to discuss war strategies and made major political, military, economic, and diplomatic decisions. He also passed several crucial legislations towards the end of the war, aimed at social welfare.
However, in 1922, Lloyd George became embroiled in controversies which led to a decline in his popularity and forced him to resign as Prime Minister. Although he remained active in politics, he did not achieve the same level of success again.
Major Works
One of the significant steps in Lloyd George’s political career was becoming the Minister of Munitions in 1915. In this position, he played a crucial role in increasing the munitions output and boosting the national morale following the Shell Crisis of 1915. As the Prime Minister, he implemented several welfare schemes towards the end of the war, including the passing of important acts aimed at rebuilding the war-ravaged nation through social welfare.
Personal Life & Legacy
David Lloyd George was known for his charm and good looks as a young man. He had numerous love affairs before marrying Margaret Owen in 1888. The couple had five children, and their marriage lasted until Margaret’s death in 1941. Lloyd George married again in 1943 at the age of 80 to his longtime mistress, Frances Stevenson, whom he had first met in 1910. He passed away from cancer on 26 March 1945, at the age of 82.