Macmillan

British Prime Ministers of the 20th Century

by Francis Beckett

Harold Macmillan, a Conservative politician became prime minister in 1957 and served until 1963. He repaired the rift between the USA and Britain created by Suez and secured for Britain co-operation on issues of nuclear defense. Paradoxically his success with the USA jeopardized his efforts to get Britain into the European Economic Community, for it was one of the reasons why de Gaulle vetoed Britain's application to join in 1963. After early successes at home as well as abroad (he acquired the nickname 'Supermac'), his party was returned with an increased majority in 1959. The later years of his administration were clouded by economic troubles, the EC veto and the Profumo scandal. But it was ill health that caused him to resign in 1963.

Genres: Politics

155 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2006

Reviews

[Mr. AJ Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, brief biography of one of our more abstract Prime Ministers.

A good range of events, plus a run down of the events and context of England in the 1950s and 60s.

Would have liked a more in depth treatise of the basis for his political ideals, and there are a few grammer and spelling errors here and there, but overall an engaging read if you want a quick overview of Macmillan.