Harold MacMillan
Harold MacMillan
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Harold Alexander Frederick Sutherland Campbell Macmillan was commonly known as Lord Macmillan of Blenheim.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on February 10, 1894, in Maffeking (now Mahalapye), Bechuanaland (now Botswana); died on December 29, 1986, at Birch Grove, London.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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British politician and statesman. Macmillan served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1957 to 1963.
Early Life and Background
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Harold Macmillan was born in Bechuanaland (now Botswana) to Maurice and Maud Macmillan, a Scottish family who had settled in southern Africa. His father was a British colonial administrator. The family moved back to England when Macmillan was six years old and he attended school at the Dragon School in Oxford.
Macmillan's early life was marked by tragedy with his mother dying of tuberculosis when he was just 14 years old. He later went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, where he developed an interest in politics.
Major Accomplishments
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Prime Minister: Macmillan served as Prime Minister from October 1957 until his resignation in October 1963.
World War I and II: He saw action during World War I and later became involved with the Special Operations Executive, undertaking covert operations behind enemy lines. During World War II, he held a number of high-ranking positions within the government.
British Politics: Macmillan played an important role in shaping British politics, particularly during his time as Prime Minister.Notable Works or Actions
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Macmillan's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant events and decisions. Some notable works or actions include:
The Wind of Change Speech: In 1960, Macmillan delivered the 'Wind of Change' speech in Cape Town, South Africa, in which he acknowledged the inevitability of African independence.
* Suez Crisis: Macmillan's government was involved in the Suez Crisis in 1956. Although the crisis ultimately led to his party's decline in popularity, it also highlighted Macmillan's ability to adapt and recover from difficult situations.
Impact and Legacy
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Harold Macmillan left a lasting impact on British politics and history. His leadership during times of great change, particularly with regards to decolonization, helped shape the course of modern Britain.
Macmillan's legacy is complex and multifaceted. Some view him as a pragmatic leader who navigated the complexities of post-war politics with skill and diplomacy, while others see his involvement in the Suez Crisis as a stain on his reputation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Harold Macmillan's quotes offer insight into his leadership style and values. He is remembered for his wit, eloquence, and ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and tact.
Macmillan's legacy continues to be studied by historians and politicians today. His leadership during times of great change serves as a model for those navigating similar challenges in the modern world.
His quotes continue to be widely cited, offering insight into his perspective on politics, history, and leadership.
Quotes by Harold MacMillan
It isn’t those who always addressing each other as comrade who necessarily show the most brotherly feelings.
If ever the call comes to them, the young will go straight from the ranks of the neutralists into the ranks of he Majesty’s Forces, as they have so often done in the past.
You can hardly say boo to a goose in the House of Commons now without cries of “Ungentlemanly,” “Not fair” and all the rest.
Churchill was fundamentally what the English call unstable – by which they mean anybody who has that touch of genius which is inconvenient in normal times.
At home, you always have to be a politician; when you’re abroad, you almost feel yourself a statesman.
