ABSTRACT

Attlee is undoubtedly one of the key figures in modern British history. An important figure in Churchill's War Cabinet, and premier of the first majority Labour Government, he created the Welfare State, nationalised a substantial part of industry and secured the independence of India. Yet his political stature remains unresolved. Was he Churchill's "modest man with much to be modest about" who squandered the fruits of victory, or, as many now claim, one of the truly great prime ministers? Robert Pearce's lucid and drily amusing study goes behind the stern exterior to find ambition and indecision, and a uniquely moral vision.

chapter Chapter 1|9 pages

The Child and the Man

chapter Chapter 2|30 pages

Attlee's Apprenticeship, 1905–31

chapter Chapter 3|25 pages

The Rise to The Leadership, 1931–35

chapter Chapter 4|22 pages

Attlee and Appeasement, 1935–40

chapter Chapter 5|24 pages

Attlee's War

chapter Chapter 6|23 pages

Elections and the Premierships