Harold Macmillan ascended to the premiership of the United Kingdom in 1957, following the resignation of Anthony Eden in the wake of the Suez Crisis. His tenure, lasting until 1963, navigated the complexities of the post-war era, characterized by a commitment to Keynesian economic strategies and a pragmatic approach to managing the shifting realities of global influence.
Early Development and War Service
Born in Chelsea in 1894, Macmillan received his education at Summer Fields School, Eton College, and Balliol College. His formative years were interrupted by the First World War, where he served as a captain. During his time as an infantry officer in France, he sustained multiple injuries that caused him chronic pain and limited mobility for the duration of his life.
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Macmillan entered Parliament in 1924, representing Stockton-on-Tees. Throughout his career, he held various ministerial roles, including Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1942 and Secretary of State for Air in 1945. As Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1955 to 1957, he helped prepare for his eventual role as leader of the Conservative Party.
Premiership and Policy
As Prime Minister, he focused on strengthening the Special Relationship with the United States while overseeing the decolonisation of Africa. He prioritized a mixed economy and supported the welfare state. His government ended National Service and fostered nuclear cooperation, though his administration faced internal pressures during the early 1960s, including the Profumo affair and the Vassall Tribunal.
Later Years
After departing from the premiership in 1963, Macmillan remained an active figure in British public life. He served as the Chancellor of the University of Oxford from 1960 until 1987 and participated in the House of Lords. He died in 1986 at Horsted Keynes and was buried in Sussex, having received distinctions such as the Order of Merit and the Freedom Medal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1894, Chelsea
- Died: 1986, Horsted Keynes
- Military Rank: Captain
- Prime Minister: 1957-1963
- Education: Eton College, Balliol College
- Chancellor of the University of Oxford: 1960-1987
- Religion: Church of England
Questions readers ask
What characterized Macmillan's economic policy?
He championed Keynesian strategies, including deficit spending to maintain demand and a mixed economy with nationalised industries.
What was his military experience?
He served as an infantry officer in the King's Royal Rifle Corps and the Grenadier Guards during the First World War, reaching the rank of captain.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1957–1963)
- Leader of the Conservative Party (1957–1963)
- Chancellor of the Exchequer (1955–1957)
- Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1955–1955)
- Four Freedoms Award – Freedom Medal — 1984
- Order of Merit
- Inter-Allied Victory Medals
- Benjamin Franklin Medal — 1976
- Educated at Balliol College and Eton College
