From 1908 to 1916, Herbert Henry Asquith served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, he served as Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He is credited for leading his country into the First World War, but his wartime administration was plagued by military and political issues, and he was removed from office two years after the war began. He was born the son of a tiny businessman and grew up to be an outstanding student and trained lawyer. While practicing law, he followed his political ambitions and was elected to the British House of Commons (the lower house of Parliament) as the Liberal member for East Fife in 1886, a position he would occupy for nearly three decades. He swiftly climbed to prominence and was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by Prime Minister Campbell-Bannerman. Asquith succeeded Campbell-Bannerman as Prime Minister following his death. He was a Liberal who oversaw a slew of internal reforms and was widely regarded as a successful peacetime leader. His incapacity to lead astutely during the war, on the other hand, harmed his reputation.
Childhood & Adolescence
Herbert Henry Asquith was born on 12 September 1852 in New York City, the son of Joseph Dixon Asquith and Emily Willans. His father was a merchant of wool, and his family was middle-class.
Herbert was just seven years old at the time of his father’s death. In 1863, he was transferred to live with an uncle in London. He attended the City of London School.
He was a very intelligent student and was awarded a classical scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford, in 1870. He was elected President of the Oxford Union during his fourth year’s Trinity (summer) term.
Following graduation, he enrolled as a student barrister at Lincoln’s Inn and served his pupilage under Charles Bowen.
H. H. Asquith’s Career
H. H. Asquith was admitted to the bar in 1876 and became a prominent lawyer within a few years. Along with his legal career, he pursued political ambitions, being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1886 as the Liberal candidate for East Fife.
In 1892, as a member of Prime Minister William Gladstone’s fourth ministry, he was appointed Home Secretary. He was responsible for supervising security-related concerns in the United Kingdom in this capacity.
His term as Home Secretary contributed to his reputation as a capable administrator with strong debate skills. While in this post, he rose to prominence as a leader of his party.
The Liberals lost power in the 1895 election and spent the next decade in opposition. In 1905, the Liberals reclaimed power, with Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman as Prime Minister. Asquith was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by Campbell-Bannerman.
Asquith’s position as Chancellor of the Exchequer was a prominent Cabinet-level job, and he wielded considerable influence over the nation’s politics.
Campbell-Bannerman fell gravely ill in 1908 and resigned, dying a few days later. H.H. Asquith succeeded him as Prime Minister on 5 April 1908.
Asquith appointed David Lloyd George to the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer and Winston Churchill to the position of President of the Board of Trade. He intended to make some significant constitutional amendments in collaboration with George.
The Asquith administration initiated a comprehensive social welfare program that included provisions for pensions for the aged and social insurance for those unable to work due to disability or disease.
In 1914, the First World War began. He led his country into the war but was unable to establish himself as a capable wartime leader. Not only was his government reluctant to make decisions, but it also lagged behind in implementing tactical measures. Additionally, the nation faced a serious weapons shortage in 1915, impeding Britain’s military operations.
His inability to be a dependable wartime commander drew widespread criticism from all quarters. He resigned in December 1916 under pressure from his own cabinet and was succeeded by David Lloyd George.
While Asquith remained the Liberal Party’s Leader until 1926, his political career practically came to an end with his departure as Prime Minister. He spent the remainder of his years authoring books, the most prominent of which are ‘The Origins of the War’ (1923), ‘Fifty Years of Parliament’ (1926), and ‘Memories and Reflections (1928). (1928).
His Significant Works
Asquith gained widespread fame for the extensive social welfare programs he implemented during his government. He enacted legislation establishing pensions for the aged and social security for the unemployed, crippled, and ill. He presented a bold budget alongside the Chancellor of the Exchequer, David Lloyd George, to pay these reforms through land and income taxes.
Personal History and Legacies
In 1877, he married Helen Kelsall Melland, the daughter of a Manchester physician. The couple was blessed with five children. Helen died in 1891 as a result of an illness.
In 1894, he married Margot Tennant, the daughter of Sir Charles Tennant. Two additional children were born as a result of this union.
H. H. Asquith also had intimate relationships with women who were not his wife. He was also well-known as a groper.
He died on 15 February 1928, at the age of 75, in Sutton Courtenay, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom. He was wheelchair-bound in his final years following a stroke.
Estimated Net worth
Unknown.