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Supermac: The Life of Harold Macmillan

William Shakespeare

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Harold Macmillan, known as "Supermac", was one of the most influential British prime ministers of the 20th century. He served from 1957 to 1963, during a period of great change and upheaval for Britain.

Supermac: The Life of Harold Macmillan

by D.R. Thorpe

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2616 KB
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Print length	:	1125 pages

Macmillan was born in 1894 into a wealthy and privileged family. He was educated at Eton and Oxford, and served in the Grenadier Guards during the First World War. After the war, he worked as a publisher and businessman before entering politics in 1940.

Macmillan quickly rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party, and became Prime Minister in 1957. He inherited a country that was still recovering from the war, and faced a number of challenges, including the Suez Crisis and the Profumo Affair.

Macmillan's handling of the Suez Crisis was widely criticized, and led to his resignation in 1963. However, he is also remembered for his achievements in other areas, such as his work on the economy and his efforts to improve relations with the Soviet Union.

Supermac: The Life of Harold Macmillan is a fascinating and in-depth biography of one of Britain's most important political figures. Drawing on a wealth of archival research, this book provides a comprehensive account of Macmillan's life and career, from his early years as a soldier and diplomat to his time as Prime Minister during the Suez Crisis and the Profumo Affair.

If you are interested in British history or politics, then you will find Supermac: The Life of Harold Macmillan to be an essential read. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Chapter 1: The Early Years
Chapter 2: The War Years
Chapter 3: The Political Years
Chapter 4: The Suez Crisis
Chapter 5: The Profumo Affair
Chapter 6: The Later Years

Chapter 1: The Early Years

Harold Macmillan was born in London on February 10, 1894. His father, Maurice Macmillan, was a publisher and politician, and his mother, Helen, was the daughter of a Scottish minister. Macmillan had two older sisters, Dorothy and Rachel.

Macmillan was a sickly child, and he spent much of his early years in bed. He was educated at home by a governess, and he did not attend school until he was 12 years old. He then attended Eton College, where he excelled in his studies. He was also a talented athlete, and he played cricket and football for the school.

After graduating from Eton, Macmillan went up to Oxford University, where he studied history. He graduated with honors in 1914, and he then joined the Grenadier Guards. He served in France during the First World War, and he was wounded in action in 1916.

Chapter 2: The War Years

Macmillan's experiences in the First World War had a profound impact on him. He saw the horrors of war firsthand, and he became convinced that war was a terrible and destructive force. He also developed a strong sense of patriotism, and he was determined to serve his country in whatever way he could.

After the war, Macmillan returned to Oxford to complete his studies. He then worked as a publisher and businessman before entering politics in 1940. He was elected to Parliament as a Conservative MP in 1945, and he served in a number of ministerial positions before becoming Prime Minister in 1957.

Chapter 3: The Political Years

Macmillan was a skilled politician, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party. He became Prime Minister in 1957, and he inherited a country that was still recovering from the war. Macmillan faced a number of challenges during his time as Prime Minister, including the Suez Crisis and the Profumo Affair.

The Suez Crisis was a major turning point in Macmillan's premiership. In 1956, Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, which was a vital waterway for British shipping. Macmillan and other Western leaders were outraged by Egypt's actions, and they launched a military invasion of Egypt. However, the invasion was a failure, and it led to the resignation of Macmillan's foreign secretary, Anthony Eden.

The Profumo Affair was a political scandal that rocked Macmillan's government in 1963. John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War, was found to have had an affair with Christine Keeler, a call girl. Macmillan was forced to sack Profumo, and the scandal led to his resignation as Prime Minister.