1-629-684 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Neville Chamberlain (1869-1940), British prime minister, c1930s (1936). Following his election to parliament in 1918, Chamberlain served as postmaster general (1922-23), minister of health (1923, 1924-29, and 1931), and chancellor of the Exchequer (1923-24 and 1931-37) before he succeeded Stanley Baldwin as prime minister. His policy of appeasement toward Adolf Hitler's Germany culminated in the Munich Pact of September 1938, after which Chamberlain returned home proclaiming peace for our time. Later he recognized the failure of his policy and vowed support for Poland. After Germany's invasion of that country, Chamberlain led Britain into the war against the aggressor. He was forced to resign in May 1940 and was succeeded by Sir Winston Churchill. He served in Churchill's cabinet as lord president of the council until October 1940, when illness forced his resignation. He died the following month. From His Majesty the King, 1910-1935, introduction by HW Wilson (Associated Newspapers Ltd, London, 1936).