More than Munich
The Forgotten Legacy of Neville Chamberlain
Published on 30. September 2018
Book
Paperback/Softback
80 pages
978-1-905036-51-6 (ISBN)
Description
In 1938 rapturous crowds greeted Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain when he proclaimed "Peace for our time" on his return from meeting Adolf Hitler in Munich. Yet today Chamberlain is vilified as a naive appeaser - an image cynically cultivated by Winston Churchill for his own political gain.
What is the truth? How should Birmingham's only Prime Minister be accurately remembered?
More than Munich: The forgotten legacy of Neville Chamberlain reveals that he was the most successful social reformer of interwar Britain. For 36 years, first as Lord Mayor of Birmingham and then as an energetic and determined Minister of Health, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister, Chamberlain delivered legislation which cleared some of the poorest slums; built thousands of council houses; extended unemployment benefits; improved pensions; made paid holidays mandatory; and limited working hours.
Contrary to the image often portrayed in books and films, Chamberlain did not leave Britain naked and defenceless. From the mid-1930s he recognised the Nazi threat, forcefully argued for re-armament and particularly urged the strengthening of the Royal Air Force. Now historian and author Andrew Reekes challenges us to look beyond the stereotype of Neville Chamberlain "the appeaser" to the real man and his achievements.
What is the truth? How should Birmingham's only Prime Minister be accurately remembered?
More than Munich: The forgotten legacy of Neville Chamberlain reveals that he was the most successful social reformer of interwar Britain. For 36 years, first as Lord Mayor of Birmingham and then as an energetic and determined Minister of Health, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister, Chamberlain delivered legislation which cleared some of the poorest slums; built thousands of council houses; extended unemployment benefits; improved pensions; made paid holidays mandatory; and limited working hours.
Contrary to the image often portrayed in books and films, Chamberlain did not leave Britain naked and defenceless. From the mid-1930s he recognised the Nazi threat, forcefully argued for re-armament and particularly urged the strengthening of the Royal Air Force. Now historian and author Andrew Reekes challenges us to look beyond the stereotype of Neville Chamberlain "the appeaser" to the real man and his achievements.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Alcester
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
ISBN-13
978-1-905036-51-6 (9781905036516)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Educated at King's School Worcester & Exeter College, Oxford, Andrew Reekes spent a lifetime in education, leading History departments at Tonbridge, Cranleigh & Cheltenham College. He was headteacher of Arnold Lodge School & then became Sub-Warden of Radley College. Also, Chief Examiner for O Level History, Oxford & Cambridge Board, an inspector with Independent Schools Inspectorate & for 12 years he led training for senior leaders in HMC & GSA schools.
In retirement he returned to his first love, History, studying for a research degree under Malcolm Dick at the University of Birmingham, & writing for History West Midlands.
In retirement he returned to his first love, History, studying for a research degree under Malcolm Dick at the University of Birmingham, & writing for History West Midlands.