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benjy davies

lucky man press

Widely credited with ending the First World War, and setting up infrastructure and procedures that contributed to winning the Second World War, David Lloyd George served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1916-1922, the only Welshmen to hold the office.
Although he was born in Manchester, George was of Welsh descent and spoke Welsh as a child. Following the death of his father in 1864, the family moved Llanystumdwy where young George was encouraged and supported by his uncle, a shoemaker. George excelled in his studies, and an early success in business and as a solicitor gave way to a political career that was largely founded on Welsh issues.
Rising quickly through the ranks of the Liberal Party, he was appointed to the Cabinet in 1905, where he held a variety of posts, including President of the Board of Trade, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Minister of Munitions. His legendary ability to get deals done that many thought were impossible earned him the appellation “the Welsh Wizard”. He was deeply committed to social reform, and laid the groundwork for the modern welfare state in Britain.
George suffered numerous scandals during his life, including charges of financial corruption and a thirty year affair with his secretary, whom he married following the death of his wife in 1941. Despite these flaws, David Lloyd George will be best remembered as the Man Who Won the War.