Henry Herbert Asquith Biography

Herbert Henry Asquith is born in 1852.

Birth of Herbert Henry Asquith

Asquith is elected to Parliament in 1886.

Elected Member of Parliament

Junior Counsell for Charles Parnell before the Parnell Commission

Serves as junior counsel for Charles Parnell before the Parnell Commission.

Appointed to the Queens Council

Receives appointment to the Queens Council.

Joins the Liberal government as Home Secretary.

Appointed Home Secretary

Marries Margot (Tennant) Asquith, Countess of Oxford and Asquith

Marries Margot Tennant, later Countess of Oxford and Asquith.

Joins Liberal Imperialists favouring the war and a more assertive foreign policy.

Joins the Liberal Imperialists who favor the war & a more aggressive foreign policy

Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

Becomes Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Liberal government.

Appoints a committee of Lloyd George, Churchill & Harcourt for War Office estimates

Appoints Lloyd George, Churchill and Harcourt to examine War Office estimates.

Is appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1st term

Introduces a state scheme for old age pensions in the Invalid & Old Age Pensions Act

Introduces a state scheme for old age pensions.

Introduces a state scheme for old age pensions in the Invalid & Old Age Pensions Act

Agrees to the construction of 4 new battleships

The rallying cry is, "The Peers versus the People"

Agrees to construction of four new battleships.

Uses the political cry 'The Peers versus the People' during the constitutional dispute.

Links taxation reform with social spending and naval requirements.

Links taxation reform with social spending and naval requirements.

Supports Lloyd George's radical budget in Cabinet and Parliament.

Backs Lloyd Georges radical budget in Cabinet and Parliament.

Faces continuing WSPU pressure around Parliament and public meetings.

Resists demands for immediate government legislation on women's suffrage.

Resists demands for immediate government legislation on womens suffrage.

Faces continuing WSPU pressure around Parliament and public meetings.

The main cause of difference beteen the parties is Irish home rule. Parliament enters the Summer recess without agreement between parties

Parliament reaches its summer recess without agreement over Irish Home Rule.

The main cause of difference beteen the parties is Irish home rule

Dissolves Parliament, the election war-cry is "The Peers versus the People"

Dissolves Parliament during the campaign against the House of Lords.

Dissolves Parliament, the election war-cry is "The Peers versus the People"

The Lords reject the Budget by 350 votes to 75

Condemns the Lords for refusing to pass the Finance Bill.

Prepares to seek an electoral mandate over the constitutional dispute.

Prepares to seek an electoral mandate over the constitutional crisis.

The House of Lords rejects the Budget by 350 votes to 75.

Condemns the Lords refusal to pass the Finance Bill.

Parliament ratifies the National Conventions constitution for a unified Government

Remains prime minister after the inconclusive January general election.

The January election leaves Liberals dependent on Labour and Irish Nationalist support.

Remains prime minister after the inconclusive January general election.

General election outcome recorded for Henry Herbert Asquith: Remains prime minister after the inconclusive January general election.

Government context for this general election: Remains prime minister after the inconclusive January general election.

Remains Prime Minister after the inconclusive January general election.

Depends on Labour and Irish Nationalist support in Parliament.

The Irish Nationalists win 84 seats & again hold the balance of power. Liberals 275 seats, Conservatives 273, Labour 42

Irish Nationalists hold the parliamentary balance after the election.

After the election the Liberals agree to a suspensory veto for the House of Lords. Admits to the Commons Edward VII had not promised extra peers to reform the Lords

After the election the Liberals agree to a suspensory veto for the House of Lords

Liberals agree to a suspensory veto for the House of Lords.

Announces the Lords must be reformed on a democratic basis

Declares that the House of Lords must be reformed on a democratic basis.

With the support of the Irish Nationalists Asquiths Budget is passed by the Commons

Promises if the Lords reject the budget the King will create peers before an election. Declares the Lords should not have the right to reject or a Bill more than 2X. Declares that Parliament should be restricted to terms 5 years

Promises if the Lords reject the budget the King will create peers before an election

Proposes limiting the maximum life of Parliament to five years.

Irish Nationalist support helps the Budget pass the Commons.

Warns that peers may be created if the Lords block the Budget.

Government proposals to reform the House of Lords is introduced to Parliament

Government proposals to reform the House of Lords are introduced to Parliament.

The Commons votes in favor of the Peoples Budget of 1909, including the whisky duty

The Commons votes in favour of the People's Budget.

The Budget is presented to the House of Commons & passes by 324 votes to 231

The Budget passes the Commons by 324 votes to 231.

The Lords is presented with the Budget & passes it without a division

The Lords receives the Budget and passes it without a division.

Death of Edward VII, during a constitutional crisis

Death of Edward VII, during a constitutional crisis

Edward VII dies during the continuing constitutional crisis.

A 6 month political truce is called due to George VIs inexperience

Negotiates with Conservative leaders during the constitutional crisis.

Opens cross-party talks seeking compromise over the Lords' powers.

Opens cross-party talks seeking compromise over the powers of the Lords.

Negotiates with Conservative leaders during the constitutional crisis.

The King secretly tells Asquith if the Liberals return he will create extra peers

The King privately indicates willingness to create peers if the Liberals return.

Parliament is dissolved so that the Parliament Act can be taken to the electorate

Parliament is dissolved so the Lords dispute can be taken to the electorate.

Parliament is dissolved so that the Parliament Act can be taken to the electorate

The December election leaves the parliamentary balance little changed.

Remains prime minister after the second general election of 1910.

The Liberal Party wins 44.2% of votes cast & 272 Members of Parliament

Returns with parliamentary arithmetic little changed from January.

Very little change from January but enough to push the Parliament Act through

The Liberal Government introduce unemployment insurance

Sets up a Home Rule Comm of Lloyd George, Birrell, Churchill, Grey, Haldane & Samuel. Sets up a Committee on Home Rule for Ireland under the chairmanship of Lord Loreburn

Sets up a Home Rule Comm of Lloyd George, Birrell, Churchill, Grey, Haldane & Samuel. Sets up a Committee on Home Rule for Ireland under the chairmanship of Lord Loreburn

Sets up a Home Rule Comm of Lloyd George, Birrell, Churchill, Grey, Haldane & Samuel. Sets up a Committee on Home Rule for Ireland under the chairmanship of Lord Loreburn

Creates a committee to develop Liberal policy on Irish Home Rule.

The Liberal Government introduce unemployment insurance

Establishes a Home Rule committee under Lord Loreburn.

The Liberal Government introduce unemployment insurance

The Liberal government introduces unemployment insurance.

The government depends on Labour and Irish Nationalist support in Parliament.

The Liberals win the election with 275 seats. The Government depends on 41 Labour & 71 Irish. Conservatves increase their seats from 116 to 273

Claims that Edward VII had promised to create new peers to reform the House of Lords

Introduces the Parliament Bill to the House of Commons. Admits that Edward VII had not promised to create new Peers to reform the Lords

Introduces the Parliament Bill in the House of Commons.

The Lords are denied a veto over "money bills" & have 2 yr veto for other bills. Passed by the House of Lords, the duration of Parliament is reduced from 7 to 5 yrs. MPs are to be payed for the first time, 400 pounds a year

The Lords are denied a veto over "money bills" & have 2 yr veto for other bills

The Lords loses its veto over money bills.

Members of Parliament are to receive salaries of 400 pounds a year.

Maximum parliamentary duration is reduced from seven years to five.

The Lords are denied a veto over "money bills" & have 2 yr veto for other bills

The Lords receives only a two-year delaying power over other bills.

Limits the Lords' veto and reduces maximum parliamentary duration.

Secures Royal Assent for the Parliament Act.

Secures Royal Assent for the Parliament Act.

Founds the Estimates Committee to assist the Public Accounts Committee. Founds the Estimates Committee

Founds the Estimates Committee to assist scrutiny of public expenditure.

Founds the Estimates Committee

Secures passage of the Coal Mines Minimum Wage Act.

Secures passage of the Coal Mines Minimum Wage Act.

Creates district boards to set minimum underground wage rates.

Creates district boards to establish minimum underground wage rates.

Home Rule Bill, The Irish Home Rule Bill is introduced in the House of Commons

Home Rule Bill, The Irish Home Rule Bill is introduced in the House of Commons. Asquith renews Liberal efforts to establish Irish Home Rule

Home Rule Bill, The Irish Home Rule Bill is introduced in the House of Commons. Asquith renews Liberal efforts to establish Irish Home Rule

Home Rule Bill, The Irish Home Rule Bill is introduced in the House of Commons. Asquith renews Liberal efforts to establish Irish Home Rule

Introduces the Irish Home Rule Bill in the House of Commons.

Home Rule Bill, The Irish Home Rule Bill is introduced in the House of Commons

Renews the Liberal programme for Welsh religious reform.

Introduces legislation to disestablish the Church in Wales.

Introduces legislation to disestablish the Church in Wales.

Permits union political funds while allowing members to opt out.

Secures Royal Assent for the Trade Union Act.

Secures Royal Assent for the Trade Union Act.

Permits trade union political funds while allowing members to opt out.

The Cabinet accepts in principle that the government should acquire control over dependable oil supplies.

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill, rejected by the Lords

The Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill before Lords rejection.

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill, rejected by the Lords

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill, rejected by the Lords

The Commons passes a Bill to disestablish the Church in Wales, rejected by the Lords

The Commons passes the Welsh disestablishment bill before Lords rejection.

A Royal Proclamation bans the import of arms into Ulster

A Royal Proclamation bans the import of arms into Ulster.

Britain & France jointly oppose the German-Turkish military convention

Britain and France jointly oppose the German-Turkish military convention.

Emergency powers are granted through the Defence of the Realm Act.

The Defence of the Realm Act is passed conferring emergency powers

The Defence of the Realm Act is passed conferring emergency powers

Succeeds Seely at the War Office during the Curragh crisis and threat of Irish civil conflict.

Successor to Seely during the "Curragh Mutiny" & threat of Irish civil war

Appointed Secretary of State for War

Temporarily assumes the War Office during the Curragh crisis.

The House of Commons passes the Welsh Church Disestablishment Bill for the third time

The Commons passes Welsh Church disestablishment legislation for a third time.

Britain acquires control of Persian Gulf oil interests from the Anglon Oil Company.

Britain acquires control of oil in the Persian Gulf from the Anglon Oil Company

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill

The Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill in May 1914.

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill

British-German agreement on the Baghdad Railway & Mesopotamia

Britain and Germany reach agreement concerning the Baghdad Railway and Mesopotamia.

The Irish Home Rule conference opens at Buckingham Palace.

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

Reports the British ultimatum demanding that Germany respect Belgian neutrality.

Explains to Parliament why the German invasion of Belgium has brought Britain into the European war.

Supports emergency expansion of the Army as Britain mobilises for a continental war.

Backs emergency financial measures intended to protect credit and currency after the outbreak of war.

Supports the £100 million Vote of Credit needed for the opening phase of the war.

The Anglo-Persian Oil Company Acquisition of Capital Act receives Royal Assent.

Addresses wartime regulations affecting Civil Service employees and their availability for national service.

Reviews measures concerning domestic food production and distribution during wartime disruption.

Addresses the position of volunteer forces in Ireland during the opening weeks of the war.

Great Britain enters war with Austria.

Great Britain is at war with Austria

Addresses British policy toward international maritime rules governing wartime commerce.

Reports information from Sir John French concerning the British Expeditionary Force in France.

Addresses early casualty information concerning the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front.

Responds to parliamentary questions about whether compulsory military service will be introduced.

Addresses proposals to extend the age limits for men available for emergency military service.

Discusses the conduct of public political meetings while the country is at war.

Uses a Commons statement to reinforce the national appeal for voluntary Army recruits.

Moves an address expressing admiration for Belgian resistance and British determination to support Belgian independence.

Answers questions about the wartime Press Bureau and the handling of military information.

Reviews practical measures intended to speed the enlistment of wartime volunteers.

Addresses arrangements for Belgian refugees displaced by the German invasion.

Answers questions about publishing official lists of British military casualties.

Explains wartime handling of Irish Home Rule legislation while hostilities continue.

Responds to criticism concerning censorship and the treatment of newspaper reporting during the war.

Gives Parliament a further statement on the developing war and the Government response.

Addresses provision for disabled servicemen and for the widows and dependants of men killed in service.

Asks Parliament to authorise up to 500,000 additional land forces for wartime service.

Reviews allowances and pensions available to servicemen and their dependants.

Reports on recruiting progress as the Government seeks a much larger wartime Army.

Addresses improved financial support for the dependants of men serving in the armed forces.

Addresses reported violations of the laws of war during the German invasion of Belgium.

Defends delaying the operation of major Irish and Welsh constitutional legislation during the war.

Addresses parliamentary questions concerning expenditure connected with Indian troops serving in the war.

Reports the response of King Albert to British expressions of sympathy and support for Belgium.

Seeks increased parliamentary provision for the expanding military demands of the war.

The Admiralty decides to mine the North Sea

The Admiralty decides to mine the North Sea.

The British occupy Ypres

British forces occupy Ypres.

Asquith's War Council considers but initially rejects a major landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Britain captures Cyprus

Britain takes control of Cyprus during the war.

Great Britain & France declare war on Turkey

Great Britain and France declare war on Turkey.

Leads the Government case during the parliamentary debate on the wartime Address.

Supports a further Vote of Credit as military expenditure rises during the first winter of the war.

A German squadron bombs Hartlepool, Scarborough & Whitby

A German squadron bombards Hartlepool, Scarborough and Whitby.

German zeppelins launch the 1st air raid on Britain

German Zeppelins launch the first air raid on Britain.

German attacks on Britain occur alongside the wider effort to pressure the country through maritime and aerial warfare.

Asquith's War Council approves a naval operation intended to force the Dardanelles.

Answers questions about the numerical strength of British military forces after six months of war.

Reviews the work of the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in supporting voluntary enlistment.

Addresses the total casualties suffered by the British Expeditionary Force.

Answers questions about recruiting progress and organisation in Ireland.

Discusses stronger economic measures against German trade during the war.

Reviews plans for a household canvass in support of voluntary military recruiting.

Reviews recruiting requirements as British forces continue expanding.

Addresses pensions and allowances for soldiers, sailors and their families.

Addresses compensation for civilian damage caused by hostile aircraft and bombardment.

A German submarine blockade of Great Britain begins

A German submarine blockade of Great Britain begins.

The British government confronts Germany's attempt to use submarines to restrict shipping reaching Great Britain.

The War Cabinet decides to send troops to the Dardanelles

The War Cabinet decides to send troops to the Dardanelles.

Asquith's government accepts that troops must seize the Gallipoli defences before the fleet can advance.

The Reprisals Order, in which Britain bans all neutral parties from trading with Germany

The Reprisals Order, in which Britain bans all neutral parties from trading with Germany

Britain bans neutral parties from trading with Germany under the Reprisals Order.

Addresses a War Office committee examining production and supply for the Army.

Supports committee work intended to accelerate the production of equipment required by the armed forces.

Addresses wartime Army estimates and the resources required for expanding operations.

Addresses reports concerning the treatment of British prisoners held in Germany.

Supports greater use of business expertise in Army and Navy equipment supply.

Answers questions about press censorship and restrictions on military information.

Approves the agreement intended to bring Italy into the war on the Allied side.

Asquith's government concludes the secret London agreement promising territorial gains to Italy in return for entering the war against the Central Powers.

His government joins France and Russia in the secret agreement promising territorial gains if Italy enters the war against the Central Powers.

Addresses future employment arrangements for servicemen returning after the war.

Responds to concerns about rising food and coal prices during wartime.

Addresses wartime measures against spying and enemy intelligence activity.

Addresses proposals to identify unmarried men available for military service.

Addresses parliamentary questions about the possibility of forming a coalition government.

Renews the Government appeal for voluntary recruits as manpower demands increase.

Asquith & Bonar Law agree a Coaltion

Sends a letter to ministers requesting their resignation for a new wartime coalition

Asks ministers to resign so a new wartime coalition can be created.

Asquith and Bonar Law agree to form a wartime coalition.

Addresses the national shortage of artillery ammunition and the need to expand munitions production.

Announces political negotiations intended to broaden the wartime Government.

Continues as Prime Minister under the wartime coalition.

Asquiths policy of "wait & see" is challenged by Lloyd George

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 4th term

Forms a coalition administration with Conservative participation to strengthen wartime government.

The new wartime government is announced.

The new Government is announced

German Zeppelins bombard the suburbs of London

German Zeppelins bombard suburbs of London.

Defends the new coalition arrangement before the House of Commons.

Addresses renewed pressure for compulsory military service while voluntary recruiting continues.

Supports creation of the Ministry of Munitions to coordinate the expansion of war production.

Discusses registration measures intended to identify the nation’s available manpower.

Helps advance legislation establishing the new Ministry of Munitions.

Addresses the position of British forces serving in France and the Mediterranean.

Discusses the position of married men within the voluntary recruiting system.

Addresses the need to retain skilled workers in occupations essential to the war effort.

Allied aircraft bombs Karlsruhe in retaliation for German bombing of London

Allied aircraft bomb Karlsruhe in retaliation for German attacks on London.

Sets out the Government case for a national registration system covering available labour and manpower.

Explains how a national register will help the Government assess manpower and industrial resources.

Defends registration as a means of matching national manpower with military and industrial requirements.

Reviews recruiting policy under the new coalition government.

Addresses British responsibilities for supplying munitions and material to Allied governments.

Supports legislation designed to increase and regulate the production of munitions.

Addresses competing proposals for national service and military compulsion.

Gives Parliament a broad review of the military and political situation.

Reviews recruiting figures and the continuing debate over compulsory military service.

Addresses the strength and deployment requirements of British land forces.

Answers questions about the organisation of parliamentary and Cabinet bodies directing the war.

Addresses parliamentary concerns about the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Issues a further appeal for men to volunteer before the Government turns to stronger measures.

Asquith's government reviews the deteriorating campaign and competing demands for troops in the Balkans.

Replaces French as Commander of the Expeditionary Force in France with Haig

Replaces Sir John French with Douglas Haig as commander in France.

Reduces the size of the War Council

Reduces the size of the War Council.

Asquith's government authorises withdrawal from the ANZAC and Suvla sectors.

Troops are evacuated from the Gallipoli Campaign

British troops are evacuated from the Gallipoli campaign.

The Conscription Bill is passed

The Conscription Bill is passed

Reviews the results and outstanding issues arising from Lord Derby’s voluntary recruiting scheme.

Introduces legislation imposing compulsory service on eligible unmarried men after the Derby Scheme.

Crisis breaks out when the press announces Asquith will not introduce concscription

A political crisis follows reports that Asquith will not introduce conscription.

Addresses publication and parliamentary consideration of Sir Ian Hamilton’s report on the Gallipoli campaign.

Gives Parliament a statement on current military and governmental questions at the start of 1916.

Conscription is introduced

Conscription is introduced during Asquith's wartime premiership.

Reviews the manpower position of the armed forces as conscription begins to operate.

Addresses parliamentary questions concerning home defence during the continuing war.

Addresses the provision of anti-aircraft guns for defence against enemy raids.

Answers questions about implementation of the new Military Service Act.

Urges greater national economy as wartime expenditure and demands on resources increase.

The government decides upon compulsory conscription, except for Ireland.

The Easter Rebellion breaks out in Dublin.

The Easter Rebellion breaks out in Dublin

Decides upon compulsory conscription, except for Ireland

Announces the Government decision to broaden compulsory military service beyond the January settlement.

Addresses the resignation of Augustine Birrell following the Easter Rising in Ireland.

Introduces a Bill extending military service obligations to a wider group of eligible men.

Explains arrangements for a secret parliamentary session on military manpower and recruiting.

Addresses the Government response to the Easter Rising and the treatment of rebels.

Addresses parliamentary appeals for clemency toward prisoners detained after the Easter Rising.

Supports an inquiry into the causes of and responsibility for the Easter Rising.

Answers questions about the trials of participants in the Easter Rising.

Explains the constitution and working arrangements of the wartime coalition government.

Gives Parliament a statement on conditions in Ireland after the Easter Rising.

Answers questions concerning the treatment and release of prisoners detained after the rebellion.

Addresses possible political arrangements for Ireland following the Easter Rising.

Implements the extension of compulsory military service to married men through further legislation.

Addresses British participation in Allied discussions about wartime and postwar economic cooperation.

Reviews the continuing operation of martial law in Ireland after the rebellion.

Refuses release of documents connected with the Dardanelles inquiry.

Addresses restoration of normal civil law in Ireland after the period of rebellion and martial law.

Reports on Allied economic coordination discussed at the Paris Economic Conference.

Addresses negotiations intended to find a political settlement in Ireland during wartime.

Addresses parliamentary questions arising from the loss of HMS Hampshire and Lord Kitchener.

Gives Parliament a detailed statement on the Government’s Irish policy after failed settlement talks.

Addresses parliamentary criticism of the conduct and administration of the Mesopotamia campaign.

Supports formal investigation into failures connected with the Mesopotamia campaign.

Addresses the wartime leadership of the War Office after Lloyd George becomes Secretary of State for War.

The Cromer Commission is announced to investigate the Dardanelles Campaign

The Cromer Commission is announced to investigate the Dardanelles Campaign

Announces the Cromer Commission to investigate the Dardanelles campaign.

Restates the Government position after efforts to reach an Irish political settlement break down.

Advances legislation creating special commissions to investigate the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia campaigns.

Explains the Government approach to Allied economic cooperation during and after the war.

Supports detailed provisions governing the special wartime commissions of inquiry.

Addresses questions about possible peace negotiations and the conditions required for a settlement.

Gives Parliament a statement on the war and the Government’s conduct of national affairs.

Addresses the growing manpower problem and the balance between military service and essential industry.

An Edward Carson motion concerning Nigerian property creates a government crisis.

A motion by Edward Carson on ownership of property in Nigeria creates a crisis

Resigns as Prime Minister after the coalition crisis over the proposed reorganisation of central war direction.

Resigns as Prime Minister in December 1916.

Resigns as Prime Minister of Great Britain

Returns to Parliament as an Independent Liberal.

Elected Independent Liberal, 1920-1924

Is created an Earl and becomes a Knight of the Garter.

Created Earl & Knight of the Garter

Herbert Henry Asquith dies in 1928.

Death of Herbert Henry Asquith