Churchill as Home Secretary Suffragettes, Strikes, and Social Reform 1910-11 by Charles Stephenson

 

The youngest Home Secretary since Sir Robert Peel, Churchill certainly held the position at an extremely turbulent time, filled with strikes, riots and the rise of socialism and feminism. All these are what makes the Edwardian age so interesting! Charles Stephenson conducts a forensic examination of Churchill's time in office, restoring his reputation in some respects, such as at Tonypandy. His account is reasonably sympathetic, and probably won't make anyone think any less of the great man, although his belief in eugenics was strong, and it was just as well that he gave it up! (As women are actively encouraged not to have disabled babies now, even if they don't want to, can we afford to be judgmental, however?)

Churchill's time as Home Secretary is mostly remembered because of the Battle of Sydney Street. Although that is discussed here, his penal reforms, his role in sending troops to maintain order in riots and strikes, and his attitude to the Suffragettes are far more important. I found the chapters on the strikes a bit dry, and I was more interested in the Suffragettes. Churchill's position on these courageous women surprised me. He was sympathetic to the cause, apparently, but he just didn't see it as terribly important, and he didn't think that the majority of women supported it. This was in spite of his wife Clementine, who seems to have been far more likeable in some respects, appreciating its significance and being very angry with him about it!

This is a must-read for anyone interested in Sir Winston.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.