Winston Churchill - Essay Example

Insert Introduction Simply known as Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (30 November 1874- 24 January 1965), Sir Winton Churchill was a British statesman, politician, Prime Minister, military officer, historian, writer and artist. For him being a man of several hats and other numerous reasons, admiration can be drawn can be drawn from Churchill, as shall be seen in the ensuing discourse. According to Younger, one of the reasons behind the personal and general designation of Churchill as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century world is his astuteness in politics and prolific contribution to politics.

Churchill served as a Member of the British Parliament between 1900 and 1905, before proceeding to serve as the Colonial Under-Secretary between 1905 and 1908. As the Colonial Under-Secretary, Churchill was the midwife the Transvaal Constitution. This was a watershed in British politics since it determined race relations among Britons and served as the genesis of recognition of the rights of blacks in Britain to participate in politics (Younger, 134, 135). In a separate wavelength, it is important to appreciate the contributions that Churchill made during his tenure as the President of the Board of Trade, during the time between 1908 and 1910.

This was the time he was out of Parliament: from 24 April 1908 to May 1909, Churchill was out of Parliament. As the President of the Board of Trade, Churchill successfully made milestones in labor dispute mediation; made arbitrations in court; conducted and facilitated labor exchanges; and set the minimum wage for workers. The setting of minimum wage for workers improved people’s socio-economic welfare and increased Britain’s overall domestic purchasing power. Another way in which Churchill influenced British politics, criminal justice systems and socio-economic welfare is by championing for key reforms (in the relevant sectors) when he was the Home Secretary.

This took place between 1910 and 1911. Within this time and in this capacity, Churchill successfully championed for the Home Rule for Ireland, the Strike intervention and Prison reforms. Churchill also sponsored the passage of the Insurance Act and the Labor and Shop Acts. As if the foregoing is not enough, Churchill also made immense contributions in Britain’s military progress. In this light, because of his impeccable performance in military, Churchill rose up through military ranks and the culmination of his progress was him serving as the First Lord of the Admiralty from 1911 to 1915 (DEste, 993).

Works CitedDEste, Carlo. “Winston Churchill.” The Journal of Military History, 68.3 (2004): 993. Print Wakely, Elizabeth and Jerome, Carson. “Historical recovery heroes - Winston Churchill.” Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 14.4 (2010): 36 – 39. PrintYounger, Kenneth. “Winston Churchill.” International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944- ), 51.1 (1975): 134 – 135. Print