Ernest Bevin

Date of Birth: March 9, 1881

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: April 14, 1951

Biography

Ernest Bevin was a prominent British statesman and labor leader who played a significant role in shaping the labor movement and the post-World War II international order. Born into poverty, Bevin’s early life was marked by hardship, but he rose to become a key figure in British politics. He was instrumental in founding the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) in 1922, which became one of the largest and most influential trade unions in the United Kingdom. Bevin’s political career took a significant turn during World War II when he was appointed Minister of Labour and National Service in Winston Churchill’s wartime coalition government. His efforts were crucial in mobilizing the British workforce for the war effort, ensuring that the country’s industries operated efficiently and effectively during a time of crisis. After the war, Bevin continued to serve in the government, becoming the Foreign Secretary in Clement Attlee’s Labour government from 1945 to 1951. During his tenure, he was a key architect of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and played a vital role in the establishment of the United Nations. Bevin’s foreign policy was marked by his staunch anti-communism and efforts to maintain Britain’s influence on the global stage.

5 Interesting Facts about Ernest Bevin

1. Ernest Bevin was born in Winsford, Somerset, England, and was orphaned at a young age.

2. He left school at the age of 11 to work as a laborer, which shaped his views on labor rights and social justice.

3. Bevin was a founding member of the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU), which became one of the largest trade unions in the UK.

4. He played a significant role in the formation of NATO and was a key figure in the early Cold War period.

5. Bevin was known for his powerful oratory skills and his ability to unite different factions within the labor movement.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ernest Bevin

1. “My policy is to be able to take a ticket at Victoria Station and go anywhere I damn well please.”

2. “The most conservative man in the world is the British Trade Unionist when you want to change him.”

3. “I’ve been brought up in the school of hard knocks, and I’ve been a trade union leader all my life. I know what poverty is.”

4. “We must not let ourselves be turned into a military nation. We must remain a nation of free men.”

5. “The basic assumption of my policy is that while we must prepare for the worst, we should not anticipate it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ernest Bevin was primarily a public servant and did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and legacy were far more significant than his financial status.