From being involved in the defence of the British Empire in the nineteenth century, notably in South Africa as a junior officer and war correspondent, perhaps his greatest achievement was as a leader of the British people in the second world war: his passionate belief in freedom from tyranny was instrumental in curbing the territorial and political ambitions of nazi Germany.

He entered Parliament in 1900 and held the following ministerial posts: Under-Secretary for the Colonies, 1905-8; President of the Board of Trade, 1908-10; Home Secretary, 1910-11; First Lord of Admiralty, 1911-15; Minister of Munitions, 1917; Minister of War, 1918-21; Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1921-22; Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1924-29; Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, 1940-45; Prime Minister 1951-55.

Outside his political career he enjoyed many interests, making contributions to literature, art and academic life in Britain. His writings include a biography of his ancestor, Marlborough, and histories of the first and second world wars. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, was rector or chancellor of three universities, and was conferred with honarary American citizenship in 1963.