Quick Facts
Quiet revolutionary. Built Britain's welfare state and NHS after World War II.
Conversation Starters
Life Journey
Clement Attlee was born to Henry Attlee, a solicitor, and Ellen Bravery Watson in Putney, London.
Clement Attlee begins his education at Haileybury and Imperial Service College, a prestigious boarding school.
Clement Attlee enrolls at University College, Oxford, where he studies modern history and becomes involved in political activities.
Clement Attlee graduates from University College, Oxford with a second-class degree in modern history.
Clement Attlee is called to the bar and becomes a solicitor, following in his father's footsteps.
Clement Attlee joins the Independent Labour Party, marking a significant shift in his political beliefs towards socialism.
Clement Attlee begins working at Haileybury House, a club for boys in the East End of London, where he becomes deeply involved in social work.
Clement Attlee is elected to the Stepney Borough Council, his first step into local politics.
Clement Attlee volunteers for military service and serves in World War I, rising to the rank of major.
Clement Attlee is elected as the Mayor of Stepney, further solidifying his position in local government.
Clement Attlee is elected as the Member of Parliament for Limehouse, marking his entry into national politics.
Clement Attlee is appointed Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, a significant role in the opposition.
Clement Attlee is elected as the Leader of the Labour Party, leading the opposition in Parliament.
Clement Attlee joins Winston Churchill's War Cabinet as Lord Privy Seal and Deputy Prime Minister, playing a crucial role in the war effort.
Clement Attlee leads the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the 1945 general election, becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Clement Attlee's government introduces the National Health Service Act, providing free healthcare to all citizens.
Clement Attlee's Labour Party loses the 1951 general election to Winston Churchill's Conservatives, ending his term as Prime Minister.
Clement Attlee steps down as Leader of the Labour Party, marking the end of his long political career.
Clement Attlee dies at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of significant social and political reforms.