ArthurBalfour

Arthur James Balfour (1848–1930) — one of the key British Prime Ministers. Let me give you a clear overview:

Arthur Balfour – Prime Minister of the UK

Full name: Arthur James Balfour,

1st Earl of Balfour

• Born: 25 July 1848

• Died: 19 March 1930

• Political party: Conservative Party

Prime Minister: 1902–1905 (succeeded his uncle, Lord Salisbury)

As Prime Minister (1902–1905)

Education reforms (1902 Education Act): Centralized education system, brought church schools into state funding.

Tariff Reform debate: Faced internal party divisions on free trade vs. protectionism.

Entente Cordiale (1904): Agreement with France that improved Anglo-French relations and paved the way for WWI alliances.

Military reforms: After the Boer War, pushed modernization of the British Army and navy.

Resignation (1905): Increasing unpopularity and internal party strife forced him to resign; Liberals under Henry Campbell-Bannerman took power.

Later Career

Foreign Secretary (1916–1919) under Lloyd George during WWI.

Balfour Declaration (1917):

Historic statement supporting a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine — a hugely consequential act in Middle Eastern history.

Later held senior roles in government and remained influential in Conservative politics.

Legacy

Considered an intellectual statesman (“philosopher-politician”).

Remembered more for the Balfour Declaration and his role in shaping early 20th-century diplomacy than for his domestic premiership.

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