Stanley Baldwin
Stanley Baldwin was a Conservative politician and prime minister of the UK.
History
Policies
First Term
Baldwin served as Exchequer in Law's cabinet. After Law resigned for health reasons in May 1923, Baldwin inherited party and government leadership.
He called an election shortly after in December, in which he would lose the majority. After losing a vote of confidence the next month, he entered opposition.
Second Term
The elections in 1924 saw a new Conservative majority and Baldwin returned to government. His cabinet included Chamberlain and Churchill.
He pushed the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act of 1927 to curb union powers.
He called elections in 1929 and again lost the majority. Although he faced criticism, he retained party leadership.
Unity Government
During the Great Depression, Baldwin served in a unity government headed by MacDonald.
Baldwin held significant power over the coalition, especially as Labour dwindled in the 1931 elections and as !MacDonald's health failed.
Third Term
Baldwin inherited the leadership of the unity government in 1935.
He signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement and generally pursued a policy of appeasement.
Legacy
He retired in 1937, with Chamberlain inheriting leadership.