Anthony Eden's political career in British politics, from his early days as a Conservative MP to his tenure as Prime Minister, is marked by his foreign policy expertise. His leadership during the Suez Crisis of 1956, which led to his resignation and influenced the transition of power to Harold Macmillan, remains a defining moment. Eden's legacy reflects the challenges of post-war Britain and the shift in its global role.
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Anthony Eden joined the Conservative Party and won his first election at the age of 26
Parliamentary Private Secretary
Eden served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Godfrey Locker-Lampson and later to Foreign Secretary Sir Austen Chamberlain
Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs
In 1931, Eden was appointed Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs in Ramsay MacDonald's National Government
Eden's ministerial career began in earnest in 1933 when he was appointed Lord Privy Seal with a special focus on League of Nations affairs
In 1935, Eden was appointed Foreign Secretary under Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin
Eden resigned in 1938 due to his opposition to Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement towards Mussolini's Italy
Eden succeeded Winston Churchill as Prime Minister in April 1955
Eden's premiership was characterized by a strong focus on international affairs, fostered by his close working relationship with U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
The Suez Canal Crisis of 1956 was a pivotal event in Eden's premiership and a significant factor in his subsequent resignation
The Suez Crisis tarnished Eden's reputation as an advocate for peace and international cooperation and is often cited as a significant setback for British foreign policy
Harold Macmillan, who had served in Eden's government, succeeded him as Prime Minister and worked to mend strained international relationships