20th Century British Prime Ministers Quiz

Answer: John Major

Major was Conservative Prime Minister from 1990-1997. He came from a common background - his dad worked for a circus. He was often criticized by other Party members for preferring burgers and cola to the more traditional caviar and champagne normally associated with a Prime Minister.

He was criticized by the public mainly for not being a strong enough leader, especially compared to his predecessor, Mrs Thatcher.

Answer: Clement Attlee

Like many politicians, Attlee began his adult life as a barrister. He succeeded Churchill at the end of World War II after a landslide for Labour at the General Election of 1945.

Answer: Conservative

To give the man his full title, Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne Cecil Salisbury was the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. This was his third term in office. The previous two terms (1885 - early 1886 and late 1886 - 1892) had led to him being succeeded as PM by William Gladstone.

When Gladstone resigned in 1894 his successor was the 5th Earl of Rosebery, but he only lasted until 1895 when Salisbury returned to power, which he held until late 1901.

Answer: His Nephew

Yes, Salisbury was his uncle. Do I smell nepotism in British politics? Surely not! Balfour actually created the CID and made provisional budgets for the navy and other military units during his 3 years in office. He also made the treaty with France which laid the groundwork for the Alliance during World War I.

Answer: 1940

Churchill was PM twice, firstly from 1940-1945 then again from 1951-1955.

Answer: Kesteven

Mrs Thatcher famously made the comment that she never thought there would be a female Prime Minister in Britain during her lifetime. She proved herself wrong. Thatcher was PM from 1979 until 1990 when she was challenged for the Conservative Party leadership by Michael Heseltine.

After failing to win by a big enough margin in the first leadership ballot Thatcher resigned and thus a three way battle began for the leadership of the party, and the country. John Major won convincingly. The third candidate was Douglas Hurd.

Her strong leadership qualities won her support particularly during the Falklands battle however she was far from popular in traditionally Labour areas like Scotland and the North East of England.

Answer: Jim Callaghan

It was thought by many that when Jim Callaghan came to power in 1976 he might struggle with the day to day running of the country, but that he would keep the Trade Unions in line. People were badly wrong on both counts. His day to day handling of affairs was as good as any modern day British leader, but it was the Unions who brought about his downfall. The strikes during the winter of 1978 eventually led to a vote of no confidence in 1979. Thatcher's Conservatives would win the resulting General Election.

Zebra crossings were first trialled in 1949, although with blue and yellow stripes. Previously, crossing points had been marked with orange flashing "Belisha Beacons", but without stripes on the road.

Answer: Anthony Eden

Eden was a Conservative Prime Minister from 1955 until January 1957. His decision to send troops to the Suez in 1956 was not supported by the US. When the plan to take control of the Suez failed, he resigned. Eden maintained until his death in 1977 that he was right to send troops to the Suez.

Answer: Winston Churchill

Churchill won the prize for his six-volume "History of World War II."

Answer: Edinburgh

Blair succeeded John Smith as leader of the Labour Party following Smith's sudden death. Blair became Prime Minister on 1 May 1997, five days before his 44th birthday.