F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead (1872–1930,) born Frederick Edwin Smith, was a British Conservative politician, barrister, and orator known for his legal expertise, political influence, and sharp wit. He played a key role in early 20th-century British politics, serving as Lord Chancellor (1919–22) and Secretary of State for India (1924–28.)
Born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, he studied at Wadham College-Oxford, gaining a reputation for debating and legal acumen. Called to the bar in 1899, he quickly rose to prominence as a defense lawyer.
Smith entered Parliament in 1906, representing Liverpool Walton, and became a leading Conservative, opposing Irish Home Rule. During World War I, he served as Attorney General (1915–19,) securing the conviction of Irish nationalist Roger Casement.
His publications include The World in 1919 (1919,) analyzing post-war global politics, and Law of Property Act (1922,) contributing to British legal reforms. His biography, F.E. Smith, First Earl of Birkenhead (1983,) by John Campbell, examines his political career and personal life.
A close friend of Winston Churchill, Smith was known for his hard-living lifestyle and sharp rhetoric.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead
Meet success like a gentleman and disaster like a man.
—F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead
Topics: Success
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