Asquith, H(erbert) H(enry), 1st earl of Oxford and Asquith

born Sept. 12, 1852, Morley, Yorkshire, Eng.

died Feb. 15, 1928, Sutton Courtenay, Berkshire

British politician and prime minister (1908–16).

Elected to the House of Commons in 1886, he served as home secretary (1892–95). A leader of the Liberal Party, he became prime minister in 1908. His plan to limit the powers of the House of Lords was enacted by the Parliament Act of 1911. He led Britain in the early years of World War I, but domestic crises combined with British losses in the war led to widespread dissatisfaction. He resigned in 1916 but remained leader of his party until 1926.

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