Billy Hughes

ModernPoliticianAustralia1862 — 1952

Australian prime minister during WWI.

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Quick Facts

Born

1862

Died

1952

Country

Australia

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)49

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)59

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score56.9

Billy Hughes — Complete Timeline

1915 AD

Became Prime Minister of AustraliaPolitical Action◆ Major

Billy Hughes became Prime Minister of Australia on October 27, 1915, succeeding Andrew Fisher. He led the country through the remainder of World War I, becoming a dominant figure in Australian politics.

Prime MinisterWorld War ILeadership

Impact: national

1916 AD

Conscription Referendums (1916 and 1917)Political Action◆ Major

Hughes held two national referendums on conscription for overseas military service during WWI, in 1916 and 1917. Both were narrowly defeated, causing a split in the Labor Party. Hughes and his supporters left to form the Nationalist Party.

ConscriptionReferendumLabor Split

Impact: nationaldestructive

Expelled from Labor PartyPolitical Action◆ Major

Following the defeat of the first conscription referendum, Hughes was expelled from the Australian Labor Party in November 1916. He then formed the National Labor Party, which later merged with the Liberal Party to become the Nationalist Party.

ExpulsionLabor PartyParty Split

Impact: nationaldestructive

1919 AD

Attended Paris Peace ConferencePolitical Action◆ Major

Hughes represented Australia at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. He argued strongly for Australian interests, including control over former German colonies in the Pacific and reparations from Germany. He also secured Australia's separate membership in the League of Nations.

Paris Peace ConferenceLeague of NationsWorld War I

Impact: globalconstructive