Bonar Law

ModernPoliticianUnited Kingdom1858 — 1923

Canadian-born shortest-serving UK PM in the 1900s.

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Quick Facts

Born

1858

Died

1923

Country

United Kingdom

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)47

Political (20%)44

Influence (20%)48

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)52

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score44.8

Bonar Law — Complete Timeline

1911 AD

Served as Leader of the Conservative PartyPolitical Action◆ Major

Bonar Law was elected leader of the Conservative Party, succeeding Arthur Balfour. He led the party through the pre-war period, opposing Irish Home Rule and supporting tariff reform. His leadership helped unify the party.

Conservative PartyLeadershipHome Rule

Impact: nationalconstructive

1912 AD

Opposed Irish Home RulePolitical Action◆ Major

Bonar Law led Conservative opposition to the Third Home Rule Bill, which would have granted Ireland self-government. He supported the Ulster Unionists and warned of civil war, contributing to the political crisis in Ireland.

IrelandHome RuleUnionism

Impact: regionaldestructive

1922 AD

Became Prime Minister of the United KingdomPolitical Action◆ Major

Bonar Law became Prime Minister after the Conservative Party withdrew from the coalition government. He served for 211 days, the shortest term of any 20th-century UK PM. His government focused on trade and post-war reconstruction.

Prime MinisterConservative PartyShortest term

Impact: national

1923 AD

Resigned as Prime Minister due to ill healthPolitical Action◆ Major

Bonar Law resigned as Prime Minister in May 1923 after being diagnosed with terminal throat cancer. He was succeeded by Stanley Baldwin. His resignation marked the end of his brief premiership.

ResignationHealthPrime Minister

Impact: nationaltragic