Today in History, March 11

 

Harold Wilson, British Prime Minister is born

Why Famous: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1964 to 1970 and 1974 to 1976, Wilson was a moderate socialist who placed emphasis on increasing opportunity within society.

Died:  14 May 1995 (aged 79)

Cause of Death:  Cancer

 

Why Britain refused to send troops to Vietnam

…………..Wilson chose to only offer token support to the US, and, it's been argued, for good reason.

 Hospitals stayed open, pensions were paid, and university students funded only because the wheels of the British economy still turned with American money.

Britain had been left in dire need of economic assistance after the Second World War and was only able to rebuild and create its welfare state by securing a huge loan from the US……………

https://www.forces.net/news/harold-wilson-man-who-kept-us-out-vietnam