Enoch Powell

The Right Honourable John Enoch Powell MBE (June 16, 1912 – February 8, 1998) was a British politician. Controversial throughout his career, his tenure in senior office was brief; however, his skills as a polemicist and orator gained significant public support for his controversial views on issues such as immigration and the United Kingdom's entry into the European Union, sparking national debates which continue to this day.

Early years

Powell was born and raised in Birmingham. His formidable intelligence was apparent early on. From King Edward's School, Birmingham he completed his education at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he fell under the powerful influence of A. E. Housman, and was appointed Professor of Greek at Sydney University aged 25. Amongst his pupils was the future Prime Minister of Australia Gough Whitlam.

Related Topics:
Birmingham - King Edward's School, Birmingham - Trinity College, Cambridge - A. E. Housman - Sydney University - Prime Minister of Australia - Gough Whitlam

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As well as his education at Cambridge, Powell took a course in Urdu at the School of Oriental Studies, now the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, in a bid to further his chances of being appointed Viceroy of India.

Related Topics:
Cambridge - Urdu - School of Oriental and African Studies - University of London - Viceroy of India

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While Powell was in Australia as a Professor he grew increasingly angry at the appeasement of Germany and what he saw as a betrayal of British national interests. In a letter to his parents in June 1939 before the outbreak of war, Powell wrote:

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"It is the English, not their Government; for if they were not blind cowards, they would lynch Chamberlain and Halifax and all the other smarmy traitors".

Related Topics:
English - Chamberlain - Halifax

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Upon the immediate outbreak of war Powell returned to England, although not before buying a Russian dictionary because Powell thought 'Russia would hold the key to our survival and victory, as it had in 1812 and 1916'.

Related Topics:
England - Russian - 1812 - 1916

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