Joseph Chamberlain(1836-1914)

Joseph Chamberlain is a British statesman who was first a radical Liberal, then, after opposing home rule for Ireland, a Liberal Unionist, and eventually served as a leading imperialist in coalition with the Conservatives. He split both major British parties in the course of his career.

Chamberlain made his career in Birmingham, first as a manufacturer of screws and then as a notable mayor of the city. Despite never becoming Prime Minister, he was one of the most important British politicians of his day, as well as a renowned orator and municipal reformer.