John Enoch Powell (16 June 1912 – 8 February 1998) was a British politician, scholar and writer. He was Member of Parliament (MP) for Wolverhampton South West for the Conservative Party from 1950 to February 1974 and the MP for South Down for the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) from October 1974 to 1987. He was Minister of Health from 1960 to 1963 in the second Macmillan ministry and was Shadow Secretary of State for Defence from 1965 to 1968 in the Shadow Cabinet of Edward Heath. Before entering politics, Powell was a classical scholar; in 1937 he was appointed Professor of Greek at the University of Sydney, aged only 25. He served in the British Army during the Second World War, reaching the rank of brigadier. He wrote both poetry and books on classical and political subjects.
British politician Enoch Powell makes his controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech
John Enoch Powell (16 June 1912 – 8 February 1998) was a British politician, scholar and writer.
Historical Significance
John Enoch Powell (16 June 1912 – 8 February 1998) was a British politician, scholar and writer.
Key People
Events Before
François Pienaar is born
François Pienaar is born
AFL Championship, War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo: Kansas City Chiefs beat Buffalo Bills, 31-7; QB Len Dawson passes for 2
AFL Championship, War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo: Kansas City Chiefs beat Buffalo Bills, 31-7; QB Len Dawson passes for 2 TDs, RB Mike Garrett runs for 2 TDs
Actor Lee Marvin (42) divorces Elizabeth Ebeling after 14 years of marriage
Actor Lee Marvin (42) divorces Elizabeth Ebeling after 14 years of marriage
Republican Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts takes his seat as the first African American popularly elected to the US Se
Republican Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts takes his seat as the first African American popularly elected to the US Senate
Canadian actor Christopher Plummer (37) divorces second wife, British columnist Patricia Lewis after nearly 5 years of m
Canadian actor Christopher Plummer (37) divorces second wife, British columnist Patricia Lewis after nearly 5 years of marriage
Events After
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully lands the first humans on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the lunar surface.
Tommy Morrison is born
Tommy Morrison, American professional boxer, known for american boxer, was born on 1969-01-02.
Christy Turlington is born
Christy Turlington is born
Jack Kent Cooke, owner of the NHL's LA Kings, fines each player $100 for not arguing with the referees
Jack Kent Cooke, owner of the NHL's LA Kings, fines each player $100 for not arguing with the referees
Atlantic Records releases Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut album in the United States
Atlantic Records releases Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut album in the United States
More from the 1960s
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully lands the first humans on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the lunar surface.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for an end to racism in the United States.
Tommy Morrison is born
Tommy Morrison, American professional boxer, known for american boxer, was born on 1969-01-02.
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on April 20, 1968?
- John Enoch Powell (16 June 1912 – 8 February 1998) was a British politician, scholar and writer. He was Member of Parliament (MP) for Wolverhampton South West for the Conservative Party from 1950 to February 1974 and the MP for South Down for the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) from October 1974 to 1987. He was Minister of Health from 1960 to 1963 in the second Macmillan ministry and was Shadow Secretary of State for Defence from 1965 to 1968 in the Shadow Cabinet of Edward Heath.
- Why is British politician Enoch Powell makes his controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech significant?
- John Enoch Powell (16 June 1912 – 8 February 1998) was a British politician, scholar and writer.
- Who was involved in British politician Enoch Powell makes his controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech?
- Key figures include Enoch Powell (politician).