Synopsis
From his early days as a student engaged in Socialist thought at Oxford University, Tony Blair became a member of Parliament, and then prime minister of Great Britain, in only 14 years. Finding inspiration in President Bill Clinton's political strategy, the youthful Blair made his quick rise through the Labour Party's ranks largely by advocating modernization. During his first term, he helped negotiate a major peace settlement in Northern Ireland and was a strong leader in freeing Kosovo of Slobodan Milosevic. His second term brought a greater challenge; in response to the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, Blair became the primary supporter of President George W. Bush. In May 2005, Blair won a record third term. Just two months later, terrorists struck London with four bombings that killed 52 people. Blair promised that those responsible would be punished and assured his people, "We will not be intimidated."
About the Author:
Bonnie Hinman taught creative writing at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri
Children's Literature
Tony Blair is the Prime Minister of Great Britain, and is considered an important world leader. Bonnie Hinman has written an eleven chapter book outlining Blair's early political career and his rise to prime minister. Anthony Charles Lynton Blair was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on May 6, 1953. He did well in school and was a good athlete. When he was twelve, Blair showed an interest in politics by volunteering to stand as the conservative-born candidate in a mock election at his school. Blair graduated from college and then went on to law school. He was still interested in politics and joined the Chelsea Labour Party. In 1979, he had a political opinion article published in the Spectator. Slowly, he won some political victories. Within fourteen years, he had moved from being a member of Parliament to prime minister of Great Britain. In his first term, he helped negotiate a major peace settlement in Northern Ireland. In May 2005, Blair won a record third term. Blair supported President Bush's decision to wage war on Iraq, and sent 46,000 British troops to help fight the war. Blair has also had to deal with terrorist threats in his country, but his abilities as a world leader have helped him to win three terms. Black and white and color photographs are included. Back material includes a chronology, bibliography, and suggested readings.