Steven Kirk: Difference between revisions
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| native_name = | | native_name = | ||
| native_name_lang = | | native_name_lang = | ||
| honorific-suffix = [[Order of Patagonia|PK]] [[Wikipedia:Order of St Michael and St George|KCMG]] | | honorific-suffix = [[Order of Patagonia|PK]], [[wikipedia:Order of the Companions of Honour|CH]], [[Wikipedia:Order of St Michael and St George|KCMG]] | ||
| image = SKirk.png | | image = SKirk.png | ||
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| caption = | | caption = | ||
| order = | | order = | ||
| office = | | office = [[Prime Minister of Patagonia]] | ||
| term_start = 20 November 1931 | | term_start = 20 November 1931 | ||
| term_end = 4 July 1945 | | term_end = 4 July 1945 | ||
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| succeeding = | | succeeding = | ||
| predecessor = [[Henry Martin]] | | predecessor = [[Henry Martin]] | ||
| successor = [[ | | successor = [[Christopher Tennant]] | ||
| order2 = | | order2 = | ||
| office2 = [[Patagonian National Party|Leader of the Patagonian National Party]] | | office2 = [[Patagonian National Party|Leader of the Patagonian National Party]] | ||
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| succeeding2 = <!--Can be repeated up to eight times by changing the number--> | | succeeding2 = <!--Can be repeated up to eight times by changing the number--> | ||
| predecessor2 = ''Position established'' | | predecessor2 = ''Position established'' | ||
| successor2 = [[ | | successor2 = [[Christopher Tennant]] | ||
| constituency2 = <!--Can be repeated up to eight times by changing the number--> | | constituency2 = <!--Can be repeated up to eight times by changing the number--> | ||
| majority2 = <!--Can be repeated up to eight times by changing the number--> | | majority2 = <!--Can be repeated up to eight times by changing the number--> | ||
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| predecessor3 = | | predecessor3 = | ||
| successor3 = | | successor3 = | ||
| office4 = [[Parliament of Patagonia|Member of Parliament]] | | office4 = [[Parliament of Patagonia|Member of Parliament]]<br>for [[List of Patagonian electoral districts|South West Limay]] | ||
| term_start4 = 13 March 1924 | | term_start4 = 13 March 1924 | ||
| term_end4 = 21 January 1946 | | term_end4 = 21 January 1946 | ||
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| prior_term = | | prior_term = | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date|1887|10|26|df=y}} | | birth_date = {{birth date|1887|10|26|df=y}} | ||
| birth_place = [[ | | birth_place = [[wikipedia:Clarkston, East Renfrewshire|Clarkston]], [[wikipedia:East Renfrewshire|East Renfrewshire]], [[wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] | ||
| death_date = {{death-date and age| | | death_date = {{death-date and age| 23 April 1969 | 26 October 1887 }} | ||
| death_place = [[Wikipedia: | | death_place = [[Wikipedia:Bariloche|Barrylochy]], Limay, [[Patagonia]] | ||
| resting_place = | | resting_place = | ||
| restingplacecoordinates = | | restingplacecoordinates = | ||
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| party = [[Patagonian National Party]] (from 1931) | | party = [[Patagonian National Party]] (from 1931) | ||
| otherparty = [[Patagonian Conservative Party|Conservative]] (1906–28)<br>Independent (1928–31) | | otherparty = [[Patagonian Conservative Party|Conservative]] (1906–28)<br>Independent (1928–31) | ||
| spouse = | | spouse = [[Eliza Mulhern]] (1909–1911) <br>[[Edith Kirk]] (1920—1969) | ||
| partner = <!--For those with a domestic partner and not married--> | | partner = <!--For those with a domestic partner and not married--> | ||
| relations = | | relations = | ||
| children = | | children = [[James Kirk|James]] · [[John Kirk|John]] (adopted) · [[Olivia Kirk|Olivia]] | ||
| parents = | | parents = | ||
| residence = | | residence = | ||
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| allegiance = [[wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] | | allegiance = [[wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] | ||
| branch = [[Wikipedia:British Army|British Army]] | | branch = [[Wikipedia:British Army|British Army]] | ||
| serviceyears = 1914–1918 | | serviceyears = [[wikipedia:World War I|1914–1918]] | ||
| rank = [[Wikipedia:Ranks of the British Army|Lieutenant]] | | rank = [[Wikipedia:Ranks of the British Army|Lieutenant]] | ||
| unit = | | unit = | ||
| commands = | | commands = | ||
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'''Sir Steven Charles Kirk''', [[Order of Patagonia|PK]], [[Wikipedia:Order of St Michael and St George|KCMG]] (26 October 1887 – 22 June 1957) was a Patagonian politician, army officer, and writer. He served as the [[List of Prime Ministers of Patagonia|13th]] [[Prime Minister of Patagonia|Prime Minister]] of [[Patgaonia]] from 1931 until 1945, winning a record four [[Elections in Patagonia|general elections]], and leading the country through two of the major events of its history and of 20th century history: the [[wikipedia:Great Depression|Great Depression]] and [[wikipedia:World War II|World War II]]. Ideologically a [[wikipedia:Christian democracy|Christian democrat]], Kirk and the [[Patagonian National Party]] he founded dominated and realigned politics in the country. He is generally rated by scholars and the public alike as [[Historical rankings of prime ministers of Patagonia|one of the greatest Patagonian prime ministers]]. | '''Sir Steven Charles Kirk''', [[Order of Patagonia|PK]], [[Wikipedia:Order of St Michael and St George|KCMG]] (26 October 1887 – 22 June 1957) was a Patagonian politician, army officer, and writer. He served as the [[List of Prime Ministers of Patagonia|13th]] [[Prime Minister of Patagonia|Prime Minister]] of [[Patgaonia]] from 1931 until 1945, winning a record four [[Elections in Patagonia|general elections]], and leading the country through two of the major events of its history and of 20th century history: the [[wikipedia:Great Depression|Great Depression]] and [[wikipedia:World War II|World War II]]. Ideologically a [[wikipedia:Christian democracy|Christian democrat]], Kirk and the [[Patagonian National Party]] he founded dominated and realigned politics in the country. He is generally rated by scholars and the public alike as [[Historical rankings of prime ministers of Patagonia|one of the greatest Patagonian prime ministers]]. | ||
The first half of Kirk's premiership focused on domestic issues, most notably the fallout of the Great Depression. He famously remarked that he would "bend the power of the state to the will of the people" and oversaw significant state intervention in the economy and expansion of social welfare. A committed social and political reformer, Kirk extended the right to vote to the [[Indigenous Peoples of Patagonia]], established the [[Indigenous Peoples' Assembly]], began the quasi-federalisation of Patagonia by [[wikipedia:Devolution|devolving powers]] to provincial assemblies, and enacted constitutional reforms which replaced the appointed upper house of the [[Patagonian Parliament]], the Legislative Council, with a [[Patagonian Senate|Senate]] elected by [[wikipedia:Proportional representation|proportional representation]], and equalised electorate sizes for the [[Patagonian House of Assembly|House of Assembly]]. | |||
Despite dwindling support after nearly a decade in power, Kirk won re-election in landslides following the outbreak of World War Two; which his third and fourth terms went on to be dominated by. He was one of only a handful of WW2 leaders who had served on the front-line in World War One and, despite his experience during the latter seeing him develop a "disdain for war", he nevertheless overcame his reluctance and led Patagonia into war. His speech in the House of Assembly, often called the "We Will Meet Them" speech, is considered one of his greatest speeches and a foremost example of his gift of oration. Kirk substantially built up the [[Patagonian Armed Forces]], especially the [[Royal Patagonian Navy]], which went on to serve pivotal roles in the [[wikipedia:Pacific Theatre|Pacific War]] and [[wikipedia:Battle of the Atlantic|Battle of the Atlantic]]. By the end of the war, his popularity as a leader has recovered and he was hailed a hero by supporters. Kirk retired from all politics in 1945 and would go on to refuse all offers to return, including turning down an offer to be appointed [[Governor-General of Patagonia]] in 1955. | |||
In his later life, Kirk became a prolific writer. In 1947, he released the highly controversial ''Each Face'', a seminal treatise on Patagonian history and one of the first major publications to consider as [[wikipedia:genocide|genocide]] the treatment of Patagonia's Indigenous Peoples by European settlers. The book was also highly critical of Hispanic settlement of the Americas, which led to international outcry throughout South America; though Kirk refused to apologise for his remarks. Kirk's popularity recovered with his two autobiographies: ''5,000 Days'' (1952), regarding his tenure as prime minister, particularly during the Second World War, and the critically acclaimed ''Lost Years'' (1955), detailing his service in the British Army during the First World War. With the latter, Kirk became one of the first modern world leaders to openly and frankly discuss [[wikipedia:Mental health|mental health]] and "shell shock", today termed [[wikipedia:PTSD|post-traumatic stress disorder]]. | |||
Widely considered one of the 20th century's most overlooked figures, especially in relation to the Second World War, Kirk nevertheless remains popular in Patagonia, where he is seen as a "[[wikipedia:Man of the People|man of the people]]" and victorious wartime leader. Praised as a social reformer and accomplished writer, his works, particularly ''Lost Years'', now form part of the school curriculum in Patagonia. Conversely, his imperialist views and comments on race and religion, as well as public suppression of his mental health issues, have generated considerable controversy. | |||
==Early life== | |||
===Childhood=== | |||
===Education and career=== | |||
===Emigration=== | |||
===Marriage and family=== | |||
==Early political career== | |||
==Founding the PNP== | |||
==Prime Minister (1931–1945)== | |||
===First and second terms (1931–1937)=== | |||
===Third and fourth terms (1937–1945)=== | |||
==Retirement== | |||
==Legacy== | |||
[[Category:Prime Ministers of Patagonia]] | [[Category:Prime Ministers of Patagonia]] |
Revision as of 10:31, 5 October 2020
Sir Steven Kirk | |
---|---|
Prime Minister of Patagonia | |
In office 20 November 1931 – 4 July 1945 | |
Monarch | George V George VI |
Governor-General | Sir James O'Grady Sir Herbert Henniker-Heaton Sir Allan Wolsey Cardinall |
Preceded by | Henry Martin |
Succeeded by | Christopher Tennant |
Leader of the Patagonian National Party | |
In office 24 March 1931 – 4 July 1945 | |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Christopher Tennant |
Member of Parliament for South West Limay | |
In office 13 March 1924 – 21 January 1946 | |
Preceded by | Lawrence Peacock |
Personal details | |
Born | Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, United Kingdom | 26 October 1887
Died | 23 April 1969 (aged 81) Barrylochy, Limay, Patagonia |
Nationality | Patagonian |
Political party | Patagonian National Party (from 1931) |
Other political affiliations | Conservative (1906–28) Independent (1928–31) |
Spouse(s) | Eliza Mulhern (1909–1911) Edith Kirk (1920—1969) |
Children | James · John (adopted) · Olivia |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Branch/service | British Army |
Years of service | 1914–1918 |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Sir Steven Charles Kirk, PK, KCMG (26 October 1887 – 22 June 1957) was a Patagonian politician, army officer, and writer. He served as the 13th Prime Minister of Patgaonia from 1931 until 1945, winning a record four general elections, and leading the country through two of the major events of its history and of 20th century history: the Great Depression and World War II. Ideologically a Christian democrat, Kirk and the Patagonian National Party he founded dominated and realigned politics in the country. He is generally rated by scholars and the public alike as one of the greatest Patagonian prime ministers.
The first half of Kirk's premiership focused on domestic issues, most notably the fallout of the Great Depression. He famously remarked that he would "bend the power of the state to the will of the people" and oversaw significant state intervention in the economy and expansion of social welfare. A committed social and political reformer, Kirk extended the right to vote to the Indigenous Peoples of Patagonia, established the Indigenous Peoples' Assembly, began the quasi-federalisation of Patagonia by devolving powers to provincial assemblies, and enacted constitutional reforms which replaced the appointed upper house of the Patagonian Parliament, the Legislative Council, with a Senate elected by proportional representation, and equalised electorate sizes for the House of Assembly.
Despite dwindling support after nearly a decade in power, Kirk won re-election in landslides following the outbreak of World War Two; which his third and fourth terms went on to be dominated by. He was one of only a handful of WW2 leaders who had served on the front-line in World War One and, despite his experience during the latter seeing him develop a "disdain for war", he nevertheless overcame his reluctance and led Patagonia into war. His speech in the House of Assembly, often called the "We Will Meet Them" speech, is considered one of his greatest speeches and a foremost example of his gift of oration. Kirk substantially built up the Patagonian Armed Forces, especially the Royal Patagonian Navy, which went on to serve pivotal roles in the Pacific War and Battle of the Atlantic. By the end of the war, his popularity as a leader has recovered and he was hailed a hero by supporters. Kirk retired from all politics in 1945 and would go on to refuse all offers to return, including turning down an offer to be appointed Governor-General of Patagonia in 1955.
In his later life, Kirk became a prolific writer. In 1947, he released the highly controversial Each Face, a seminal treatise on Patagonian history and one of the first major publications to consider as genocide the treatment of Patagonia's Indigenous Peoples by European settlers. The book was also highly critical of Hispanic settlement of the Americas, which led to international outcry throughout South America; though Kirk refused to apologise for his remarks. Kirk's popularity recovered with his two autobiographies: 5,000 Days (1952), regarding his tenure as prime minister, particularly during the Second World War, and the critically acclaimed Lost Years (1955), detailing his service in the British Army during the First World War. With the latter, Kirk became one of the first modern world leaders to openly and frankly discuss mental health and "shell shock", today termed post-traumatic stress disorder.
Widely considered one of the 20th century's most overlooked figures, especially in relation to the Second World War, Kirk nevertheless remains popular in Patagonia, where he is seen as a "man of the people" and victorious wartime leader. Praised as a social reformer and accomplished writer, his works, particularly Lost Years, now form part of the school curriculum in Patagonia. Conversely, his imperialist views and comments on race and religion, as well as public suppression of his mental health issues, have generated considerable controversy.