Deaths on March 20

George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, English politician, 35th Governor-General of India (b. 1859)

Born George Nathaniel Curzon on January 11, 1859, a figure who would later become the 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, this prominent British Conservative statesman left an indelible mark on both imperial administration and domestic politics before his passing on March 20, 1925. His aristocratic titles evolved over time, as he was known as The Lord Curzon of Kedleston from 1898 to 1911, and subsequently as The Earl Curzon of Kedleston between 1911 and 1921, reflecting his ascent within the peerage. Curzon's career was characterized by significant responsibility and a deep commitment to public service.

Imperial Stewardship: Viceroy of India

One of the most defining periods of Curzon's distinguished career was his tenure as Viceroy of India, a post he held from 1899 to 1905. During this influential six-year span, Lord Curzon initiated several significant administrative reforms and territorial reorganizations. A notable act of his viceroyalty was the creation of the distinct territory of Eastern Bengal and Assam, a move that aimed to improve governance but also sparked considerable political debate and discontent within the subcontinent. His time in India, however, was not without its challenges. Curzon ultimately resigned from his position following a profound political dispute with the formidable British military commander, Lord Kitchener, a clash that highlighted the inherent tensions between civil and military authority in the vast British Empire.

Wartime Service and Diplomatic Influence

With the advent of the First World War, Curzon once again stepped into a pivotal role, lending his experience and gravitas to the nation's wartime efforts. From December 1916, he served as Leader of the House of Lords, navigating complex legislation through the upper chamber of Parliament during a period of national crisis. Furthermore, he was an integral member of Prime Minister David Lloyd George's small, powerful War Cabinet, which was responsible for the strategic direction of the war, and also contributed to the critical War Policy Committee, influencing key decisions that shaped the conflict's trajectory. Following the war, Curzon continued to play a central role on the international stage, serving as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the Foreign Office from 1919 to 1924, a period of intense global reorganization and peace-making efforts.

The Premiership Denied

Despite his undeniable successes as both an impactful Viceroy of India and a respected Foreign Secretary, a singular ambition eluded Lord Curzon in 1923: the office of Prime Minister. As the Conservative Party sought a new leader, the prevailing sentiment among key figures like Bonar Law and other influential Conservative Party leaders was a preference for Stanley Baldwin over Curzon for the top position. These decisive views were ultimately communicated to King George V, leading to Baldwin's appointment and leaving Curzon, despite his extensive experience and qualifications, on the sidelines of the highest political office. Historian David Gilmour, in his comprehensive 1994 biography, Curzon: Imperial Statesman, notably argues that Curzon was, in fact, deserving of the premiership, adding a compelling layer to the narrative of this complex and impactful British statesman.