(Arthur) Neville Chamberlain, (1869-1940), British prime minister (1937-1940), known for his appeasement policy immediately before World War II (1939-1945). He was born in Birmingham, England. As prime minister Chamberlain's major aim was to avoid a European war. His policy of appeasement toward Germany culminated in the Munich Pact of September 1938. Later Chamberlain recognized the failure of his policy and led Great Britain into war against Germany. He was forced to resign in 1940 and was succeeded by Sir Winston Churchill.

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