Sarah Vowell, an American writer, known for her creations on American History, once said, “History is full of really good stories. That is the main reason I got into this racket: I want to make the argument that History is interesting.” While not many of us agree that History can be interesting, several stories from the pages that talk about the post are capable of enchanting even the non-believer. The past days are storehouses of many interesting tales and prove that to understand the Present better, and we need to delve into the past. Isn’t it compelling to wonder why dictators like Adolf Hitler did what they did? The pages of History hold the answers to too many such confounding mysteries. From how society has evolved to how lands were explored and sea routes were commission, from how industrialization came into being to how technology was improved, from how topology achieved its present state to why borders were erected between countries, the past has the key to unlock these riddles. July 22 is such an important day that it has witnessed several events that have made a significant impact on civilization. Without further delay, let us take a look at the few major events of this day. Tune in to Today in History.
1991: Citizen’s charter promises better services.
John Major, the British Prime Minister, has launched a citizen’s charter to improve public services. Calling it “the central theme for public life” in the 1990s it is the first attempt taken by Mr. Major’s to re-define Conservatism after Mrs. Thatcher stepped down last November.
By launching the White Paper in a press conference held in Whitehall, Mr. Major admitted: “I don’t pretend that I am offering a quick fix.”
“It is a program for a decade. The charter program will find better ways of converting money into better services. I want the people of the country to have services in which they can be confident, and in which public servants can take pride.” He continues.
The principles underlying the prime minister’s plans are to increase competition and increase privatization in the public sector and to improve standards with initiatives like performance-related pay.
1965: Sir Alec steps down from the top of Tory tree
The Opposition leader, Alec Douglas-Home, has surprised colleagues by resigning from his post. The former Conservative Prime Minister announced at a news conference at the Conservative Central Office, London.
Sir Alec as he was known, after renouncing his title to enter the House of Commons–says he decided after spending the weekend at one of his homes in Scotland. Some Conservative MPs direct blame to press criticism for their leader’s sudden departure after less than two years in office.
Sir Alec said: “I have enjoyed every moment of my political career and this decision ispart of my political life.I have no regrets and will enjoy my future life just as I have enjoyed the last few years in my political career.” A new leader should be in place by next week, chosen for the first time by a ballot of Conservative Members of Parliament.
Sir Alec implemented a new selection procedure after the discontent following his appointment by the retiring Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, in the year 1963.
