INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
“An Orphan Becomes Australia’s 18th Prime Minister.”
(1900–80). Farmer and politician John McEwen was prime minister of Australia from Dec. 19, 1967, to Jan. 10, 1968. He served for 37 years in the House of Representatives.
McEwen was born on March 29, 1900, in Chiltern, Victoria, Australia. Orphaned at a young age, he and his sister were raised by their grandmother. He left school when he was 13 years old to help earn money for his family. At age 18, he joined the army, although World War I ended before he was sent overseas. Upon his discharge, McEwen bought a farm and settled into dairying and sheep raising before he turned to rural politics.
McEwen became a member of the House of Representatives in 1934 and served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade in Gorton’s government until he retired from Parliament in Feb 1971. During World War II, he held several ministerial positions, including deputy prime minister from 1958 to 1971. McEwen was knighted in 1971. He died on Nov. 21, 1980, in Melbourne.
Despite losing his mother and father at an early age, McEwen didn’t let it affect his ambitions in his political career. With the right determination, he successfully lived his orphaned life.
Source: John McEwen – Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
