Harry Pollitt was an important political leader in Britain. He was born in 1890 in a family of a poor worker in Lancashire. Very early the boy became a boilermaker’s apprentice. After work he attended evening classes four times a week where he learned the theory of his trade. Harry educated himself by reading every book he could get. The young man was interested in poetry and helping workers. He saw the poverty of the workers and learned to understand and care for them. In later years, the workers of Britain listened to him with respect when he spoke about helping people.
Harry supported the ideas of social change and persuaded the British workers to support them. When there were problems with workers’ rights, Harry Pollitt together with port-workers helped to organize protests to improve conditions. In 1920, Harry Pollitt took part in the foundation of a political party in Great Britain.
Later he became its leader. When people in other countries were fighting against fascism, Harry Pollitt organized support from British volunteers.
The British political party’s program—“Britain’s Road to Social Change”—was written with his help. All his life Harry Pollitt remained a modest, honest Lancashire man. He was a good speaker and clever organizer. He wrote many articles on politics and helping workers. Harry Pollitt died in 1960.
