Jan Smuts

World Leader

Birthday May 24, 1870

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace South Africa

DEATH DATE Sep 11, 1950 (80)

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About

From 1919 until 1924 and again from 1939 until 1948, Smuts served as Prime Minister of South Africa. Also a military man, he was a hero in the Second Boer War and a member of the United Kingdom's War Cabinet.

Before Fame

He earned his law degree from Christ's College, Cambridge, and subsequently returned to his native South Africa, where he pursued careers in journalism and politics.

Trivia

He signed the treaties that ended both World War I and World War II.

Family Life

Born to Afrikaner farmers Catharina and Jacobus Smuts, he grew up in the Cape Colony. His marriage to Issie Krige resulted in six children.

Associated With

As a member of the British Army, Smuts was appointed to Winston Churchill's Imperial War Cabinet.