Hermann Jónasson

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Hermann Jónasson
Prime Minister of Iceland
In office 1934 – 1942
Preceded by	Ásgeir Ásgeirsson
Succeeded by	Ólafur Thors
In office 1956 – 1958
Preceded by	Ólafur Thors
Succeeded by	Emil Jónsson
Born	December, 1896
Died	January 22, 1976
Political party	Progressive Party

Hermann Jónasson (December 25, 1896–January 22, 1976) was an Icelandic politician of the Progressive Party, who was Prime Minister of Iceland on two occasions.

He served his first term from 28 July 1934 to 16 May 1942. This term included one of the most difficult times in Icelandic history. In the pre-war years he had to deal with constant pressures from Nazi Germany and Great Britain regarding Iceland's diplomatic stance. After World War II started, the German occupation of Denmark severed the ties between the two countries, forcing Iceland to assume full control over its foreign interests which had previously been represented by Denmark. Subsequently, the British occupied Iceland on 10 May 1940.

His second term lasted from 24 July 1956 to 23 December 1958. In the elections of 1956 the Progressive Party and the Social Democratic Party joined forces and formed an electoral alliance that became known as the "Fear-Alliance" (Icelandic Hræðslubandalagið, the fear in question was the fear of the Independence Party). After the elections the "Fear-Alliance" formed a coalition with The People's Alliance. This was Iceland's first leftist government, and was plauged with troubles from the outset, not the least of which was the relative hostility and distrust of the United States and other NATO allies. The coalition eventually fell apart, giving way to the long-lasting "Reconstruction Government" of the Independence Party and the Social Democrats.

Hermann had a reputation for being a very strong willed and often hot-tempered man (even once being accused of physical violence by a Socialist member of the Althing!). He however gained great respect of political co-workers and adversaries alike, and is fondly remembered as one of Iceland's greatest 20th Century politicians.

He was the father of Steingrímur Hermannsson who would go on to become Prime Minister of Iceland in the 1980s.

Preceded by Ásgeir Ásgeirsson	Prime Minister of Iceland (first term) 1934–1942	Succeeded by Ólafur Thors
Preceded by Ólafur Thors	Prime Minister of Iceland (second term) 1956–1958	Succeeded by Emil Jónsson
Preceded by Jónas Jónsson	Chairman of the Progressive Party 1944–1962	Succeeded by Eysteinn Jónsson

Persondata
NAME	Jónasson, Hermann
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION	Icelandic politician
DATE OF BIRTH	December 25, 1896
PLACE OF BIRTH
DATE OF DEATH	January 22, 1976
PLACE OF DEATH