On the 10th of May, the Conservative Party commemorated the 80th anniversary of Winston Churchill becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Arguably the greatest Prime Minister, Churchill led Britain through one of the darkest periods in history to victory. This week, many Tory supporters will take to social media to celebrate his triumphs, especially since the 13th of May will mark the 80th anniversary of his famous "blood, sweat and tears" speech. It seemed only right that I created a blog post dedicated to his memory.
Born into an aristocratic and political family, Churchill already had a reputation to live up to. Many of his ancestors and relatives had been involved in the political sphere. Yet this did not seem to be too much of a challenge for young Churchill. By the time he was 25 years old, Churchill had been involved in a number of battles, and elected as an Member of Parliament (MP). He was climbing the ranks quickly, earning a reputation amongst his political and military peers. He took on more and more responsibilities, until it was almost an expectation that he would become a Prime Minister. In the years in between World War I and World War II, Churchill lost some popularity due to his pro-colonial sentiments and his aggressive stance against Germany. He was opposed to any attempt that would give India any idea that home rule was even a possibility, speaking against the Labour government's decision, which was supported by the Conservative shadow cabinet, to grant dominion status to India. He was even strongly against the Viceroy of India meeting with Mahatma Gandhi. In the meantime, Churchill was growing concerned with the situation in Germany.
Germany was extremely bitter with how they had been treated after the First World War. They had lost a lot of territory, and they were not allowed to re-arm in any way. While treaties were signed to make it so that other countries would disarm, none were upheld by the League of Nations. Believing themselves justified, Germany began rearming. Initially, Churchill attempted to push for the League of Nations to prevent Germany from rearming, arguing that if Germany might attempt to invade Poland if they weren't careful. Many dismissed his claims, believing it to be impossible. His concerns were increasing around the anti-semitic statements being made in Germany, which many in government also dismissed. The Labour government saw no reason to prepare Britain for the possibility of war, and continued with a policy of appeasement. In 1937, the new Conservative government led by Neville Chamberlain continued this policy, even going as far as to declare in 1938, "My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time." Churchill saw that his prediction that Germany will inevitably invade Poland was becoming more and more of a reality. When Germany invaded Sudetenland, territory that would provide Germany with a significant amount of raw materials specifically for military purposes, Churchill prompted Chamberlain to declare war; Chamberlain declined to do so, causing Churchill to declare in the House of Commons that the Munich Agreement, which allowed Germany to invade Sudetenland, as "a total and unmitigated defeat." To nobody's surprise, especially Churchill's, Germany invaded Poland. Finally, Britain declared war on Germany.
Perhaps due to misleading the public and his inability to lead the country properly, the Labour Party called for a vote of no confidence in Chamberlain. An election was not held due to the start of World War II, but the Labour Party did point out that they were willing to work with the Conservatives as long as Chamberlain was not the one leading it. The choice came down to either Churchill or the Foreign Secretary, Lord Halifax; Halifax believed he could not effectively run the government being a member of the House of Lords, allowing Churchill to be summoned by the new King of the United Kingdom, George VI, to form a government in his name. Churchill wasted no time at all to prepare Britain properly against Germany. He formed a war cabinet, which was made up of members from all political spectrums, arguing that unity among British politics was important in wartime. He delivered a speech on the 13th of May to the House of Commons, his first speech as Prime Minister, declaring, "I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government, that I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I will say: it is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime."
Britain emerged triumphant in 1945 on all fronts. Many lives were lost, but Churchill ensured that the people never lost resolve to win the war. Unlike the First World War, there was a consistent desire on all sides to see Britain victorious. Unfortunately, Churchill was cast aside when the first election after the war was held. The main theory is that Churchill had served his purpose, seeing as he was a military man himself. I do think the people thought Britain could rebuild through a Labour government as well, led by Clement Attlee, so that might have contributed as well. However, Churchill was not planning to take a break by a long shot; he immediately became the Leader of the Opposition. Interestingly, while Attlee was the Prime Minister, Churchill continued to have a strong influence on foreign politics. In 1946, Churchill gave his famous "Iron Curtain" speech in the United States, establishing Britain's perspective of the Soviet bloc. He also promoted the idea of united Europe, citing a victorious European victory against Germany as an indicator; however, it should be noted that in his mind, Britain was to lead a united Europe, but not have any official membership should it take a federal form. He was strongly opposed to the idea of Britain joining the EEC, what would become the European Union. At this point in time, Britain still had some influence on global politics due to the Commonwealth and still retaining several territories around the world. I think he saw this as an attempt to re-establish the British Empire as a superpower in some way.
Attlee attempted to call for a snap election in 1951, hoping to increase their parliamentary majority. Instead, he found himself out of office, and Churchill was back at the helm. Now with more power, Churchill had stronger influence over domestic and foreign policies once again. Yet he came to discover that he could no longer use the same tactics he used before and during the Second World War. Revolutions started to spring up in different parts of the Commonwealth, and Churchill was slowly starting to find that direct action was not working. After Stalin's death in 1953, Churchill became the weakest link in Cold War negotiations; he called for a summit meeting between himself, US President Eisenhower, and the new Soviet leader, Khrushchev - Eisenhower slammed the idea. In light of the death of King George VI in 1952, many thought that Churchill's purpose at this point was to prepare the new Queen, Elizabeth II, for her new role and for her coronation, seeing as Churchill was well-versed in the relations between the monarch and the government, being nobility himself. For reasons unknown, perhaps a combination of striving to serve the people and a desire to maintain the power he had for so long, it took a few more years before he conceded to resign, leaving Anthony Eden as his replacement.
Churchill was a controversial figure. Known for his sharp wit, he did not mince words when it came to expressing his thoughts. When accused of being "disgustingly drunk" by a female MP, he simply responded, "My dear, you are ugly, and what’s more, you are disgustingly ugly. But tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be disgustingly ugly." There is debate on whether he was a racialist, given his imperialist view. Some suspect that may have been due to a comment he made to Lord Moran that he did not view Indians as "equal to the white man," but many have pointed out that Churchill did not see race as a a biological entity, so I think Churchill simply saw the British as being socially superior, but that was all. Furthermore, Churchill was extremely disgusted by the anti-semitic actions of the Nazi Party, even though anti-semitism was not an uncommon sentiment before the Second World War. Yet as time goes, interpretations of his character grow more and more negative. In a society of social justice, there is an eagerness to condemn historical figures for their social views. There is little consideration for context.
Even Hollywood has become more condemnatory of his character. While Darkest Hour was accredited with depicting the heroic personality of Churchill, The Crown has taken a pessimistic approach. John Lithgow's portrayal of Churchill was that of an ailing but stubborn, power-hungry man under a disguise of wanting to do right by the people. Inglorious Basterds showed Churchill as quiet and calculative, perhaps with even a superiority complex that he would not condescend to talk to his social inferiors. For all his victories, modern-day perception of this great man has sharply declined. No one can deny that he had flaws. Historians write of his fiery temper, pride, and headstrong personality that often resulted in poor relations with his peers and in foreign policy. While this was true, he was also an excellent orator, a keen artist, and a resilient politician. His first appointment as Prime Minister was during a time when he was considered an unpopular politician amongst his own party members. Not that he cared. But to view a man who gave much to serve his country, and led Britain through many disasters to deliver her from fascist tyranny, is a poor way to repay his memory. One cannot deny this man the remembrance he deserves.
Germany was extremely bitter with how they had been treated after the First World War. They had lost a lot of territory, and they were not allowed to re-arm in any way. While treaties were signed to make it so that other countries would disarm, none were upheld by the League of Nations. Believing themselves justified, Germany began rearming. Initially, Churchill attempted to push for the League of Nations to prevent Germany from rearming, arguing that if Germany might attempt to invade Poland if they weren't careful. Many dismissed his claims, believing it to be impossible. His concerns were increasing around the anti-semitic statements being made in Germany, which many in government also dismissed. The Labour government saw no reason to prepare Britain for the possibility of war, and continued with a policy of appeasement. In 1937, the new Conservative government led by Neville Chamberlain continued this policy, even going as far as to declare in 1938, "My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time." Churchill saw that his prediction that Germany will inevitably invade Poland was becoming more and more of a reality. When Germany invaded Sudetenland, territory that would provide Germany with a significant amount of raw materials specifically for military purposes, Churchill prompted Chamberlain to declare war; Chamberlain declined to do so, causing Churchill to declare in the House of Commons that the Munich Agreement, which allowed Germany to invade Sudetenland, as "a total and unmitigated defeat." To nobody's surprise, especially Churchill's, Germany invaded Poland. Finally, Britain declared war on Germany.
Perhaps due to misleading the public and his inability to lead the country properly, the Labour Party called for a vote of no confidence in Chamberlain. An election was not held due to the start of World War II, but the Labour Party did point out that they were willing to work with the Conservatives as long as Chamberlain was not the one leading it. The choice came down to either Churchill or the Foreign Secretary, Lord Halifax; Halifax believed he could not effectively run the government being a member of the House of Lords, allowing Churchill to be summoned by the new King of the United Kingdom, George VI, to form a government in his name. Churchill wasted no time at all to prepare Britain properly against Germany. He formed a war cabinet, which was made up of members from all political spectrums, arguing that unity among British politics was important in wartime. He delivered a speech on the 13th of May to the House of Commons, his first speech as Prime Minister, declaring, "I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government, that I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I will say: it is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime."
Britain emerged triumphant in 1945 on all fronts. Many lives were lost, but Churchill ensured that the people never lost resolve to win the war. Unlike the First World War, there was a consistent desire on all sides to see Britain victorious. Unfortunately, Churchill was cast aside when the first election after the war was held. The main theory is that Churchill had served his purpose, seeing as he was a military man himself. I do think the people thought Britain could rebuild through a Labour government as well, led by Clement Attlee, so that might have contributed as well. However, Churchill was not planning to take a break by a long shot; he immediately became the Leader of the Opposition. Interestingly, while Attlee was the Prime Minister, Churchill continued to have a strong influence on foreign politics. In 1946, Churchill gave his famous "Iron Curtain" speech in the United States, establishing Britain's perspective of the Soviet bloc. He also promoted the idea of united Europe, citing a victorious European victory against Germany as an indicator; however, it should be noted that in his mind, Britain was to lead a united Europe, but not have any official membership should it take a federal form. He was strongly opposed to the idea of Britain joining the EEC, what would become the European Union. At this point in time, Britain still had some influence on global politics due to the Commonwealth and still retaining several territories around the world. I think he saw this as an attempt to re-establish the British Empire as a superpower in some way.
Attlee attempted to call for a snap election in 1951, hoping to increase their parliamentary majority. Instead, he found himself out of office, and Churchill was back at the helm. Now with more power, Churchill had stronger influence over domestic and foreign policies once again. Yet he came to discover that he could no longer use the same tactics he used before and during the Second World War. Revolutions started to spring up in different parts of the Commonwealth, and Churchill was slowly starting to find that direct action was not working. After Stalin's death in 1953, Churchill became the weakest link in Cold War negotiations; he called for a summit meeting between himself, US President Eisenhower, and the new Soviet leader, Khrushchev - Eisenhower slammed the idea. In light of the death of King George VI in 1952, many thought that Churchill's purpose at this point was to prepare the new Queen, Elizabeth II, for her new role and for her coronation, seeing as Churchill was well-versed in the relations between the monarch and the government, being nobility himself. For reasons unknown, perhaps a combination of striving to serve the people and a desire to maintain the power he had for so long, it took a few more years before he conceded to resign, leaving Anthony Eden as his replacement.
Churchill was a controversial figure. Known for his sharp wit, he did not mince words when it came to expressing his thoughts. When accused of being "disgustingly drunk" by a female MP, he simply responded, "My dear, you are ugly, and what’s more, you are disgustingly ugly. But tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be disgustingly ugly." There is debate on whether he was a racialist, given his imperialist view. Some suspect that may have been due to a comment he made to Lord Moran that he did not view Indians as "equal to the white man," but many have pointed out that Churchill did not see race as a a biological entity, so I think Churchill simply saw the British as being socially superior, but that was all. Furthermore, Churchill was extremely disgusted by the anti-semitic actions of the Nazi Party, even though anti-semitism was not an uncommon sentiment before the Second World War. Yet as time goes, interpretations of his character grow more and more negative. In a society of social justice, there is an eagerness to condemn historical figures for their social views. There is little consideration for context.
Even Hollywood has become more condemnatory of his character. While Darkest Hour was accredited with depicting the heroic personality of Churchill, The Crown has taken a pessimistic approach. John Lithgow's portrayal of Churchill was that of an ailing but stubborn, power-hungry man under a disguise of wanting to do right by the people. Inglorious Basterds showed Churchill as quiet and calculative, perhaps with even a superiority complex that he would not condescend to talk to his social inferiors. For all his victories, modern-day perception of this great man has sharply declined. No one can deny that he had flaws. Historians write of his fiery temper, pride, and headstrong personality that often resulted in poor relations with his peers and in foreign policy. While this was true, he was also an excellent orator, a keen artist, and a resilient politician. His first appointment as Prime Minister was during a time when he was considered an unpopular politician amongst his own party members. Not that he cared. But to view a man who gave much to serve his country, and led Britain through many disasters to deliver her from fascist tyranny, is a poor way to repay his memory. One cannot deny this man the remembrance he deserves.
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