Changes

{{Mediawiki:kindleoasis}}__NOTOC__[[File: Wc0107-04780rSir_Winston_S_Churchill.jpg|thumbnail|200pxleft|170px|Winston Churchill- 1940]]Winston Churchill led an extraordinary life, but perhaps the most remarkable element in his life was how he became prime minister in 1940. Just a few years earlier he was widely seen as politically isolated and was widely ridiculed for his views. Yet in 1940, he was appointed his nation’s Prime Minister at its darkest hours and became the leader of the fight against Nazi Germany. <ref> Hastings, Max. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0007263678/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0007263678&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=c5315e5d93a61b09289d8c7fda91f3e3 Finest Years: Churchill as Warlord, 1940–45]''. (London: Harper Press, 2009), p. 112.</ref> The reasons for this astounding change of political fortune was due to Churchill’s unstinting opposition to Nazi Germany and the realization by Parliament that he his leadership was the leader what Britain needed in its most desperate hour.

====Background====[[File:Winston_Churchill_1874_Winston Churchill was born into one of Britain’s leading political and aristocratic families. His father Randolph Churchill was one of the leading political figures of his time. <ref>Hastings, p. 13</ref> Churchill, from his youth, was a charismatic figure. He earned fame while still in his twenties, as a war journalist and for his exploits during the Boer War. Churchill joined the Conservative Party and eventually elected an M.P. During the First World War, he served as First Lord of the Admiralty (1911-_1965_ZZZ5426F_(115), in effect, he was in command of the British navy.jpg|thumbnail|250px|Winston Churchill was later forced to resign after the failure of the Gallipoli landings, in military uniform 1915. Churchill later served as an officer in 1895]]the British army on the western front.

Winston Churchill was born into one of Britain’s leading political and aristocratic families. His father Randolph Churchill was one of the leading political figures of his time. <ref>Hastings, p. 13</ref> Churchill, from his youth, was a charismatic figure. He earned fame while still in his twenties, as a war journalist and for his exploits during the Boer War. Churchill joined the Conservative Party and eventually elected an M.P. During the First World War, he served as First Lord of the Admiralty (1911-15), in effect, he was in command of the British navy. Churchill was later forced to resign after the failure of the Gallipoli landings, in 1915. Churchill later served as an officer in the British army on the western front. After the war, he joined the British Liberal Party and was to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he was widely seen as making critical mistakes, that led to an economic downturn in Britain.<ref> Charmley, John (1993). ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/015117881X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=015117881X&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=6bd136abde721a9dde6ae144ac1ce3dc Churchill, The End of Glory: A Political Biography]''. London: Hodder & Stoughton p. 117 </ref> By the 1930’s he was in the political wilderness. However, he was a well-known figure in Britain and was genuinely popular. Churchill became famous for his journalism and his historical works. In 1935, he re-joined the ConservativeS, and sat as an M.P. in the House of Commons. <ref>Charmley, p. 117</ref> His fame rested on his magnificent use of the spoken and the written language.

====Appeasement====[[File: Sir_Winston_S_ChurchillWinston_Churchill_1874_-_1965_ZZZ5426F_(1).jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|Winston Churchill- 1940in military uniform in 1895]]Europe in the1930the 1930's, saw the rise of dictators in Europe, as democracies collapsed, in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Hitler seized Germany's democratic government's power in eroded during the depression and eventually collapsed. Germany and he immediately began to establish a dictatorship in Germany. He dismantled dismantle the provisions of the Versailles Treaty and contrary to rapidly expand its terms, he expanded army. The government invested heavily into the army country's arms industry and it was rapidly began to rebuilt the Germany arms industries.<ref> James, Robert Rhodes. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BO1KMC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BO1KMC&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=220db8c453a51701fea9c803c9dfef97 Churchill: ''A Study in Failure, 1900–1939]''(Harper Press, London, 1970), p. 134 </ref> Soon the German’s were acting in an Germany's actions became increasing aggressive manner, for example, and they re-occupied the Rhineland. Churchill warned against this German aggression and he stated in several fiery speeches that Hitler was a danger Germany posed an existential threat to peace in Europe. However, he was widely dismissed at this time. <ref> James, p. 211</ref> The Still many in the political elite in Britain at this time favoured a policy of appeasement, many appeassing Germany because they believed that Germany had been too harshly treated under the Treaty of Versailles. The British governments of Baldwin and later Chamberlin, favoured, with the French the policy of appeasement. That was to allow German to reassert itself on the continent and to pursue its own interests. This policy of appeasement would mean that the Germans would not go to war. By the mid-1930s, Nazi Germany, and Fascist Italy were becoming increasingly belligerent. The Italians invaded Ethiopia and the Nazis occupied Austria.<ref> Hastings, p. 117 </ref> Still the British and French governments did nothing. Churchill condemned the aggression of Italy and Germany and he deplored, what he saw as the weakness and cowardice of the British and French governments, in many speeches in the House of Commons and in newspaper articles.<ref>''The Times of London'', 13 June 1936</ref> He argued that their policy of appeasement was wrong and would only lead to a war and he called on them to stand up to Hitler before it was too late.In 1938, Germany demanded the return of the Sudetenland, a German-speaking area in Czechoslovakia to Germany. This almost led to a war. However, the British Prime Minister allowed the Germans to occupy the Sudetenland in exchange for German reassurances that they would seek no more territory in Europe, in the so-called Munich Agreement of 1938. <ref>Hastings, p. 134</ref> Within months, Hitler had broken the agreement and by 1939, it was widely expected that Europe would once again be plunged into war. Churchill, had predicted much of this and the British public recognized that their government’s had been wrong. <ref> Hastings, p. 119</ref> If Churchill had been heeded, then Hitler may have been stopped. Churchill was by now the most popular politician in Britain and many began to call for him to lead the country and many who had once derided him and his ideas now saw him a brilliant politician.

==Outbreak The British governments of War==In September 1939, the German war machine invaded Poland Baldwin and Europe was once more at war. The British Prime Minister Neville later Chamberlin declared war on Nazi Germany. The British adopted a cautious and the French favoured the policyof appeasement. The send the British Expeditionary Force They were willing to allow Germany to France and they and reassert itself on the French adopted a defensive posture continent and waited for a German attackto pursue its own interests. This policy of appeasement was intended to prevent Germany from goingto war. By the period of the Phoney Warmid-1930s, where Germany and Fascist Italy were becoming increasingly belligerent. The Italians invaded Ethiopia and the allies waited for Hitler’s next moveGernmany occupied Austria.<ref> Hastings, p. 117 </ref> Chamberlin knew that Churchill, was wildly popular, and he invited him to join Still the war cabinet British and the First Lord of the Admiralty, on the day that Britain declared war on GermanyFrench governments did nothing. Churchill began to prepare the British navy for war against Germany. Many believed that Chamberlin invited Churchill to join the war cabinet to ensure that he did not cause problems for condemned the government in the House aggression of Commons. It proved to be a popular move Italy and the public welcomed Churchill’s return to the cabinet, they saw him a leader, someone who could beat the Germans. Poland was defeated within weeks by Germany and after he deplored what he saw as the Molotov-Rippentrop pact, Hitler could turn his attention to the western allies. Churchill wanted to adopt an aggressive approach weakness and wanted cowardice of the British and French to attack Germany and he proposed that the Allies occupy Norway, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Germansgovernments.<ref> Hastings''The Times of London'', 21113 June 1936</ref> In the Spring He argued that their policy of 1940, the German navy appeasement was wrong and army attacked Norway, even though it was would only lead to a neutral nationwar. The country was of great strategic importance and He called on them to stand up to Germany before it was the main source of Germany's iron oretoo late. <ref>Hastings, p. 117 </ref>

=Battle In 1938, Germany demanded the return of Norway= The Allies dispatched forces the Sudetenland, a German-speaking area in Czechoslovakia to Norway Germany. This almost led to help a war. However, Chamberlin, the current British Prime Minister, allowed the Norwegian army Germans to beat back occupy the German invaders, but it was too late. The Germans had landed paratroopers Sudetenland in the country and rapidly reinforced these forces with several divisions of exchange for German infantry and reassurances that they had easily defeated the Norwegian army. The French and the British arrived too late and would seek no more territory in too few numbers.The Norwegian army regrouped Europe in the north so-called Munich Agreement of the country1938. <ref>Hastings, here they were joined by British and French forcesp. There were several fierce battles and 134</ref> Within months, Hitler had broken the Allies out up a fierce resistance. The Allies agreement and the Norwegian were forced to evacuate their units from the Norwegian port of Narvikby 1939, taking with them the king of Norway and his government. The ‘loss’ of Norway caused consternation in Britain and many feared it was widely expected that it could Europe would once again be used as a base to attack the British mainlandplunged into war. Once again Churchill had been proven right predicted this and if he had been heeded the allies could have held Norway. The British public outcry over Norway meant recognized that people their government’s policies had lost faith in the Conservative government and resulted in calls for the resignation of Neville Chamberlinbeen ill advised.<ref> Hastings, 213p. 119</ref> Many Conservatives believed that it was time for a changeif Churchill had been heeded, Germany may have been stopped. Churchill became the most popular politician in Britain. Many began to call for the good of him to lead the country. These people even included those who had previously derided him as a crank. Churchill was viewed as remarkably prescient and who potentially understood Germany's ultimate goals better than anyone else in Parliament.

==Churchill’s appointment as Prime Minister May 1940==Outbreak of War====[[File: Wc0107-04780r.jpg|thumbnail|300px|left|Winston Churchill- 1940]]On May 10thIn September 1939, the Germans German war machine invaded western EuropePoland. Then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin declared war on Germany. The British adopted a cautious policy.<ref> ''The Times of London'', 11 May 1940 </ref> They launched coordinated attacks on sent the Netherlands, Belgium, and British Expeditionary Force to France. London was in Both the Allied British and French adopted a panic defensive posture and many believed that waited for a German victory attack. This was inevitable. The British people demanded that a National Government, be put in place, comprising called the Conservative, Labour and Phoney War because were the Liberal Partyallies were waiting for Germany’s next move. It was believed that such were the dangers that only a National Government<ref>Hastings, as in World War I could save the countryp. It was widely believed 117 </ref> Chamberlin knew that Lord Halifax would become prime ministerChurchill, but he was unwilling. He had been too much associated with the appeasement policy of Europe wildly popular, and he had been even rumored invited him to have favored seeking peace with join the Germans. The public was overwhelmingly in favor Churchill, they saw him war cabinet as someone who could lead their country to victorythe First Lord of the Admiralty, however, many of on the political elite believed day that Churchill was too much of a maverick and was unpredictableBritain declared war on Germany. Perhaps crucially, in the appointment of Churchill was the reaction of began to prepare the British armed forces. He was genuinely popular with the rank and file and the officers and was widely seen as someone who would fight the Germansnavy for war against Germany.

Many believed that Chamberlin invited Churchill to join the war cabinet to ensure that he did not cause problems for the government in the House of Commons. It proved to be a popular move and the public welcomed Churchill’s return to the cabinet. Poland was defeated within weeks by Germany and after the Molotov-Rippentrop pact, Hitler turned his attention west towards France. Churchill argued strongly in favor of an aggressive strategy. He wanted the British and French to attack Germany and he proposed that the Allies occupy Norway, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Germans.<ref>Hastings, 211</ref> In the Spring of 1940, the German navy and army attacked Norway, even though it was a neutral nation. Like Churchill, Germany realized that Norway had great strategic importance. When Germany invaded Norway, it was the main source of their iron ore and they need to keep Norway's iron ore flowing to Germany. <ref>Hastings, p. 117 </ref> ====Battle of Norway==== The Allies dispatched forces to Norway to help the Norwegian army to beat back the German invaders, but it was too late. The Germans landed paratroopers in the country and rapidly reinforced these forces with several divisions of German infantry. Germany quickly and easily defeated the Norwegian army. The French and the British arrived too late and in too few numbers.The Norwegian army regrouped in the north of the country, here they were joined by British and French forces. There were several fierce battles and the Allies out up a fierce resistance. The Allies and the Norwegian were forced to evacuate their units from the Norwegian port of Narvik, taking with them the king of Norway and his government. The ‘loss’ of Norway caused consternation in Britain and many feared that it could be used as a base to attack the British mainland. Once again Churchill had been proven right and if he had been heeded the allies could have held Norway. The public outcry over Norway meant that people had lost faith in the Conservative government and resulted in calls for the resignation of Neville Chamberlin.<ref> Hastings, 213</ref> Many Conservatives believed that it was time for a change, for the good of the country. ====Churchill’s appointment as Prime Minister May 1940====On May 10th, the Germans invaded western Europe.<ref>''The Times of London'', 11 May 1940 </ref> They launched coordinated attacks on the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. London was in a panic and many believed that a German victory was inevitable. The British people demanded that a National Government, be put in place, comprising the Conservative, Labour and the Liberal Party. It was believed that such were the dangers that only a National Government, as in World War I could save the country. It was widely believed that Lord Halifax would become prime minister, but he was unwilling. He had been too much associated with the appeasement policy of Europe. It was rumored that Halifax had been to seeking peace with Germany. The public was overwhelmingly favored Churchill and they saw him as someone who could lead their country to victory. However, many of the British political elite believed that Churchill was a maverick and too unpredictable. Perhaps crucially, Churchill was favored by the British armed forces. He was genuinely popular with the rank and file. Additionally, British officers and saw Churchill as someone who could successfully fight Germany. ====National Hero====The Conservative government, under popular pressure, asked the other parties to form a National Government. However, when the Labour Party and Liberal Party voted to join the National Government, they stated that the preferred Churchill as leader.<ref>''The Times of London'', 12 May 1940</ref> This was mainly based on his long-term opposition to the NazisGermany. Churchill, because of his many years warning about the Nazisdangers fascism, was the only senior political figure with the moral authority and popularity to lead the nation. After allUltimately, the parties agreed to for form a National Government, the King then called for Churchill and ‘invited’ him to become Prime Minister. It was a popular choice in the country, the public wanted a war leader someone who would unite and inspire the country to victory. Churchill was to prove to be the leader that Britain and the free world needed. He knew that Britain prevented Europe and much of the world succumbing to Nazi Germany.

"Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands."<ref> Winston Churchill. ''Historic Speeches'', June 18, 1940.</ref> He promised the British victory and he would prove true to his promise. Immediately, he He faced various crises as numerous within weeks of his appointment, . France and much of Western Europe was conquered by Germany. Churchill was to ignore ignored all pleas to enter into peace negotiations with the Germans, believing Germany. He believed that one could not it would be impossible to reach an agreement with the Germans who were Germany because the government was bent on world domination. He was proved to prove be a brilliant war-leader and he inspired helped led his country to victory in the Battle of Britain, that saved . The Battle of Britain from permanently stalled a Nazi German invasion and occupation. The appointment of Winston Churchill in May 1940 probably saved Britain and ultimately laid the foundation for the Allied victory over the Nazis.

====Conclusion====The appointment of Winston Churchill, as Prime Minister was a remarkable turn of events. He had long been in the political wildernessfor some time. However, his tireless opposition to the appeasement of Hitler and , his great oratory skills, and writingsensured that he remained a political force during this time. Eventually, made him hugely popular his firmly held beliefs and courage increased his popularity in Britain, despite, and even overcame the British Establishment distrusting 's distrust of him. Ultimately, it This led his country to call on him at its darkest hour. <div class="portal" style="width:85%;"> ====Related DailyHistory.org Articles====*[[What were the goals of the Axis powers and the Soviet Union during World War Two?]]*[[How Did the German Military Develop Blitzkrieg?]]*[[What was his history the impact of long-term opposition to the Nazis Irish Famine on Ireland and his never-say-die attitude that led to him becoming the leader world?]]*[[How did Mussolini become Prime Minister of Italy?]]*[[How did Adolf Hitler become the Fuhrer of Britain, Germany?]]*[[Why was France defeated in its life-or-death struggle with Hitler.1940?]]</div>{{mediawiki:WWII}}