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 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 Churchill’s political fortunes changed because of political fortune was due to Churchill’s his 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. In 1915, Churchill was forced to resign after the failed invasion of Gallipoli.jpg|thumbnail|200px|Winston Churchill later served as an officer in military uniform 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, 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 eloquence as both a speaker and the written languagewriter.

====Appeasement====[[File:Winston_Churchill_1874_-_1965_ZZZ5426F_(1).jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|Winston Churchill in military uniform in 1895]]Europe in the 1930s, saw the rise of dictators in Europe, as democracies collapsed, in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Germany's democratic government's power eroded during the depression and eventually collapsed. Germany began to dismantle the provisions of the Versailles Treaty and rapidly expand its army. The government invested heavily into the country's arms industry, and it was rapidly rebuilt.<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>

Europe in the1930Germany's, saw the rise of dictators in Europe, as democracies collapsed, in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Hitler seized power in Germany and he immediately began to establish a dictatorship in Germany. He dismantled the provisions of the Versailles Treaty and contrary to its terms, he expanded the army actions became increasingly aggressive and rapidly began to rebuilt the Germany arms industries.<ref> James, Robert Rhodes. Churchill: ''A Study in Failure, 1900–1939''(Harper Press, London, 1970), p. 134 </ref> Soon the German’s were acting in an aggressive manner, for example, 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 favored appeasing Germany because they believed that Germany had been too harshly treated under the Treaty of Versailles. [[File: Sir_Winston_S_Churchill.jpg|thumbnail|Winston Churchill- 1940]]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 British governments of Baldwin and later Chamberlin and the French favored the return policy of appeasement. They were willing to allow Germany to reassert itself on the Sudetenland, a German-speaking area in Czechoslovakia continent and to Germanypursue its interests. This almost led policy of appeasement was intended to prevent Germany from going to a war. HoweverBy the mid-1930s, ChamberlinGermany and Fascist Italy were becoming increasingly belligerent. The Italians invaded Ethiopia, the current 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 1938and Germany occupied Austria. <ref>Hastings, p. 134117 </ref> Within months, Hitler had broken Still the agreement British and by 1939, it was widely expected that Europe would once again be plunged into warFrench governments did nothing. Churchillcondemned the aggression of Italy and Germany, had predicted much and he lamented what he saw as the weakness and cowardice of this and the British public recognized that their government’s had been wrongand French governments. <ref> Hastings''The Times of London'', p. 11913 June 1936</ref> Many believed He argued that if Churchill had been heeded, Hitler may have been stoppedtheir policy of appeasement was wrong and would only lead to a war. Churchill became the most popular politician in Britain. Many began He called on them to call for him stand up to lead the country and many who had once derided him and his ideas now saw him a brilliant politicianGermany before it was too late.

==Outbreak of War==In September 19391938, Germany demanded the return of the Sudetenland, a German war machine invaded Poland and Europe was once more at -speaking area in Czechoslovakia to Germany. This almost led to a war. The However, Chamberlin, the current British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin declared war on Nazi Germany. The British adopted a cautious policy. The send , allowed the British Expeditionary Force Germans to France and they and occupy the French adopted a defensive posture and waited Sudetenland in exchange for a German attack. This was reassurances that they would seek no more territory in Europe in the period so-called Munich Agreement of the Phoney War, where the allies waited for Hitler’s next move1938.<ref> Hastings, p. 117 134</ref> Chamberlin knew that ChurchillWithin months, was wildly popularHitler had broken the agreement, and he invited him to join the war cabinet and the First Lord of the Admiraltyby 1939, on the day it was widely expected that Britain declared war on Germany. Churchill began to prepare the British navy for Europe would once again be plunged into 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, they saw him a leader, someone who could beat the Germans. Poland was defeated within weeks by Germany and after the Molotov-Rippentrop pacthad predicted this, Hitler could turn his attention to the western allies. Churchill wanted to adopt an aggressive approach and wanted the British and French to attack Germany and he proposed public recognized that the Allies occupy Norway, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Germanstheir government’s policies had been ill-advised.<ref> Hastings, 211p. 119</ref> In Many believed that if Churchill had been heeded, Germany might have been stopped. Churchill became the Spring of 1940, most popular politician in Britain. Many began to call for him to lead the German navy and army attacked Norway, country. These people even though it was included those who had previously derided him as a neutral nationcrank. The country Churchill was of great strategic importance viewed as remarkably prescient and it was the main source of who potentially understood Germany's iron ore. <ref>Hastings, pultimate goals better than anyone else in Parliament. 117 </ref>

=Battle ===Outbreak of NorwayWar==== The Allies dispatched forces to Norway to help the Norwegian army to beat back [[File: Wc0107-04780r.jpg|thumbnail|300px|left|Winston Churchill- 1940]]In September 1939, the German invaders, but it was too latewar machine invaded Poland. Then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin declared war on Germany. The Germans had landed paratroopers in the country and rapidly reinforced these forces with several divisions of German infantry and they had easily defeated the Norwegian armyBritish adopted a cautious policy. The French and sent the British arrived too late and in too few numbersExpeditionary Force to France.The Norwegian army regrouped in Both the north of the country, here they were joined by Allied British and French forces. There were several fierce battles adopted a defensive posture and the Allies out up waited for a fierce resistanceGerman attack. The Allies and the Norwegian were forced This action was derisively referred 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 Phoney War because were 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 were waiting for the resignation of Neville ChamberlinGermany’s next move.<ref> Hastings, 213p. 117 </ref> Many Conservatives believed Chamberlin knew that it Churchill, was time for a changewildly popular, for and he invited him to join the war cabinet as the good First Lord of the countryAdmiralty, on the day that Britain declared war on Germany. Churchill began to prepare the British navy for war against Germany.

==Churchill’s appointment as Prime Minister May 1940==On May 10th, the Germans invaded western Europe.<ref> ''The Times of London'', 11 May 1940 <dh-ad/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 and he had been even rumored to have favored seeking peace with the Germans. The public was overwhelmingly in favor Churchill, they saw him as someone who could lead their country to victory, however, many of the political elite believed that Churchill was too much of a maverick and was unpredictable. Perhaps crucially, in the appointment of Churchill was the reaction of 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 Germans.

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, where they were joined by British and French forces. There were several fierce battles, and the Allies put up 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. Lord Halifax was an early favorite to become prime minister, but he was unwilling. His candiacy also was tainted by his support of Chamberlain's the appeasement policy. It was rumored that Halifax had been to seeking peace with Germany.  The public overwhelmingly supported Churchill, and they saw him as someone who could lead their country. However, many of the British political elite believed that Churchill was a maverick and too unpredictable. Perhaps crucially, Churchill was also 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 support was mainly based on his unflinching long-term opposition to the NazisHitler's Germany. Churchill, because of his many years warning 's warnings about the NazisGermany and fascism were proved correct, and he 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 numerous various crises as challenges within weeks of his appointment, . Germany conquered 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 Germany because the Germans who were government was bent on world domination. He was proved to prove be a brilliant war-leader and he inspired helped lead his country to victory in the Battle of Britain, that saved . The Battle of Britain from a Nazi permanently stalled the planned 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 steadfast 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 was his history His moral authority and clear understanding of long-term opposition to the Nazis and Hitler's motives encouraged his never-say-die attitude that led country to call on him becoming the leader of Britain, in at its life-or-death struggle with Hitlerdarkest 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 the impact of the Irish Famine on Ireland and the world?]]*[[How did Mussolini become Prime Minister of Italy?]]*[[How did Adolf Hitler become the Fuhrer of Germany?]]*[[Why was France defeated in 1940?]]</div> ====References====