17.1.10

Churchill

Test yourself

The Role of Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940 AD. His leadership was an important factor in the Allied victory.

Illustrative background for Becoming Prime MinisterIllustrative background for Becoming Prime Minister ?? "content

Becoming Prime Minister

  • After the invasion of Poland, Churchill was named First Lord of the Admiralty and placed in the war cabinet.
  • After Chamberlain resigned, Churchill was chosen to be the next Prime Minister.
  • Churchill also became the Minister of Defense. He had considerable powers (more so than any other Prime Minister during a war).
Illustrative background for Special ForcesIllustrative background for Special Forces ?? "content

Special Forces

  • Churchill set up the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the Commando Forces (later called Special Forces).
  • These organisations were responsible for secret missions in enemy territories.
Illustrative background for DunkirkIllustrative background for Dunkirk ?? "content

Dunkirk

  • After the Nazis invaded France, the French asked for the British air force to help them.
  • But Churchill refused. He did this because he realised that fighter planes would not be able to save France and that they were needed to protect Britain.
Illustrative background for The Battle of BritainIllustrative background for The Battle of Britain ?? "content

The Battle of Britain

  • During the Battle of Britain, Churchill gave a number of famous speeches to boost morale in the country.
  • On the 4th of June 1940 AD, he gave the famous speech 'We shall fight them on the beaches' to Parliament. It is still quoted today.
Illustrative background for Seeking supportIllustrative background for Seeking support ?? "content

Seeking support

  • Churchill wanted the United States to help Britain against the Nazis.
    • The Americans refused but did agree to the Lend-Lease Agreement.
  • Churchill was anti-communist but had to cooperate with the Soviet Union.
    • The relationship between Churchill and Stalin (the leader of the Soviet Union) was very strained but because they were united against a common enemy, the alliance survived.
Illustrative background for NormandyIllustrative background for Normandy ?? "content

Normandy

  • Churchill delayed the Normandy invasion.
  • This was a wise decision as it gave time for the Soviet Union to conquer and liberate Nazi territories. This made Germany weaker and gave the Allies the upper hand.
  • Churchill also was part of Operation Fortitude. This was a plan to confuse the Nazis about the Allied invasion. This led Germany to waste time and resources.

Jump to other topics

1The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

1.1Anglo-Saxon England

1.2The Contest for the English Throne

1.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

1.4King John

1.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

1.6The Black Death

2Worldviews

3The Empire of Mali

4The Renaissance & Reformations, 1500-1598 AD

5The British Empire, 1583-1960 AD

6The Peasants' Revolt

7Religion in the Middle Ages

8Slavery, 1619-1833 AD

9The English Civil War, 1642-1660

10The Industrial Revolution, 1750-1840

11US Independence, 1775-1783

12The French Revolution, 1789-1815

13The British Empire, 1857–1930

14Suffrage

15World War 1, 1914-1918

16The Inter-War Years, 1919-1939

17World War 2, 1939-1945

18The Cold War, 1947-1962

19Civil Rights in the USA, 1954-1975

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson