Churchill
History: KS3, topic 19.1.10
The Role of Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940 AD. His leadership was an important factor in the Allied victory.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Churchill
What was Churchill's role in the war cabinet before he was Prime Minister?