Abdication Flashcards
What happened?
King Edward VIII sought to marry an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson in 1936 but he was opposed by the public and the government which led to his abdication of the throne to his younger brother, George VI and his wife, Elizabeth Bowes Lyon.
Edward suggested a morganatic marriage (where she would be consort not queen) this was rejected by Parliament.
If they had married it would have led to the resignation of government and the break away of the dominions that opposed the marriage (Australia, Canada and South Africa).
So Edward had but one feasible option: abdicate.
What did people think of Churchill’s view of events?
Out of touch- Many saw Churchill’s abdication campaign, to keep the King, as outdated, rooted in Victorian ethos. His approach to the abdication gave him little support especially as he flaunted with antiquity rather than raise awareness for social and domestic issues.
What did people think of Churchill’s view of events?
Lack of support- Although people like Alfred Duff Cooper (The King’s friend) and Lord Beaverbrook (head of Daily Mail) supported his campaign, his own party including Baldwin abandoned him and he was constantly shouted down in Parliament.
What were Churchill’s view?
Churchill, who had long been on friendly terms with Edward, took up Edward’s cause. Believed he could ‘Convict the Prime Minister of heartlessness’.
Churchill believed that the king should be able to marry Mrs. Simpson and retain his title.
There were rumours he was attempting to build support for a King’s Party that he would lead.
How did other’s feel?
Those who supported the King were mostly on the outer fringes of politics and included: Oswald Mosley and the Communists, thus associating Churchill with the more extreme political factions, rather than the mainstream acceptable parties- this damaged his reputation.
