Attitude To The Abdication Crisis Flashcards
What did Baldwin do in October 1936?
He tried to confront Edward about the relationship, told him to be more discrete and to put off Wallis’ divorce
When was Walis’ divorce granted and where?
Her divorce was granted in Ipswich on the 27th October 1936
What does Edward tell Baldwin on the 16th November 1936?
And what does Baldwin say back?
Edward tells Baldwin his intention to marry Wallis
Baldwin argues the queen must be British and unmarried
What did Churchill do on the 4/5 th December 1936?
Churchill urged Edward and the government to delay any decision when he saw a draft of the abdication
He issued a statement to the Ministry saying they were pressuring the king
What did Churchill do on the 7th December 1936?
Churchill addressed the commons for a delay… His reputation was badly damaged and he was humiliated
What happened on the 9th of December 1936?
Edward informs the government that he wanted to abdicate.
When did Edward sign the instrument of Abdication?
10th December 1936
What happened on the 11th December 1936
Abdication decision broadcasted on the BBC and George VI crowned
When did Edward marry Wallis and where?
He married her in June 1937 in France.
Who was Wallis Simpson?
An American divorcee
Who opposes Edward VIII marrying Wallis?
The marriage was opposed by the public and the government
Why was Wallis unsuitable?
Wallis was American, saw as inferior and it was untraditional
Advisors believed she was a ‘gold digger’ and only wanted money and the title.
Who got the throne after Edward VIII?
His younger brother; George VI and his wife Elizabeth Bowes Lyon
What was the issues with religion regarding Edward VIII marrying Wallis?
Many Britons were Christians, marrying a divorcee went against the church
In eyes of church could only divorce in terms of adultery, Wallis divorced due to ‘emotional incompatibility’.
Archbishop of Canterbury: Cosmo Gordon Lang, advised that as head of Church of England, Edward could not marry a divorcee
What did Edward suggest to solve the problem of Wallis becoming Queen and what were the problems with this?
Edward VIII suggested that they got a morganatic marriage and that Simpson became a consort instead of Queen
However, this wasn’t legalised in Britain yet so Baldwin say it wouldn’t be accepted
Edward tried to convince Baldwin to hold a broadcast appeal in hopes to sway public opinion, but Baldwin insists it was impossible
