chapter 1 Flashcards
Why was Churchill distrusted by the Conservatives?
Churchill had previously crossed the floor, leaving the Tories in 1904 to become a Liberal MP. (He later switched back to the Tories but they still held resentment towards him)
What was Churchill’s previous experience in Government?
- Served in Lloyd George’s coalition government from 1918-1922
- Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1924-1929
What was Churchill’s previous military experience?
- 1st Lord of Admiralty in World War 1
- Was a Professional soldier in Sudan and India in the colonial empire
Describe Churchill’s personality
- Outspoken, Self Confident and Controversial
- Very Ambitious and enjoyed being in control
- Admired for his writing and his speeches
- Loved the House of Commons and relished debates
- Had a gift for encouraging strong friendships but also had some bitter enemies
- Wide variety of interests and enthuanisms
Which Governments was Churchill not invited to?
- Ramsay Macdonald (1929-31)
- Stanley Baldwin (1935-36)
Was out of office until 1939 - Chamberlain did not invite him back until the beginning of the war
What was Churchill’s controversial action in the Welsh Miners’ Strike in 1910-11?
He sent in troops to the small south welsh town of Tonypandy to control them.
-> Labour hated him for this as this was extremely controversial
Why did Labour hate Churchill?
- His actions in Tonypandy
- His bitter attacks on trade unions during the general strike of 1925
What military disaster was Churchill held accountable for during World War 1
Gallipoli 1915
Churchill wanted to catch the Ottoman’s off-guard and capture their capital forcing them out the war
However, Churchill didn’t consider the geographical landscape. Gallipoli was full of rough high cliffs and the peninsula was extremely tight meaning the Ottomans could detect anyone instantly and would have the high ground. This led to 200k British Empire causalities and forced Churchill to resign.
