Chapter 1 - Churchill's View Of Events 1929 - 1940 Flashcards
Why was Churchill out of office for so long between 1929 and 1939?
- in conflict with bulk of own party and its leaders - unpopular causes and spoke about them in reckless ways so became an isolated figure in politics in Britain relying on loyal advisers who were seen as outsiders
- Churchill’s style of speaking seemed old fashioned and out of touch due to rise in cinema and radio
- India: Churchill believed in uncompromising opposition to any move to make India independent
Abdication of King Edward VIII: didn’t respect many Conservatives - supported abdication
Rearmament: Churchill urged rearmament despite public opinion against war and economy was weak
COncessions to Hitler: Resist German expansion - opposed appeasement policies
What were Churchill’s views on India?
- Views
- British rule
- reaction to independent movement
Views - Served in India as a young officer, India was the jewel in the crown of the Empire and must be protected. British rule prevented the domination of Hindu elites over the Indian Muslims. Ensured end of barbaric practices and meant economic/social progress. Strong belief in racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons and destiny to rule over and develop lesser people
British rule - coming under increasing pressure in the 20s and 30s from Indian population who wanted self governance & representation. Pressure from educated elite and mass populace by Gandhi. Used non violent protests - Britain responded to unrest which protesters caused with repression and reform. Rowlatt Act 1919 increased police powers allowing imprisonment without trial but 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford measures have local councils measure of control of internal matters. April 1919 Gandhi led campaign against Rowlatt and troops fired on crowd killing 400. Indian nationalism increased. 1930 Gandhi led mass march to the sea against the salt tax by gathering natural sea salt - Gandhi arrested and released to attend London conferences. 1933 UK announced giving greater self government and Government of India Act in 1935 took effect in 1937 - electorate to 35 million and elected legislatures set up to deal with local affairs
Churchill’s reaction - bitterly opposed to the movement for independence - saw as his duty to launch personal crusade to defend Britains interests as he saw them and found himself allied with most reactionary elements. Extreme public statements and support for racist organisations opposed to negotiations changed to isolating Churchill. Stanly Balwin mocked Churchill’s views. 1934 Churchill attacks ministers over reform proposal even former supporters against it
What were Churchill’s views on the abdication of Edward VIII?
Churchill in the minority - member of informal group called The Kings Friends who supported the monarch for personal loyalty and chivalry - bulk of parliament didn’t take this view. Churchill misjudged mood of the House of Commons and speech in favour of the King shouted down. Churchill rooted in the past
What were Churchill’s views on rearmament?
Look at reasons he wanted to rearm but critics against Churchill
- Churchill saw new German regime as brutal disliked racism and violence displayed
- feared repeat of situation prior to 1914 when Germany threat to European peace and challenged Britain by building a new naval fleet
- Churchill member of the government which agreed the Treaty of Versailles
- Worried about air power and Hitler building up new Air Force, feared being defenceless
- used position as backbench MP to warn about need to rearm
BUT - Churchill responsible for disarming in 1920s maintaining the 10 year rule
- financial crisis necessitated and deep cuts in government expenditure - when poorer people suffering and 1934 means tests imposed conditions on any public help for unemployed or poverty - need to be compelling reason to start an arms race
- Hitler was not unreasonable and many felt Germany should build up its defences especially French had large forces and Soviet threat
What were Churchill’s views on appeasement?
- Churchill concerned on growing power and opposed government policy of dealing with Hitlers grievances by negotiation
- Churchill used appeasing European Hatreds in the 1920s as Britain emerged as European military power as navy formidable and 1918, British Empire grown to key oil rich possessions
- Public opinion or economic strengths could permit maintaining enough force - used international agreements like Locarno
Explain German rearmament/expansion in the 1930s
- list what they did
- reintroduced conscription 1935
- remilitarised the Rhineland in March 1936 against Versailles
- Left League of Nations in 1933
- German expansion into Stesa Front in 1935
- 1938 - annexation of Austria
- Occupation of Bohemia and Moravia and dismemberment of Czech state in 1939
- Invaded Poland 1939
What was the Munich Agreement?
Was Churchill being unrealistic?
Look at causes, reasons, events, consequences
Hitler demanded the Sudetenland and danger of European crisis
Churchill disagreed with doing nothing, didn’t favour staying out of European affairs to accept Hitler concessions, ruled out Grand Alliance to stop aggression but Churchill viewed it as moral cowardice to give in to aggression
- if opposition to Hitler led to war, Britain allies lacking, no discussions with France
- Britain didn’t have expeditionary force ready - troops tied down in peace keeping activities
- Italy/Japan take advantage of the war to threaten British interests with Egypt and Suez Canal and India couldn’t be defended easily
- Churchill hostile to Soviet Union
- France looked to Britain to provide excuses for not acting - no plans for French attack on Germany
- Public opinion in USA unfavourable for war
- Churchill enthusiasm for League of Nations but ineffective in preventing aggression
Conference in September 1938 resulted in Hitler join Pact of Steel and with personal diplomacy Hitler gained SUdetenland - Chamberlain hailed for his efforts as a peacekeeper and admiration - Churchill expressed it as a defeat
Churchill became First Lord of the admiralty in September 1939
Why did Churchill become Prime Minister in 1940?
- still isolated figure, old resentments remained but did remain loyal to Chamberlain
- wanted to wage war vigorously and Britain couldn’t save Poland
- Soviet-Nazi Pact with Stalin unexpected and Soviets waged war against Finalnd and Britain looked at Norway for Norway campaign - pressed action vital for Germany route way but Germans invaded Denmark and campaign poorly managed and questionable
- Chamberlain came under attack from his own side - little inclination debates would result in Chamberlain resigning but Labour forced a vote and vote of no confidence in Chamberlain
- Churchill gained support for taking responsibility for Norway campaign
- Lord Halifax was the favourite, Kings favourite but did not want to step up
- Attlee ensured Churchill’s promotion and Labour wouldn’t serve under Chamberlain
- Germany invaded Holland and Beligum - cabinet didn’t want Chamberlain to stay on
- Needed a leader who was decisive - appointed Churchill in 10 May 1940 - solid support in party
