Churchill and Roosevelt Flashcards
What was Churchill’s alleged remark after his ‘We shall fight them’ speech?
’..And we’ll fight them with the butt ends of broken beer bottles because that’s bloody well all we’ve got’
This remark illustrates Britain’s dire need for American help after the evacuation of Dunkirk in June 1940.
What was Churchill’s reaction upon hearing the news of Pearl Harbour?
‘We had won the war’
This statement reflects Churchill’s belief in the significance of American involvement in World War II.
What two key themes did Churchill emphasize during the 1930s?
- Britain and America shared common values and ideals
- The USA’s hesitation in conflict would lead to increased difficulty and expense
These themes were particularly evident against the backdrop of rising fascism in Europe.
What was the attitude of the United States during the 1920s and 1930s regarding international involvement?
The US was firmly isolationist
This isolationism was demonstrated by the Senate’s rejection of Wilson’s attempts to join the League of Nations.
What did President Roosevelt begin to consider in 1937?
Involving the USA more actively in world affairs
Despite this, the American public had limited appetite for such involvement.
What significant opportunity arose for Churchill and Roosevelt in 1939?
The outbreak of war and Churchill’s return to the Admiralty
This event provided a window for deeper collaboration between Britain and the USA.
How many written exchanges did Churchill and Roosevelt have during the war?
More than 2,000 written exchanges
This includes numerous phone calls and nine in-person meetings.
What did Roosevelt express to Churchill in his mid-September 1939 letter?
His interest in the European situation and a request to keep him informed
The message was clear, signaling the beginning of a close communication between the two leaders.
What action did the USA take in October 1939 regarding its coastal waters?
Declared a neutral zone along the coast of the USA and South America
The US Navy patrolled this zone to prevent the sinking of merchant shipping.
