Election Flashcards
Election as Prime Minister
The failure of Norway in April 1940- Churchill wanted to mine Norwegian waters to prevent Swedish imports of Iron ore into Germany. He cared little about the neutrality of these countries as seen via Altmark. The campaign failed due to poor preparation and conduct. The failure resembled Gallipoli back in 1915 and many criticised the violation of Norwegian neutrality. However, the successful evacuation at Altmark meant that he didn’t take the blame for Norway, but Chamberlain did instead.
Resignation of Lord Halifax- following the thrashing of Chamberlain in the House of Commons after Norway, Lord Halifax was the one people wished to become PM but he made it explicit that he couldn’t manage a wartime country and resigned, leaving the place to Churchill.
