Unit 1 - Churchill's view of events Flashcards
What period does this unit cover?
1929-1940
Why was Churchill out of office for so long?
Views on India, attitude towards the abdication, thoughts on government rearmament policy, views on Germany and his previous reputation.
Why did Churchill’s views on India contribute to him being out of office for so long?
- Opposed government’s conciliatory moves
- Thought India would only be content with full independence, so concessions waste of time.
- Thought indp would lead to disastrous conflicts between Muslims and Hindus.
- Believed in superiority of the white race and its destiny to rule.
- Saw British power as dependent on its continuing control of its Empire.
- Out of touch with public mood, extreme and old-fashioned didn’t appeal.
Why did Churchill’s attitude towards the abdication contribute to him being out of office for so long?
- Edward VIII wanted to marry Mrs Simpson. Cabinet, Archbishop, British public, Empire did not give approval.
- Churchill saw his duty to support the King, moved by story, emotional.
- Churchill in minority and at odds with his party and its leadership.
- Seemed oblivious to public opinion, appeared eccentric and old-fashioned.
Why did Churchill’s thoughts on government rearmament policy contribute to him being out of office for so long?
- Munich Agreement 1938 Chamberlain agreed to make Sudetenland part of Germany
- Churchill critical: Britain came across weak, strengthened Germany, more difficult for Britain to control future expansion
- ‘a defeat without a war’, failing to maintain stand against Hitler after had gone back on word.
- Views seemed unrealistic, uncertainty that other countries would join, Germany’s allies were powerful.
Why did Churchill’s views on Germany contribute to him being out of office for so long?
- Did not oppose dictatorship in itself (sympathetic to Mussolini), concerned about violent behaviour and anti-Semitism of Nazis.
- Saw German rearmament and conscription as a direct threat. Criticised response of Anglo-German Naval Treaty of 1935 to limit rearmament as a sign of weakness.
- Views unpopular: ToV too harsh, anti-war feeling, rearmament unpopular, Churchill had initiated much British disarmament 1920s (hypocritical), natural allies sympathised with Hitler’s opposition to Communism, prioritising Germany ahead of economic distress, hypocritical between India and Germany.
Why did Churchill’s previous reputation contribute to him being out of office for so long?
- Not liked by Labour or Liberals (wouldn’t have worked in 1931 coalition)
- Labour remembered his attacks during General Strike on 1926 on trade unions. Use of troops against strikers.
- Responsibility for failed Gallipoli attacks 1915.
- Returned Britain to Gold Standard 1925, devalued and led to unemployment
- Aligned with extreme right-wing imperialists & out of touch with more modern Conservative policies.
Why did Churchill become Prime Minister in May 1940?
Failure of Chamberlain’s appeasement, his knowledge and views on Germany, his ministerial experience, his oratory skills, his determination and his popularity amongst the people.
