Why Did Churchill Become Prime Minister In 1940? Flashcards
What could Britain do to defend Poland in WW2?
Nothing to save Poland, as the Nazi-Soviet Pact 1939 made it to strong to defend against
Which country invaded by the Soviets did Britain seriously considered sending help to?
Finland
What disastrous defensive campaign in 1940 brand the end of Chamberlain?
Norway campaign
Why had Churchill pressed for action in Norway?
As its waters in the North Sea were a vital route way for Germany to obtain Swedish ore
What had Churchill proposed to defend Norway from a possible German invasion?
Laying mines in Norwegian water
When did Chamberlain agree to mining on Norwegian waters, and what was the problem with that?
28th March 1940, but on 1 March Hitler had approved a German invasion as a pre-emptive measure which began in April
How did the German invasion and British defence of Norway in 1940 go?
The Germans invaded Denmark and landed forces in Norway, capturing Oslo, but losing 12 large ship in naval action against the British, though British army landings did not meet with success as Forces at Namsos and Andalsnes withdrew early and forces in Narvik achieved little and Norway fell to the German on the 28th May
What had a US commentator called WW2 in 1940 due to Britains limited achievements?
‘The phoney war’
What happened in the House of Commons that put Chamberlain under pressure?
A debate about Norway’s defence
What was ineffective within the government and parliament under Chamberlain?
Minister for the co-ordination of Defence, A Military Co-ordination Committee, and the economic planing had not been synchronised or effective
Which former ally attacked Chamberlain and who did he quote in the debate about Norway?
Former ally Leo Emery MP and quoted Oliver Cromwell to the Rump Parliament in 1653 ‘You have sat too long for any good to have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you, In the Name of God, go!’
What did Labour do to attack Chamberlain after the Norway debate?
Forced a vote, which beam more of a vote of confidence in Chamberlain than a simple vote on an unsuccessful expedition, with the vote going 281 to 200 for the government, instead of its 200-strong majority, with over 40 Conservative MPs voting against the government, another 40 abstaining
What had Churchill done during the Norway debate which only lifted his rankings among his peers in Commons?
Took the blame for the Norway expedition
Who was the main choice to replace Churchill, and really the only alternative for leadership?
Lord Halifax, who was reluctant to take the job he knew he was not fir for, and he would have to renounce his peerage
What accused on the 10 May 1940 that pushed Chamberlain in not continuing with the job of prime minister?
The German invasion of Netherlands and Belgium
