Why did Churchill become Prime Minister in 1940?

Question 1

What job was Churchill given by Chamberlain in Sep 1939?

Answer 1

First Lord of the Admiralty

Question 2

What disaster happened when Churchill had previously held this position? (Lord of the admiralty)

Answer 2

Gallipoli - 1915

Question 3

What did some refer to the period between Sep 1939 and Apr/May 1940?

Answer 3

‘Sitzkrieg’ - war without action

Question 4

What happened in Apr 1940?

Answer 4

Operation Weserubung - G. invasion of Denmark and Norway

Question 5

What were Br. troops forced to do in Norway by early May 1940?

Answer 5

Withdraw

Question 6

What were polls showing in Apr and May 1940?

Answer 6

Apr - 57% thought Chamberlain was doing a good job as PM

May - 60% against him

Question 7

When was the Norway debate held?

Answer 7

7-8 May 1940

Question 8

What was Leo Amery’s famous line?

Answer 8

“In the name of God, go”

Question 9

Who was most likely candidate to replace Chamberlain?

Answer 9

Lord Halifax

• King wanted him, noting in his diary ‘H was the obvious man’

Question 10

Why might the King have preferred Halifax to Churchill? (Prov.)

Answer 10

Churchill’s role in abdication crisis; Gallipoli

Question 11

When did Churchill become Prime Minister?

Answer 11

10 May 1940