Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill (1874-1965), British statesman, who led Britain to victory during World War II. He became a Conservative MP in 1900 but later joined the Liberals. Appointed first lord of the Admiralty in 1911, he mobilized the navy on the eve of World War I with-out waiting for official Cabinet authority. He was Chancellor of the Exchequer during the General Strike (1926) and became first lord of the Admiralty again at the outbreak of World War II. On Chamberlain’s resignation; 1940), he was appointed prime minister. His stirring speeches, together with his famous cigar and V-for-victory sign, inspired the country during the war. Having achieved his grand alliance’ between the USSR, Britain, and the US, he was finally able to announce Germany’s surrender on 8 May 1945. His Conservative party was defeated in 1945 but he later returned as prime minister (1951-55). He was also a prolific writer, winning the Nobel Prize for literature in 1953. His major works include The Second World War (1948-54).
“ I have never accepted what many people have kindly said, namely that I inspired the nation. It was the nation, and the races dwelling all round the globe that had the lion heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar. Winston Churchill on himself, 80th Birthday Speech, November 1954”
