Churchill becoming Prime Minister Flashcards
(10 cards)
What year did Churchill first become Prime Minister?
1940
Why did Chamberlain resign in 1940?
- The humiliation of the Norway campaign where Germany invaded Norway and Britain failed to defend them.
- Failure of appeasement.
- ‘Treated us like dirt’ - Clement Attlee
- Ill health
- Lacked energy and vision and had little backing from his party.
Why was it unexpected for Churchill to be PM?
- Previously controversial among his party - India, Gold standard, etc.
- Old-fashioned views, may relive WW1.
- Stubborn, against consensus, hard to negotiate with.
Why was Churchill the best option for PM?
- Series of victories as Chief Admiralty.
- Man of energy, confidence and knowledge, such as being right about rearmament.
Problems with Lord Halifax as candidate?
- Halifax was a member of the House of Lords, not commons.
- Doubts over self-belief and motivation.
- closely linked with appeasement.
Why was Churchill’s character important for his appointment as PM?
- High spirits and passionate.
- Previous war victories as Lord of the Admiralty.
- Good orator/negotiator.
Why was the Role of the Labour Party important for Churchill’s appointment as PM?
- Churchill treated the Labour party better than Chamberlain did, as they made it clear they would not serve under Chamberlain.
Why was the Norway Campaign significant for Churchill’s appointment as PM?
The Norway campaign exposed Chamberlain as uncoordinated and a poor planner. This increased support for Churchill to take over.
Why was the ‘Phoney War’ significant for Churchill’s appointment as PM?
Chamberlain’s lack of change in tactic in a war they were not progressing in exposed him as a weak leader. This increased support for Churchill to take over.
Why was Appeasement significant for Churchill’s appointment as PM?
Churchill stood his ground against appeasement despite being controversial. This ultimately proved correct, and made him a more viable candidate than Halifax or Chamberlain.
