Y1 Britain Flashcards
(177 cards)
1
Q
Describe Churchill’s political isolation during 1929-1939.
A
Churchill was politically isolated due to conflicts with his party, taking unpopular stances, relying on eccentric advisers, and being perceived as out of touch with modern politics.
2
Q
Explain the impact of the Wall Street crash on Churchill.
A
The Wall Street crash wiped out Churchill’s investments and savings, forcing him to write for a living.
3
Q
Define the abdication crisis involving King Edward VIII.
A
The abdication crisis arose when King Edward VIII sought to marry Wallis Simpson, a divorced woman, which conflicted with his role as head of the Church of England and led to a constitutional crisis.
4
Q
How did Churchill respond to the abdication crisis?
A
Churchill took a minority position supporting the King, but misjudged the mood in Parliament, leading to his speech being shouted down.
5
Q
Describe the context of the Indian independence movement during Churchill’s time.
A
The Indian independence movement gained momentum in the 1920s and 30s, driven by demands for self-governance from both the educated elite and mass populace, notably led by Mahatma Gandhi.
6
Q
Explain Churchill’s views on British rule in India.
A
Churchill viewed British rule as essential for maintaining order, preventing Hindu domination over Muslims, and ensuring economic and social progress.
7
Q
What was Churchill’s reaction to the Indian independence movement?
A
Churchill was bitterly opposed to the independence movement, seeing it as his duty to defend British interests and aligning with reactionary elements.
8
Q
Describe Churchill’s clashes with his own party.
A
Churchill had several clashes with his party, including proposing to abolish the House of Lords, opposing the partition of Ireland, and switching political affiliations between Conservative and Liberal.
9
Q
What was the Government of India Act of 1935?
A
The Government of India Act of 1935 ended the dyarchy and introduced direct elections, taking effect in 1937.
10
Q
Explain the significance of the Locarno Pact of 1925.
A
The Locarno Pact was an agreement between France, Britain, Italy, and Germany that guaranteed Germany’s western frontiers as established by the Treaty of Versailles.
11
Q
What was the purpose of the Kellog-Briand Pact?
A
The Kellog-Briand Pact aimed to outlaw war as a means of settling international disputes, initially signed by 15 nations in 1928.
12
Q
Describe the Polish Guarantee of 31 March 1939.
A
The Polish Guarantee was a commitment by Britain to guarantee Poland’s independence, but it did not extend to guaranteeing Poland’s existing territorial borders.
13
Q
Explain the role of the League of Nations established in 1920.
A
The League of Nations was the first global organization of governments aimed at maintaining world peace.
14
Q
How did Germany’s rearmament in the 1930s violate the Treaty of Versailles?
A
Germany reintroduced conscription in 1935 and remilitarized the Rhineland in March 1936, both actions that broke the Treaty of Versailles.
15
Q
What was the Stresa Front and its purpose?
A
The Stresa Front was an alliance formed in April 1935 between Italy, Britain, and France to unite against German expansion into Austria.
16
Q
Discuss Churchill’s attitude towards Germany and appeasement after 1933.
A
Churchill opposed the government’s policy of appeasement, advocating for a strong alliance and increased British defenses against the perceived German threat.
17
Q
How did Churchill view the policy of appeasement?
A
Churchill believed that appeasement was moral cowardice and that a firm stand against aggression was necessary to prevent further German expansion.
18
Q
What were some arguments against Churchill’s views on confronting Germany?
A
Arguments included a lack of allies, an unprepared military, vulnerability of key regions, and public sentiment favoring peace over war.
19
Q
Why did the British public support appeasement in the late 1930s?
A
The British public wanted peace and believed Hitler’s complaints about the Treaty of Versailles were reasonable, fearing another destructive war.
20
Q
What was Chamberlain’s perspective on appeasement as Prime Minister?
A
Chamberlain personally disapproved of appeasement but felt his country was unprepared for war and that public opinion favored peace.
21
Q
How did Churchill respond to German rearmament in 1938?
A
Churchill became alarmed by German rearmament, fearing a repeat of the pre-1914 situation where Germany threatened European peace.
22
Q
Critique Churchill’s past decisions regarding military preparedness.
A
Churchill had previously supported disarmament and the 10 Year Rule, which justified cuts in defense spending, making his later alarmist views seem inconsistent.
23
Q
What was the significance of the Munich Agreement in September 1938?
A
The Munich Agreement involved negotiations where Chamberlain pressured Czechoslovakia to concede to Hitler’s demands, ultimately leading to a humiliation for Britain.
24
Q
Describe the events leading to Germany’s annexation of Austria on 12 March 1938.
A
Germany annexed Austria with popular support in both countries, and the British reaction was mild, reflecting a lack of grounds for action.
25
What was the outcome of the crisis over Czechoslovakia in September 1938?
The crisis resulted in Chamberlain negotiating with Hitler, leading to concessions from Czechoslovakia and a lack of resistance to Hitler's demands.
26
Explain the implications of the Pact of Steel between Mussolini and Hitler.
The Pact of Steel solidified the alliance between Mussolini and Hitler, further emboldening German aggression in Europe.
27
Describe the public and political opinion in Britain after the Munich Agreement in 1938.
Public and political opinion in Britain changed significantly after 1938, with many believing that if Munich were repeated, Britain's position as a great power would be jeopardized.
28
Explain the significance of the Polish Guarantee issued on 31 March 1939.
The Polish Guarantee committed Britain to intervene militarily if Germany invaded Poland, marking a pivotal moment that led to British involvement in World War II.
29
How did Churchill's role change after the invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939?
After the invasion of Poland, Churchill was asked to join an inner war cabinet, marking his transition from an outsider to a key government figure.
30
Define the impact of the Norway campaign on British politics in 1940.
The Norway campaign, which was poorly managed and ultimately a failure, led to significant political change, including a loss of confidence in Chamberlain's leadership.
31
Do you think Churchill's loyalty to Chamberlain affected his political standing?
Yes, Churchill's loyalty to Chamberlain during the Norway campaign helped bolster his own standing despite the campaign's failures.
32
Explain why Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940.
Churchill became Prime Minister due to a lack of confidence in Chamberlain, the unwillingness of Halifax to take office, and the need for a decisive leader amidst the war.
33
Describe the challenges Churchill faced as Prime Minister in 1940.
Churchill faced the challenge of leading Britain during a dangerous time, with the need to maintain military strength while coordinating a Cabinet with supporters.
34
How did the political landscape in Britain change after the failure of the Norway campaign?
The failure of the Norway campaign exposed the government's lack of effective coordination and led to increased criticism of Chamberlain, ultimately contributing to his resignation.
35
What was the outcome of the vote of confidence in Chamberlain in May 1940?
The vote revealed significant hostility towards Chamberlain among Conservative MPs, with over 40 voting against him and another 40 abstaining.
36
Explain the role of Clement Attlee in Churchill's rise to Prime Minister.
Clement Attlee played a role in ensuring Churchill's promotion by making it clear that Labour would not serve under Chamberlain, thus paving the way for Churchill's leadership.
37
Describe the implications of the Nazi-Soviet pact for Germany's military strategy in 1939.
The Nazi-Soviet pact allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, facilitating Hitler's aggressive expansionist plans.
38
How did Churchill's past experiences influence his leadership during World War II?
Churchill's first-hand experience of war and confidence in Britain's capabilities shaped his determination to lead the country effectively during the conflict.
39
What was Churchill's perspective on the war effort by May 1940?
By May 1940, Churchill was highly determined to wage war, believing in Britain's ability to succeed despite a poor past record.
40
Define the significance of the House of Commons debate regarding the Norway campaign.
The debate highlighted the government's ineffective coordination and management of the war effort, leading to increased pressure on Chamberlain's leadership.
41
How did the invasion of Poland affect Britain's military planning?
The invasion of Poland prompted Britain to accelerate military preparations, including conscription and planning for air raids, making war a more imminent possibility.
42
Explain the consequences of the ultimatum issued to Germany on 3 September 1939.
The ultimatum demanded Germany withdraw from Poland, and when it expired without compliance, Britain declared war, marking its entry into World War II.
43
Describe the challenges Churchill faced by 28 May 1940.
Churchill faced a cut-off British army at Dunkirk, the threat of Italian entry into the war, dwindling gold reserves, fear of large-scale bombing of Britain, and the need to consider peace terms with Germany.
44
Explain the significance of the Dunkirk evacuation on 4 June 1940.
The evacuation resulted in the rescue of 224,318 British troops and 111,172 allies, improving the situation for Britain despite poor relations with France and the ongoing threat from Germany.
45
How did Churchill respond to proposals for negotiating peace with Germany?
Churchill firmly rejected proposals for negotiating peace, emphasizing a commitment to continue fighting until victory.
46
Define Churchill's leadership style during World War II.
Churchill's leadership style was characterized by high expectations for dedication, a hands-on approach to details, a fascination with innovative ideas, and a demand for concise communication.
47
What was the impact of Churchill's oratory on the British public during the war?
Churchill's oratory became a weapon of war, helping to maintain public morale and determination to resist Germany despite the dire circumstances.
48
Do you think Churchill's approach to leadership was effective? Why or why not?
Churchill's approach was effective as it inspired resilience and unity in Britain, maintained a strong stance against negotiation with Germany, and ultimately contributed to the war effort.
49
Explain the role of Lord Halifax in the British government during the early stages of World War II.
Lord Halifax, as foreign secretary, supported appeasement and sought to explore peace terms with Germany, but his proposals were ultimately rejected by Churchill.
50
Describe the strategic shift in German bombing tactics in September 1940.
In September 1940, the Germans shifted their focus from bombing RAF airfields to targeting British cities, which allowed the RAF to recover and regroup.
51
How did Churchill's leadership influence the British military strategy in North Africa?
Churchill's leadership led to bold decisions, such as sending British armored forces to Egypt, resulting in rapid victories against Italy in North Africa.
52
What was the significance of the attack on the French fleet on 3 July 1940?
The attack on the French fleet was a massive gesture of defiance to prevent it from falling into German possession, showcasing Britain's determination to resist.
53
How did Churchill's working habits affect his staff?
Churchill's irregular hours and high demands often exhausted his staff, as he expected them to keep up with his pace and attention to detail.
54
What was the outcome of Churchill's leadership by the end of 1940?
By the end of 1940, Britain had achieved victories in North Africa, defeated the German air offensive, and Churchill had solidified his leadership position.
55
Discuss the implications of Churchill's rejection of Halifax's peace proposals.
Churchill's rejection of peace proposals indicated a firm commitment to continue fighting, which helped to strengthen national resolve but also risked prolonged conflict.
56
How did Churchill's relationship with his allies influence his leadership?
Churchill believed in establishing strong personal relations with his allies, which was crucial for maintaining unity and support during the war.
57
What was the effect of the German air offensive launched in August 1940?
The German air offensive aimed to destroy the RAF, but it ultimately failed, allowing Britain to recover and continue its defense.
58
Describe the role of the RAF during the Battle of Britain.
The RAF played a critical role in defending Britain against German air attacks, employing strategies that preserved their strength and allowed for effective counterattacks.
59
Explain the significance of Churchill's speech to the Commons regarding surrender.
Churchill's speech emphasized that there would be no surrender, reinforcing the determination of the British people to continue fighting against Germany.
60
Describe Churchill's approach to personal diplomacy during his leadership.
Churchill's personal diplomacy was significant, relying on strong friendships with informal advisers and friends.
61
Explain the significance of Churchill's mastery of expression in his speeches.
Churchill's mastery of both written and spoken expression was evident in 1940 and in many speeches in the House of Commons, which he consistently prioritized.
62
How did Churchill's personal flamboyance manifest during his time as Prime Minister?
Churchill's personal flamboyance was notable as he appeared in numerous uniforms and costumes, emphasizing his role as a war leader.
63
Define the characteristics that differentiated Churchill from his predecessors.
Churchill's daring and ruthlessness set him apart, including his determination to fight on in 1940 and his controversial military decisions.
64
Do Churchill's decisions reflect a willingness to take risks?
Yes, Churchill's decisions, such as supporting civilian bombing of Germany and planning to use poison gas against invaders, reflect a willingness to take significant risks.
65
Explain the relationship between Churchill and General Brooke during the war.
Churchill frequently interfered with operational matters, often frustrating Brooke, who was a competent organizer but preferred careful deployment of forces.
66
How did Churchill's military decisions impact General Wavell's command?
Churchill's decisions, including withdrawing forces from Wavell during the Italian invasion of Greece, negatively affected Wavell's ability to prepare and led to failures.
67
Describe Auchinleck's approach to military strategy compared to Churchill's expectations.
Auchinleck insisted on thorough preparations and delayed attacks, which frustrated Churchill, leading to his dismissal despite effective defenses.
68
What was Montgomery's strategy that gained Churchill's favor?
Montgomery's strategy involved thorough preparations and accumulating a significant number of troops before attacking, which impressed Churchill.
69
Explain the strategic importance of the Mediterranean for Britain during WWII.
The Mediterranean was vital for trade routes, especially after the Suez Canal's construction, and was crucial for maintaining Britain's empire and oil supplies.
70
How did the threat of Italy influence British military strategy in the Mediterranean?
The threat of Italy, especially after it joined the war in 1940, heightened British military leaders' concerns about the Mediterranean and prompted strategic planning.
71
Define the implications of Churchill's focus on a Balkan front during the war.
Churchill believed a Balkan front could draw German resources and increase British influence in Southeast Europe, leading to military actions in Greece.
72
What were the outcomes of British military efforts in Greece during 1940-41?
British forces faced defeats in Greece, leading to their evacuation and demonstrating that the Balkans were not the 'soft underbelly' Churchill had hoped for.
73
How did the situation in North Africa evolve under Churchill's leadership?
British forces initially succeeded against Italians in North Africa but faced greater challenges from the German Afrika Korps under Rommel.
74
Explain the significance of the Battle of El Alamein in the context of the North African campaign.
The Battle of El Alamein marked a turning point, as Rommel was forced back, preventing a German takeover of Egypt.
75
Describe the strategic differences between Churchill and American military leaders after December 1941.
Churchill was determined to pursue a Mediterranean strategy, while American military leaders, particularly General Marshall, favored a rapid invasion of Northern France to relieve pressure on Russia.
76
Explain the rationale behind the bombing of Germany during World War II.
The bombing of Germany was intended as an alternative to invading France, aiming to destroy German morale and its capacity to support its armed forces through relentless bombing.
77
How did the Blitz impact British civilian morale during World War II?
The Blitz did not destroy British civilian morale, indicating that similar bombing campaigns against Germany would likely not weaken German resolve, as many Germans supported Hitler.
78
Define the ethical objections raised against the bombing campaigns during World War II.
Ethical objections included concerns about the killing of large numbers of civilians, including women and children, voiced by figures like Bishop Bell of Chichester.
79
What were the consequences of the bombing raids on German cities like Dresden?
The bombing raids resulted in considerable loss of life, with between 400,000 and 600,000 Germans dying, and the bombing of Dresden, which was not a clear military target, remains controversial.
80
Discuss the changes in the nature of conflict for Britain by 1944.
By 1944, Britain found itself dominated by a richer and more powerful USA, which dictated military strategy, while Britain became a junior partner in the Great Alliance.
81
How did Operation Market Garden reflect the challenges faced by British forces in 1944?
Operation Market Garden failed due to poor planning and unexpected German resistance, highlighting the difficulties British forces faced as they attempted to regain initiative.
82
Explain the significance of the Yalta Conference for Churchill's post-war plans.
At the Yalta Conference, Churchill had to accept difficult decisions regarding Poland's borders and the return of Russian prisoners of war, which undermined his earlier aims for Polish integrity.
83
What were the implications of the US controlling military strategy for Britain during World War II?
The US control over military strategy limited Britain's freedom of action and highlighted the shift in power dynamics within the Allied forces.
84
Describe the focus of British attention regarding post-war reconstruction by 1944.
By 1944, there was increasing focus on ensuring that post-war Britain would be a better place, with hopes for radical social reforms to avoid the failures of post-World War I reconstruction.
85
How did Churchill view discussions about post-war plans during the war?
Churchill saw discussions about post-war plans as a distraction from achieving victory in the war.
86
What progress did the wartime coalition under Churchill make in planning for the post-war period?
The wartime coalition made progress in planning for post-war reforms, including establishing rest centres and nationalizing the rail network.
87
What social reforms were initiated during the war to support those affected by air raids?
Social reforms included the establishment of rest centres and meal service centres to assist those who suffered from air raids.
88
How did the British government respond to the needs of mothers and children during the war?
The British government provided diphtheria immunizations, free milk to school children, and extended free school meals, including orange juice and cod-liver oil.
89
Describe the main focus of the 1942 Beveridge Report.
The Beveridge Report aimed to address issues of poverty, ill-health, and unemployment in Britain after World War II, proposing a social service state funded by citizen contributions for health and welfare benefits.
90
Explain the significance of the 1944 Education Act in Britain.
The 1944 Education Act established a comprehensive education system in Britain, raised the school leaving age to 15 (and later to 16), eliminated school fees in state schools, and introduced an exam at age 11 to determine school placement.
91
Do you know the reasons behind Churchill's loss in the 1945 election?
Churchill lost the 1945 election due to public skepticism about the Conservative Party's commitment to post-war reforms, criticism of their handling of unemployment in the 1930s, and a desire for change that Labour was perceived to offer.
92
Define the role of Britain during World War II according to Churchill.
Churchill viewed Britain's role as a defender of democracy and civilization against Nazism, while also maintaining its Empire and playing a significant part in the Allied coalition.
93
How did Churchill's relationship with Roosevelt influence wartime diplomacy?
Churchill's relationship with Roosevelt was crucial for wartime diplomacy, as they were both leaders of English-speaking democracies, and their partnership was seen as vital in shaping the war strategy against the Axis powers.
94
Explain the impact of the Beveridge Report on the Labour Party's electoral success in 1945.
The Beveridge Report significantly influenced the Labour Party's electoral success in 1945, as it was seen as a promise of progressive social change and better prospects for the working class, leading to Labour securing 47.7% of the votes.
95
Describe the public perception of Churchill during the 1945 election campaign.
During the 1945 election campaign, Churchill was perceived as somewhat detached from the Conservative Party, and his aggressive campaigning style, including unfounded comparisons of Labour to the Nazi Gestapo, did not resonate well with voters.
96
What were the consequences of the 1944 Town and Country Planning Act?
The 1944 Town and Country Planning Act facilitated the reconstruction of areas in Britain that had been heavily bombed or blighted during the war, reflecting a commitment to urban renewal.
97
How did the war contribute to social mobility in Britain?
The war contributed to social mobility by promoting individuals based on ability within the armed forces and allowing women to take on roles in previously male-dominated occupations, leading to a desire for greater opportunities for ordinary people.
98
Explain the significance of the Atlantic Charter of 1941 in relation to Britain's empire.
The Atlantic Charter of 1941 outlined principles of democracy and self-government, but Churchill interpreted it as not applying to Britain's empire, allowing Britain to maintain its imperial interests while securing US support.
99
Describe the relationship between Churchill and Stalin during World War II.
Churchill maintained a complex relationship with Stalin, as both leaders were part of the Allied coalition, but their differing ideologies and goals created tension, despite the necessity of cooperation against the Axis powers.
100
What was the public's expectation of the Labour Party in the 1945 election?
The public expected the Labour Party to deliver significant social reforms and improvements in living conditions, contrasting with the Conservative Party's perceived indifference to the needs of the working class.
101
How did Churchill's views on Britain's imperial role affect his wartime policies?
Churchill's views on Britain's imperial role led him to prioritize maintaining the Empire and its values during the war, which influenced his diplomatic strategies and military decisions.
102
What were the key achievements of the USSR during the war that influenced British politics?
The USSR's significant wartime achievements demonstrated the potential for greater economic control and social reform, which Labour promised to deliver, appealing to voters seeking change.
103
Define the term 'social service state' as proposed by the Beveridge Report.
The term 'social service state' refers to a system where the government provides health and welfare benefits funded by contributions from citizens, aimed at addressing social issues such as poverty and ill-health.
104
Describe the initial relationship between Roosevelt and Churchill when they first met in 1918.
Roosevelt disliked Churchill, believing he was ‘a stinker’ and felt that Churchill had ‘lorded’ it over him.
105
Explain the significance of the Neutrality Act repeal in November 1939.
The repeal allowed Britain to purchase American arms, marking a shift in US policy towards supporting Britain in the war.
106
How did the USA respond to the threat of German attacks on merchant shipping in 1940?
The USA declared a neutral zone along its coast and patrolled it with the navy to prevent German attacks.
107
What was the purpose of the Lend-Lease Act passed in March 1941?
The Lend-Lease Act permitted the President to provide defense articles to countries deemed vital to US defense, leading to significant assistance for Britain.
108
Define the term 'arsenal of democracy' as used by Roosevelt in December 1940.
Roosevelt used the phrase to justify the sale of arms to Britain, emphasizing the USA's role in supporting democratic nations.
109
How did Churchill and Roosevelt's first meeting as national leaders in August 1941 impact their relationship?
The meeting resulted in a joint declaration known as the Atlantic Charter, outlining common principles despite the USA not being in the war yet.
110
What concerns did US military chiefs have regarding Britain's military strategy during World War II?
They were worried that Britain was dispersing its forces by fighting in North Africa instead of preparing for an invasion of France.
111
Explain the implications of Roosevelt's views on colonialism during the war.
Roosevelt believed it was morally wrong for Britain to rule over colonial subjects and wanted colonial peoples to be free.
112
Describe the events leading to the USA's entry into World War II in December 1941.
The USA faced increasing tensions with Japan, which culminated in the attack on Pearl Harbor, prompting Hitler to declare war on the USA.
113
What was the outcome of the meeting between Churchill and Roosevelt in June 1942?
Churchill persuaded Roosevelt to focus on a joint campaign in North Africa instead of an immediate invasion of France.
114
How did Roosevelt's diplomatic strategy shift regarding Stalin and Churchill by 1943?
Roosevelt prioritized negotiating with Stalin, sidelining Churchill, whose forces were not contributing as significantly to the war effort.
115
What was the disagreement between Churchill and Roosevelt regarding military strategy at the Quebec conference in August 1943?
The USA favored an attack on southern France, while Churchill preferred attacks in the Balkans.
116
What was the outcome of the Tehran conference in November 1943 for Churchill's plans?
Churchill's plans for bringing Turkey into the war and establishing a Balkan front were rejected by Roosevelt.
117
How did the USA's focus shift after the Tehran conference regarding military strategy?
The USA abandoned the Europe First strategy and began prioritizing the defeat of Japan.
118
What was the significance of the D-Day invasion in 1944 for the Allied forces?
The D-Day invasion, known as Operation Overlord, was a crucial Allied operation to liberate France from German occupation.
119
What was the outcome of Churchill's request for post-war financial assistance at the Quebec conference in September 1944?
Churchill received no commitment for post-war financial assistance for Britain.
120
Describe the American stance on post-war Soviet expansion by 1944.
By 1944, America was less concerned about post-war Soviet expansion compared to Britain and was not prepared to support an Anglo-American race to occupy Berlin before the Russian army.
121
Explain the agreement made by Roosevelt and Churchill at the Yalta meeting in February 1945.
Roosevelt and Churchill agreed on the policy of free elections and democracy in post-war Europe, although Roosevelt was concerned this would not apply to the British Empire.
122
How did Churchill pay tribute to Roosevelt after his death in April 1945?
Churchill paid tribute to Roosevelt in the House of Commons after his death.
123
Define Churchill's relationship with US policy during World War II.
Churchill was critical of US policy, particularly regarding the approach to the war and the handling of post-war Europe.
124
Explain Churchill's views on Russian communism and his actions against it before World War II.
Churchill was a bitter critic of Russian communism, opposing the 1917 Revolution and attempting to overturn Lenin's regime by sending British forces against it.
125
Describe Churchill's shift in ideology when Hitler invaded the USSR in June 1941.
When Hitler invaded the USSR, Churchill set aside his ideological opposition to communism, recognizing the necessity of an alliance against a common enemy.
126
What was Churchill's expectation regarding the outcome of Hitler's invasion of the USSR?
Churchill expected that communism had weakened Russia, leading to a quick success for Hitler, but the Russian resistance proved him wrong.
127
How did Russian resistance during World War II affect British public opinion?
Russian resistance was popular in Britain, demonstrating that state planning and socialism could achieve national unity and success.
128
What was Churchill's stance on the sympathy for Russian sacrifices during the war?
Churchill was determined not to let sympathy for Russian sacrifices lead Britain towards an early invasion of northern Europe.
129
Describe the nature of Churchill's first meeting with Stalin in 1942.
At their first meeting in 1942, Churchill was annoyed by Stalin's criticisms regarding Britain's failure to invade Europe.
130
Explain the shift in perception of Stalin's role in the alliance by 1943.
By 1943, the scale of the Russian war effort convinced the US that Stalin was the key figure in the alliance, rather than Churchill.
131
What concerns did Churchill have regarding Russian advances into Eastern Europe by 1944?
Churchill feared that defeating Hitler would allow Stalin to dominate Eastern Europe, leading him to revert to old-style diplomacy.
132
Define the Percentages Agreement and its implications for post-war Europe.
The Percentages Agreement was a deal between Churchill and Stalin regarding spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, reflecting cynical power politics rather than idealistic visions of freedom.
133
How did Churchill's acceptance of Polish territorial losses at Yalta compare to Chamberlain's actions before World War II?
At Yalta, Churchill had to accept Poland losing territory to Russia, similar to how Chamberlain accepted German gains in Czechoslovakia, as neither had the force or support to prevent it.
134
Describe the nature of Churchill's relationship with Stalin during World War II.
Churchill found relations with Stalin to be good, sharing a capacity for drink and a focus on their national interests, despite their differing ideologies.
135
Explain Churchill's feelings towards France and his actions after the French surrender.
Churchill loved France, spoke fluent French, and was devastated by the French surrender, willing to send forces and resources to support France.
136
What was Vichy France and its significance during World War II?
Vichy France was a pro-Nazi state in northern France that had considerable independence after the peace treaty in 1940, complicating British relations.
137
How did Churchill's actions regarding the French fleet impact relations with Vichy France?
Churchill took violent action to prevent the French fleet from falling into German hands, resulting in the sinking of ships and making future relations with Vichy France impossible.
138
Describe de Gaulle's role during World War II and his relationship with Churchill.
De Gaulle was the symbol of French resistance, leading the Free French forces, but had a difficult relationship with Churchill due to his uncompromising nature.
139
What challenges did Churchill face in dealing with de Gaulle during the war?
Churchill admired de Gaulle but found him difficult to deal with due to his uncompromising stance and lack of cooperation, which annoyed both Churchill and Roosevelt.
140
How many international conferences did Churchill attend during World War II?
Churchill attended a total of 16 international conferences during World War II.
141
What was Churchill's first priority in his meetings with Roosevelt?
Churchill's first priority was to establish personal contact with Roosevelt and pressure the USA to enter the war.
142
Explain the significance of the Atlantic Charter for Churchill.
Churchill had to accept the Atlantic Charter, which went against Britain's imperial interests, as part of his negotiations with Roosevelt.
143
What was the outcome of Churchill's visits to the USA in 1942?
Churchill ensured that the US would not prioritize the war in the Pacific and that rapid invasion plans for northern France did not prevail.
144
Describe the impact of Churchill's personality on Britain's role in the alliance with the USA and USSR.
Churchill's strong personality was significant, but Britain remained the junior partner compared to the greater resources of the USA and USSR.
145
What was Churchill's stance on opening a second front in Europe during the war?
Churchill was determined not to open a second front in Europe to relieve pressure on Russia, limiting his contributions to the conferences.
146
How did Churchill's contributions to international conferences change by 1943?
By 1943, Churchill's contributions to the conferences were becoming less important as the dynamics of the alliance shifted.
147
Describe Churchill's reaction to Roosevelt's behavior during the Tehran conference.
Churchill did not hide his displeasure and showed a lack of control, openly scowling when Roosevelt joked at his expense.
148
Explain the significance of Churchill's deal with Stalin in Moscow in 1944.
The deal was seen as improvised and irresponsible, threatening the vital friendship with the USA, and Churchill described it as 'naughty', indicating a lack of statesmanship.
149
How did Churchill's views on Poland change by the time of the Yalta conference?
Churchill faced decisions that went against his beliefs regarding Poland, having to accept Russian demands despite his opposition.
150
What were some achievements of Churchill during the war despite challenges?
He maintained the anti-Hitler alliance and was flexible enough to accept demands that went against British interests for the sake of unity, such as the Atlantic Charter.
151
Define Churchill's perspective on post-war Europe after 1945.
Churchill believed in a solid Anglo-American friendship as the basis for peace and stability, while also supporting a worldwide association of nations.
152
How did Churchill view the relationship between Britain and the USA?
He considered it the strongest element in British foreign policy and was committed to an Atlantic policy, emphasizing close ties with the USA.
153
What concerns did Churchill express regarding the division of Germany after World War II?
He worried that losing former German lands to Russia could create resentment, potentially leading to another war.
154
Explain Churchill's attitude towards European unity in the 1940s.
Churchill supported European unity, believing it was essential for the defense of the Empire and had previously proposed various forms of union with France.
155
What challenges did Churchill face regarding Britain's role in post-war alliances?
Britain was economically struggling, and there were obligations involved in being part of major non-communist groupings, which some members resisted.
156
Describe the context of Churchill's major speech in Zurich in 1946.
After his electoral defeat in July 1945, Churchill reflected on Europe and delivered a speech that enhanced his reputation as a key figure in the European movement.
157
How did Churchill's views on communism influence his foreign policy?
He was committed to opposing communism where practical, such as in Greece, and hoped to bring Turkey in as an ally.
158
What was Churchill's vision for Britain's influence in the Mediterranean?
He believed Britain could maintain considerable influence in the Mediterranean, particularly close to Egypt and the Suez Canal, linking to its Asian empire.
159
How did Churchill's perspective on the Soviet Union evolve after the war?
His hopes that Stalin would adhere to agreements for free elections in Europe faded as the Soviet hold on occupied territories strengthened.
160
What was Churchill's stance on the treatment of Polish leaders by the Russians?
He recognized the brutal treatment of Polish leaders by the Russians when Stalin occupied eastern Poland in 1940, which influenced his views on Russian demands.
161
How did Churchill's foreign policy reflect his views on Britain's empire?
He believed Britain and her Empire were in a unique position and that greater unity among non-communist groupings would strengthen Britain's security.
162
What was Churchill's approach to Germany's punishment after the war?
Initially in favor of harsh measures, he later expressed concern that punitive actions could lead to resentment similar to that after World War I.
163
Describe the implications of Churchill's relationship with Roosevelt and Truman.
Churchill viewed his personal relationships with both leaders as crucial for British foreign policy and maintaining influence in post-war Europe.
164
Describe the concerns in Britain regarding American hostility towards Russia after World War II.
There was a concern that Britain was getting drawn into American hostility towards Russia, which was viewed with apprehension.
165
Explain the sentiment within the Commonwealth regarding British dominance.
There was resentment about British dominance within the Commonwealth and a desire for greater independence among its member nations.
166
How did conservative circles in Britain view the idea of greater European union?
Conservative circles saw the idea of greater European union as undermining Britain's traditional freedom of action.
167
Define Churchill's vision for European unity.
Churchill favored a loose association of European nations that would affirm shared values rather than a strong political union.
168
What was the significance of the meeting organized by Duncan Sandys in 1947?
The meeting of 800 influential Europeans led to the formation of the Council of Europe in 1949, which was more about sharing ideas than creating a real union.
169
Explain the concept of the 'iron curtain' as established by Churchill.
Churchill established the view that Europe was divided by an iron curtain, symbolizing the division between the Soviet-dominated East and the West.
170
What was the context of Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech delivered in 1946?
The speech, titled 'The Sinews of Peace,' was delivered in Missouri and is seen as initiating the Cold War, having a major impact worldwide.
171
How did Churchill's use of the term 'iron curtain' differ from its previous usage?
While others had used the term before, Churchill made it famous, allowing the West to label Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe as 'iron curtain countries'.
172
What was the impact of the 'Iron Curtain' speech on international relations?
The speech created an image of a permanent division between East and West, contributing to international tension.
173
How did Stalin perceive Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech?
Stalin viewed the speech as very hostile, reflecting the growing tensions between the Soviet Union and the West.
174
Discuss the long-term implications of the Fulton speech on U.S. foreign policy.
The Fulton speech influenced U.S. opinion towards a policy of hardening attitudes against both West and East, marking a shift in foreign policy.
175
What criticisms were directed at Churchill's speech at the time of its delivery?
At the time, the speech faced criticism for being irresponsible, as there was considerable approval for peace and gratitude towards the USSR.
176
Identify the factors that contributed to the onset of the Cold War beyond Churchill's speech.
Anti-communist pressures in the USA had been building prior to the speech, with Truman and influential foreign policy experts advocating for containment of Soviet expansion.
177
What was Churchill's broader message regarding the USSR in his speeches?
Despite advocating for opposition to Soviet expansion, Churchill also called for understanding with the USSR.
