How was his leadership special during wartime?

Churchill's communication style during the war

He delivered powerful speeches that inspired resilience and national unity.

Key wartime speech by Churchill

"We shall fight on the beaches" (4 June 1940) — a rallying cry for total resistance.

Impact of Churchill's speeches on public morale

They gave people hope, strengthened resolve, and framed the war as a moral crusade.

Churchill's decision on peace negotiations in 1940

He rejected Lord Halifax's push to explore peace with Hitler, insisting on total resistance.

Risk of rejecting peace talks in 1940

Britain stood alone after France fell — refusing talks could have led to invasion or total defeat.

Churchill's decision about the French navy in 1940

Ordered the sinking of the French fleet at Oran to prevent it falling into German hands — 1300 French sailors killed.

Rationale for sinking the French fleet

To protect British naval superiority and show Britain's resolve to fight on.

Churchill's decision about bombing Germany

Approved area bombing of German cities, including civilian targets, to cripple morale and war production.

Moral difficulty of area bombing

It caused massive civilian casualties — e.g. Dresden (1945) — 500,000 Germans died in all air bombings, raising ethical concerns post-war but also showing Churchill’s no fucks given attitude

Churchill's handling of pressure from the US and USSR by 1944

Agreed to the Second Front (D-Day) despite fears over Soviet post-war influence — prioritised Allied unity over British imperial concerns.

Further evidence for Churchills determination for victory

Famous ‘V’ finger gesture for Victory

Plans to kill german invaders with poision gas

Support for covert operations with spies and sabateaurs