-
Birth of Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was born on this day in Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. Being born in this palace meant he was being born into a wealthy, aristocratic family. This gave him a good jump start into his future endeavors. -
Period: to
Life of Winston Churchill
-
Appointed War Correspondent During Second Boer War
In 1899, Churchill left the army for the opportunity to work as a war correspondent in South Africa for the Morning Post, which was a conservative daily newspaper. In this position, he was able to report on current war events which allowed him to start his career in becoming a writer as well as continue to be in a military setting. He was able to write about his experiences and them published, increasing his popularity every day. -
Becomes Member of Parliament
Churchill was elected into British Parliament and became appointed to the prime minister's cabinet as president of the Board of Trade. Being on the board, he was able to introduce new reforms to the British Prison System and taxes to help with the social welfare system. -
Elected as Minister of War and Colonial Secretary
Churchill served in this position from 1919 to 1922 from when he was elected as the Minister of War and Air in 1917. He was the Colonial Secretary for British foreign problems under David Lloyd George. Being in this position, he was on the path to becoming a leader and showing his military skills. -
Hitler invades Poland
The Nazi Regime under the leadership of Adolf Hitler entered the borders of Poland in late 1939. The attack touched off the world struggle that Churchill would later call “The Unnecessary War” because he felt a firm policy toward aggressor nations after World War I would have prevented the conflict. -
Britain Declares War on Germany
With the rise of Adolf Hitler in 1933 up until his gain of powerful countries in 1938, Churchill was on the side against the Nazi regime. So on this date, Britain declared war on Germany with Churchill being appointed a member of the war cabinet. This event was another opportunity for him to hold his spot in Britain's politics and to go against the rising Nazis. -
Appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The talk about the German invasion of Norway due ultimately led to Churchill being appointed. Prime Minister Chamberlin had been voted no since he had ignored the proposal made by Churchill to stop the Germans by occupying ports on the coast of Norway. This was important because he was now in power and was fully able to use his skills in helping Britain against Germany. -
Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawai'i starts when Japanese fighter planes launch a surprise attack on United States soil, destroying the U.S. Pacific Fleet docked at the base. This attack led to the entry of American troops into World War II, officially declaring war on Japan. The UK allies with the United States to oppose the Nazi Party and stop Hitler's campaign. -
World War II Ends
World War 2 ended with the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. On May 8, 1945, the Allies accepted Germany's surrender, about a week after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide. This brought peace to Europe and served as a victory for countries like that of the UK. -
"Iron Curtain" Speech Addressed In U.S.
Churchill visited Westminster College in the United States where he made his famous "Iron Curtain" speech addressing his warning that the Soviet Union was beginning to dominate Eastern Europe. This was important because he was recognizing that his country needed to stay independent, and he was trying to tell other countries to stay well aware of the circumstances around them in the world. -
India & Pakistan Gain Independence from the British Empire
India and Pakistan gain independence from Great Britain when the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act. This was a liberation for the people of these two countries, especially those living in India. This separation allowed the people of these countries to have their own prime minister and their own sense of nationality. -
Appointed Prime Minister for the 2nd Time
After the general election of October 1951, Churchill again became prime minister, and his second governmental office lasted until his resignation in April 1955. He also held the office of Minister of Defence from October 1951 until March 1, 1952. -
Death of Churchill
On this date, Sir Winston Churchill died of a stroke at the age of 90 years old. When his death was made public, the entire world took a moment of silence due to the impact he had on people when he was alive. He is remembered as a leader, hero, author, and idol of the 20th century.
