declared war on Germany, Chamberlain asked Churchill to assume the duties of First Lord of the Admiralty. This was the second time for Churchill in this post, and he held the position for only a brief time. After Chamberlain’s resignation in May of 1940, Churchill was called upon to be Prime Minister. In assuming this title, Churchill became the voice of Britain during the war. His emotional speeches would inspire the nation to endure much hardship and sacrifice.As Prime Minster, he immediately brought hope to all of Britain. In his first address to the people of Britain as Prime Minister, he exhorted them to stand up in support of their country. (Webb 88-91) In the speech he said:We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, What is our policy? I will say; "It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us." You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory - victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival. (Geib, Internet)Subsequent to Churchill becoming Prime Minister, Holland, Belgium and France all fell to Hitler’s forces. The English were soon left to stand alone. This was to be a true test for the army and people of Britain. (Gilbert 60-61)Churchill drove himself, his Cabinet, and the war production chiefs to ends that seemed impossible to achieve. He rallied the British people, instilling in them the same confidence that he felt. Guns, ammunition, and planes were produced at a feverish pace. Defenses were increased and a home guard was established.” (Webb 93) Churchill knew that the British Isles were threatened as they never had been before. He made a stirring address to the British people, rallying them to the defense of the islands. Britai...
