Events on February 21 in history

The British government, under Winston Churchill, abolishes identity cards in the UK to "set the people free".

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, born on November 30, 1874, and passing away on January 24, 1965, was a truly monumental figure in British history. This statesman served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during two distinct periods: from 1940 to 1945, at the harrowing height of the Second World War, and again from 1951 to 1955. While his resolute wartime leadership as Prime Minister is what he is perhaps best known for, Churchill's life was a tapestry woven with a remarkable array of achievements and experiences.

Early Life, Military Service, and Entry into Politics

Born into a wealthy, aristocratic family in Oxfordshire, Winston Churchill had a unique lineage with mixed English and American parentage, his mother being Jennie Jerome, an American socialite. His early education led him to the prestigious Royal Military College, Sandhurst, a formative experience that shaped his disciplined approach to life. He embarked on his military career in 1895, serving in various campaigns across the globe. He saw action in British India, participated in the Anglo-Sudan War, and fought in the Second Boer War in South Africa. During these conflicts, he quickly gained public fame not only as a soldier but also as an intrepid war correspondent, vividly chronicling his experiences in popular dispatches and later in books, which served as an early showcase for his powerful prose.

In 1900, Churchill transitioned from military to political life, successfully being elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP). However, his political journey was marked by an early ideological shift; in 1904, he famously defected to the Liberal Party. This move, while controversial at the time, allowed him to pursue what he saw as more progressive social policies.

Political Ascendancy and World War I Challenges

Under H. H. Asquith's Liberal government, Churchill held significant cabinet positions. He served as President of the Board of Trade and later as Home Secretary, where he championed notable social reforms, including significant changes to the prison system and the introduction of early forms of workers' social security. His career then led him to the critical role of First Lord of the Admiralty just before and during the initial stages of the First World War. In this capacity, he oversaw the British Navy's operations. However, his association with the ill-fated Gallipoli Campaign, a disastrous military operation aimed at opening a sea route to Russia, led to his demotion to Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The personal and political fallout from Gallipoli was immense, and a disillusioned Churchill resigned in November 1915, choosing instead to serve on the Western Front for six months with the Royal Scots Fusiliers, a testament to his enduring courage and commitment.

Despite this setback, Churchill was too talented to remain out of government for long. In 1917, he returned to public service under Prime Minister David Lloyd George, holding successive ministerial posts: Minister of Munitions, Secretary of State for War, Secretary of State for Air, and Secretary of State for the Colonies. During these years, he played a crucial role in shaping post-war policy, including overseeing the delicate negotiations that led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty and influencing British foreign policy in the complex and strategically vital Middle East.

Post-War Years and Economic Decisions

After a brief period out of Parliament, Churchill returned to the Conservative Party and served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in Stanley Baldwin's government. In 1925, he made a momentous decision to return the pound sterling to the gold standard at its pre-war parity. While intended to restore financial stability, this move is now widely regarded by economists as having created severe deflationary pressures, significantly depressing the UK economy and contributing to unemployment in the years that followed.

The 'Wilderness Years' and Return to Power

The 1930s saw Winston Churchill largely out of government and influence, a period often referred to as his "wilderness years." During this time, he was a lonely but persistent voice, raising alarm about the growing threat of militarism in Nazi Germany and urgently calling for British rearmament. His warnings, though often unheeded by the prevailing political establishment that favored appeasement, proved tragically prescient.

At the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, his experience and foresight could no longer be ignored. He was re-appointed First Lord of the Admiralty. Then, in May 1940, as the war dramatically escalated with the fall of France, Churchill became Prime Minister, replacing Neville Chamberlain. He immediately formed a national government, uniting all major political parties behind the war effort. His powerful speeches, brimming with resolve and defiance, rallied the British people during their darkest hour, forging a spirit of national unity and resilience against the Axis powers. His iconic leadership, marked by unwavering determination, played an indispensable role in steering Britain and its allies towards ultimate victory in 1945.

Post-War Leadership, "Iron Curtain" and Final Years

Despite his wartime triumph, the Conservatives suffered a surprising defeat in the 1945 general election, and Churchill transitioned to become Leader of the Opposition. In the evolving landscape of the post-war world, with the Soviet Union emerging as a new global power, he famously delivered his "Iron Curtain" speech in 1946, starkly warning of the division of Europe and the spread of Soviet influence. He also passionately promoted the idea of European unity, envisioning a future where nations could cooperate to prevent further conflict.

Second Term and Retirement

After losing the 1950 election, Churchill made a remarkable comeback, returning to office as Prime Minister in 1951 for his second term. This period was largely preoccupied with crucial foreign affairs, particularly strengthening Anglo-American relations and navigating the complex realities of the declining British Empire. Domestically, his government prioritised ambitious house-building programmes to address the post-war housing crisis and oversaw the completion of Britain's development of a nuclear weapon, a project initiated by his predecessor. In 1953, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, not for any single work, but "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values." Beyond his public life, he was also a prolific painter, finding solace and expression in art, a practice that helped him manage periods of depression.

Facing declining health, Churchill finally resigned as Prime Minister in 1955, though he continued to serve as an MP until 1964. Upon his death in 1965, he was afforded a magnificent state funeral, a testament to his extraordinary service and standing in the nation's history.

Legacy and Criticisms

Sir Winston Churchill is widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most significant figures, a giant of British and world politics. He remains highly popular in the UK and the Western world, revered as the triumphant wartime leader who played a pivotal role in defending Europe's liberal democracies against the brutal spread of fascism. His vision for social reform in his early career is also celebrated.

However, Churchill's legacy is not without controversy. He has faced criticism for certain wartime decisions, including the area bombing of German cities and his government's response to the devastating Bengal famine in India, which led to millions of deaths. Furthermore, his imperialist views and some of his comments on race have drawn significant condemnation in contemporary discourse, sparking ongoing debates about his place in history and the complexities of judging historical figures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Winston Churchill

Who was Sir Winston Churchill?

Sir Winston Churchill was a towering British statesman, soldier, writer, and artist who served twice as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He is most famous for his leadership during the Second World War.

When was Churchill Prime Minister?

Churchill served as Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945, leading Britain through the majority of WWII, and again from 1951 to 1955.

What was his role in the Second World War?

During the Second World War, Churchill served as Prime Minister from May 1940, forging a national government and inspiring the British people with his resolute leadership and powerful oratory against Nazi Germany and the Axis powers. He was instrumental in shaping the Allied war effort.

What literary achievements did he have?

Churchill was a prolific writer and historian. He authored numerous books, including multi-volume histories like "The Second World War" and "A History of the English-Speaking Peoples." His exceptional command of the English language and historical narrative earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953.

Why is Churchill a controversial figure?

While widely celebrated for his wartime leadership, Churchill has faced criticism for aspects of his record, including his imperialist views, comments on race, certain wartime strategies like the bombing of German cities, and his government's handling of the Bengal famine during WWII.