Perspectives

Historical perspective

Winston Churchill’s speech “Their Finest Hour” should be analyzed from a historical perspective that could clarify his position at the beginning of World War II. Unlike his predecessor, Neville Chamberlain, Churchill was ready to fight against the Germans. Chamberlain – and the United Kingdom’s allies – decided not to fight Hitler and avoid war at all cost. Consequently, during Chamberlain’s leadership and because of his lack of action, Nazi Germany took possession of a part of what was then Czechoslovakia. After Germany’s invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands, Chamberlain eventually resigned and Churchill replaced him as Prime Minister.

The speech “Their Finest Hour” – along with two other famous speeches on the Battle of F...