Great Britain and Churchill: Background, Political Standing, and Policies

"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat," - Churchill, May 1940

Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, as leader of Great Britain from his appointment as Prime Minister in May 1940 until his dismissal in July of 1945, did not exercise quite the same authority as did President Roosevelt, but his personality nonetheless commanded an immense amount of influence within his government. Churchill did not circumvent formalities of administration, as Roosevelt was known to do, and he always had to wait for Cabinet approval before decisions could be finalized. The relatively solid and unified social system in Great Britain presented little opposition to its leaders and greatly added to the nation's war effort. Their government was viewed as the middle ground between the chaos of the United States at that time, and the rigidity of Stalin's regime.

Churchill himself had the advantage of international travel as well as familiarity with the United States. He and his government were experienced in warfare, Churchill being the only one of the Big Three who had commanded troops in battle. Thus, the British were able to act as guides for policy-making in the less-prepared United States government. Churchill's role within the British government was focused on military policies, whereas Roosevelt permeated the entire system. His goal, like that of most political figures, was to work for the interests of his nation. Churchill usually tried to create compromises to deal with issues and principles that opposed these interests, but if these didn't work, morality and principles were often set aside. However, he was a romantic, and felt deep compassion for lost causes. Churchill did lapse into depressions, but they were not thought to affect his politics.

By 1941, Great Britain had already been fighting for 27 months. They had lost most of their battles, yet they remained confident. But Churchill was beginning to accept the idea that the British were no longer capable of exercising the same leadership and widespread influence as they had before World War II. The British needed the United States to join the war against Germany because they didn't have the overwhelming industrial or naval advantage that they had maintained in the past. Shipments of supplies from the United States were resulting only in a stalemate. Until December 7, 1941, they continued to be disappointed in their hopes for active military aid. After this turning point, the new worry was that the United States would focus their strength on Japan and disregard the European conflict, but this did not occur.