This is Winston Churchill.
- He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War Two.
- He worked hard to keep people's spirits up in wartime.
- He is known for his great speeches.
Watch: Winston Churchill's life
Find out more about Winston Churchill.
In 1940 Britain was in danger fighting Germany, a powerful enemy, in World War Two. And Britain seemed to be losing. But a leader came along to help the British fight back and win and he did it with the power of words!
His name was Winston Churchill.
Churchill came from a wealthy family and was a soldier, a journalist and then, a Member of Parliament, where he helped make laws.
Churchill was clever and determined but some people thought he was difficult and only interested in himself.
In 1939, World War Two started. When the Prime Minister gave up his job, Churchill replaced him.
The war started badly for Britain. The army lost battles against the Germans. Cities were damaged by German planes dropping bombs and many died. People looked to the Prime Minister to help them.
Churchill worked hard to keep people's spirits up. He made speeches played on the radio. He visited towns which had been damaged by bombs. He met soldiers, sailors and pilots who were fighting in the war. His speeches encouraged the people of Britain to be strong and courageous.
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields and in the streets. We shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!"
In the end, with the help of many countries, the Germans were beaten.
But in 1945, Winston Churchill lost the election, as people felt they needed a different Prime Minister in peace.
However, even now, Winston Churchill is remembered as a great war leader, whose speeches gave strength to the country when it needed him.
What did Winston Churchill do?
- During the war, Churchill led the country in the fight against Hitler, Germany's leader at the time.
- Many towns and cities were bombed during the war.
- When Churchill talked on the radio it helped the British people to stay strong and positive.
Did you know?
- Winston Churchill didn’t always do very well at school.
- Churchill enjoyed painting pictures. He painted often!
- He was very good at reading and history, and he wrote many history books.
- He sometimes wore a ‘onesie’ called a siren suit, which he could put on quickly if there was an air raid.
Activity 1 – Sort the events in Winston Churchill's life
Activity 2 – Winston Churchill quiz
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