Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS, Hon.

RA (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965) is a British politician, best known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century, he serves as Prime Minister twice (1940–45 and 1951–55).

A noted statesman and orator, Churchill is also an officer in the British Army, a historian, a writer, and an artist.

He is the only British prime minister to have received the Nobel Prize in Literature and is the first person to be made an Honorary Citizen of the United States.

Churchill was born into an aristocratic family, and was the grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough.

His father, Lord Randolph Churchill, is a charismatic politician who serves as Chancellor of the Exchequer; his mother, Jennie Jerome, is an American socialite.

As a young army officer, he sees action in British India, the Sudan, and the Second Boer War.

He gains fame as a war correspondent and writes books about his campaigns.

At the forefront of politics for fifty years, he holds many political and cabinet positions.

Before the First World War, he serves as President of the Board of Trade, Home Secretary, and First Lord of the Admiralty as part of the Asquith Liberal government.

During the war, he continues as First Lord of the Admiralty until the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign causes his departure from government.

He then briefly resumes active army service on the Western Front as commander of the 6th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

He returns to government as Minister of Munitions, Secretary of State for War, and Secretary of State for Air.

After the War, Churchill serves as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Conservative (Baldwin) government of 1924–29, controversially returning the pound sterling in 1925 to the gold standard at its pre-war parity, a move widely seen as creating deflationary pressure on the UK economy.

Also controversial is his opposition to increased home rule for India and his resistance to the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII.

Out of office and politically "in the wilderness" during the 1930s, Churchill takes the lead in warning about Nazi Germany and in campaigning for rearmament.

On the outbreak of the Second World War, he is again appointed First Lord of the Admiralty.

Following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain on 10 May 1940, Churchill becomes Prime Minister.

His steadfast refusal to consider defeat, surrender, or a compromise peace helps inspire British resistance, especially during the difficult early days of the War when Britain stands alone in its active opposition to Adolf Hitler.

Churchill is particularly noted for his speeches and radio broadcasts, which help inspire the British people.

He leads Britain as Prime Minister until victory over Nazi Germany is secured.

After the Conservative Party loses the 1945 election, he become Leader of the Opposition to the Labour (Attlee) government.

After winning the 1951 election, he again becomes Prime Minister, before retiring in 1955.

Upon his death, Elizabeth II grants him the honor of a state funeral, which sees one of the largest assemblies of world statesmen in history.

Named the Greatest Briton of all time in a 2002 poll, Churchill is widely regarded as being among the most influential people in British history.

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