In early June of 1940, France was on the verge of capitulation. After a series of failed maneuvers, British forces were forced to evacuate at Dunkirk; mainland Europe was being dominated by the armies of Nazi Germany. On June 18, as morale was sinking, newly incumbent British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill stood before the House of Commons to deliver what is now one of the most recognizable pieces of oratory of the Twentieth Century. In his “Finest Hour” speech, Churchill addressed the recent military blunders, and sought to assure Britons that the British Empire would fight with an untiringly, just as they had done a generation ago. The speech was also broadcasted on BBC Radio that evening to reach a greater audience. Churchill first
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The cause is far from lost: Norwegians, Czechs, Poles, Dutch, and Belgians have joined the effort as well. As the Prime Minister concludes his peroration, he says, “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’” (8).
The speech was effective in both summarizing the recent events in France, describing on what ground Britain stands upon proceeding into the war, and instilling hope and a defensive pugnacity into the heads and hearts of British citizens. Churchill often draws comparison between the current situation and the situation during the Great War. This is a very effective measure. By doing so, Churchill asserts that the British Empire has defeated this enemy once, and will do so once more.
As we know, the British held out for the duration of the war until victory was won. Winston Churchill is often considered as one of the best wartime statesmen in history. His speeches in both the House and on the BBC airwaves are as memorable as they were effective. Churchill delivered “Their Finest Hour” with the goal of inspiring a nation, it would be absurd to deny that he succeeded
The cause is far from lost: Norwegians, Czechs, Poles, Dutch, and Belgians have joined the effort as well. As the Prime Minister concludes his peroration, he says, “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’” (8).
The speech was effective in both summarizing the recent events in France, describing on what ground Britain stands upon proceeding into the war, and instilling hope and a defensive pugnacity into the heads and hearts of British citizens. Churchill often draws comparison between the current situation and the situation during the Great War. This is a very effective measure. By doing so, Churchill asserts that the British Empire has defeated this enemy once, and will do so once more.
As we know, the British held out for the duration of the war until victory was won. Winston Churchill is often considered as one of the best wartime statesmen in history. His speeches in both the House and on the BBC airwaves are as memorable as they were effective. Churchill delivered “Their Finest Hour” with the goal of inspiring a nation, it would be absurd to deny that he succeeded