Britain Britain at WAR Why was a new coalition government formed in May 1940 ?

The Military Crisis April to May 1940 The Military Crisis German troops had invaded Denmark April 1940 German troops had invaded Norway April 1940 Germans overran Low Countries May 1940 Germans made rapid advances into France

1.Inadequacies of Chamberlain-Long term factor Political crisis-both politicians and the people would lose faith in Chamberlain. 1.His policy of Appeasement was seriously questioned after Hitler annexed Czechoslovakia in March 1939 and Poland September 1939.He had underestimated Hitler and his promise ‘that he had no more territorial demands’. 2.His failure to procure an alliance with Soviet Russia. 3.His misunderstanding of the situation with Hitler and the situation in Scandanavia-he claimed Hitler had ‘missed the bus’and then they invaded both Denmark and Norway.The British attempt to dislodge the Germans would fail.

Matters came to a head in May 1940-Medium factors and short term factors He was criticised for not organising the economy for war. The blockade of Germany had not been tight enough. Chamberlain himself did not relish his role as a war time leader, Defeat and evacuation in Norway led to Chamberlain opening a debate on the disastrous Norwegian campaign. It became clear he had lost the support from his Conservative backbenchers(government’s majority fell from 240 to 81) and from Labour who wanted him to resign.The Conservative rebels refused to support him unless Labour and the Liberals were prepared to support the government too.There was no chance of this and Chamberlain duly resigned. L.S.Amery-’Depart I say,and let us have done with you. In the name of God go’.

Other Important contributory factors The attraction of Churchill His record of pre war criticism of government policy on rearmament, relations with Germany. He had improved his relationship with the press and the trade unions (he would invite Ernest Bevin into the government) and the Labour party welcomed his uncompromising opposition to Hitler and Nazism. He also had extensive contacts in the USA. His skilful broadcasting and the ability to promote himself as a man of energy of determination. His major rival Lord Halifax was too closely associated with Appeasement and he himself believed Churchill to be the better choice. Churchill would lead a truly durable and effective national coalition government.