The Churchill ‘myth’ Learning objectives K: the traditional and revisionist interpretations of Churchill as a war leader U: the different stages of the mark scheme in relation to historic interpretation S: create an argument using evidence in support of a balanced interpretation

Part b) mark scheme InterpretationsUse of evidence/materialJudgement L1: Little, if any, awareness of differing historical interpretations L1: Generalised and assertive material L1: Simplistic reference, if any, to the question L2: Limited understanding of differing historical interpretations L2: relevant but limited support L2: Few explicit links to the question L3: Some understanding of differing historical interpretations L3: Relevant evidence, but lacking depth and/or balance L3: Some assessment related to the question L4: Good understanding of historical interpretations and some debate L4: A good range of appropriately selected evidence L4: A balanced argument in response to the question L5: Well developed understanding of historical interpretations and debate L5: Supported by precisely selected evidence L5: A sustained argument leading to a relevant conclusion

Outcomes ALL (D) Describe evidence that supports an interpretation. Shows understanding but lacks depth and balance. MOST (C-B) Use a range of factual evidence to explain a balanced interpretation SOME (A) Well developed argument / debate showing the validity of an interpretation, using precise supporting evidence

Churchill’s appointment as PM (May 1940) Why Churchill?Why not Lord Halifax? Too closely associated with appeasement Peer in the House of Lords Lacked motivation and self belief in his ability for the job Military experience – India, the Sudan, Western Front, in charge of the Admiralty and since Sept 1939 Naval victories during ‘phoney war’ Had advocated rearmament Had become popular with trade unions and Labour Contacts with USA His articles and broadcasts signified his energy and determination

Interpretations on Churchill Traditional viewRevisionist view “the saviour of his country” (AJP Taylor) Martin Gilbert biography shows him as an inspiring leader Roy Jenkins and Geoffrey Best led a return to this positive interpretation in the 21 st century Critical of Churchill’s motives and achievements Alan Clark Clive Ponting

Why is it important to go beyond this simple definition? InterpretationsUse of evidence/materialJudgement L1: Little, if any, awareness of differing historical interpretations L1: Generalised and assertive material L1: Simplistic reference, if any, to the question L2: Limited understanding of differing historical interpretations L2: relevant but limited support L2: Few explicit links to the question L3: Some understanding of differing historical interpretations L3: Relevant evidence, but lacking depth and/or balance L3: Some assessment related to the question L4: Good understanding of historical interpretations and some debate L4: A good range of appropriately selected evidence L4: A balanced argument in response to the question L5: Well developed understanding of historical interpretations and debate L5: Supported by precisely selected evidence L5: A sustained argument leading to a relevant conclusion

Interpretations on Churchill Traditional view - admiringRevisionist view - critical Won the battle within the Conservative Party for continuing the war against Germany Was an inspiring leader and created a sense of national unity Successful handling of Russian and American allies Made appropriate appointments to political and military posts which translated into military successes He prolonged the war for 5 years when he could have sought peace. This weakened Britain and resulted in the loss of empire after the war Speeches were no more than emotional bravado to mask the reality of political division and military failure in 1940 He allowed Britain to be dominated and outmanoeuvred by her allies Made strategic military mistakes and used immoral tactics to gain victory So, how do we develop these points?

Churchill’s speeches Traditional view - admiringRevisionist view - critical Was an inspiring leader and created a sense of national unity Speeches were no more than emotional bravado to mask the reality of political division and military failure in Listen to the speech. Write down two quotes that would support the traditional interpretation

Explaining evidence to support the traditional view In his speeches Churchill gave an impression of self- confidence and determination. On 18 th June 1940, at a time when France had been defeated by Germany, Churchill announced to his people that Britain would “fight on until the curse of Hitler is lifted”. Through this quote, Churchill is reinforcing the importance of continuing the war and securing the ongoing support of the British people for the war by referring to Hitler as a ‘curse’. Churchill uses the same speech to reassure his people that “in the end all will be well”. Churchill is cleverly using this to maintain public confidence in him as a leader and keep the British people united in the war effort.

Explaining evidence to support the revisionist view Churchill ‘s speeches in 1940 are evidence of his use of emotional bravado to conceal the reality of the military situation. On 18 th June 1940 Churchill attempted to reassure his people that “in the end all will be well”. This was at a particularly dangerous time for Britain as France had just been defeated by Germany and the threat of invasion was looming. However, Churchill glosses over this by saying that Britain will be the “sole champion” in the fight. Furthermore Churchill gives a misleading impression of the unity of political opinion on the war when he says the defeat of France will make ”no difference to British faith or purpose” in continuing the war. The reality was that Lord Halifax and other Conservatives felt that Britain should attempt to make peace with Hitler. Even Churchill himself had discussed a compromise peace with a small group of his cabinet in late May 1940.

Interpretations on Churchill Traditional view - admiringRevisionist view - critical Successful handling of Russian and American allies Made appropriate appointments to political and military posts which translated into military successes He allowed Britain to be dominated and outmanoeuvred by her allies Made strategic military mistakes and used immoral tactics to gain victory Your task is to find precise evidence that will support the remaining two arguments for the interpretation you have been given to research.

Use the following resources to highlight evidence that would support the two arguments in your interpretation. AQA text p Photocopy of Rowe p Sample essay (photocopy from Rowe p ) Write two paragraphs explaining the two arguments (use the model paragraph from Churchill’s speech to help)

Plenary: Judgement question How successful was Churchill as wartime leader? SuccessfulUnsuccessful Support your choice with one piece of evidence

Homework Complete notes for the interpretation you did not work on in lesson If you were a revisionist today you will need notes on the traditional point of view