Winston Churchill

Britain’s wartime prime minister and his wider political life

1874–1965

Winston Churchill was British prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. He replaced Neville Chamberlain at the head of a coalition government in May 1940 and took part in directing Britain’s war effort and diplomacy. His long career also included military service, writing, changes of party and opposition to Indian independence.

Soldier, journalist and politician

Born at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on 30 November 1874, Churchill travelled as a soldier and journalist to places including Egypt and South Africa. He entered Parliament as a Conservative in 1900, joined the Liberals in 1904 and returned to the Conservatives during the interwar years. His later image as a wartime leader therefore represents only part of his political life.

1940 and directing the war

After Chamberlain resigned in May 1940, Churchill became prime minister of a coalition government. He also served as Minister of Defence and took an active administrative and diplomatic role in the war effort. He took office during Germany’s western offensive; Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain reveal different aspects of the crisis facing the country.

Positions that also matter

Churchill warned against the appeasement of Nazi Germany. He also firmly opposed Indian independence. His wartime leadership and relationship to the British Empire belong within the same life story; admiration for one part of his record should not obscure his other positions.

After 1945

Labour’s election victory under Clement Attlee in 1945 ended Churchill’s first premiership. He returned to office in 1951 but resigned in 1955 as his health deteriorated. He died in London on 24 January 1965 and received a state funeral.

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