Winston Spencer Churchill

What was Churchill's ideology and how did it affect his and Great Britain's involvement in WWII.  Specifically, how did Churchill direct the British people during this turbulent time?

Winston Churchill had many ideas to bring to the table on his rise to power. His change from Conservative to Liberal, in 1904, had a lot of influence on his ideology. He was a fervent advocate of free trade and low tariffs. Churchill had a strong inclination toward social reform and a concern for the welfare of the less fortunate. Based off his concern for the less fortunate he desired additional revenue to fund social programs and increase defense spending. He was among the leaders of a movement to increase taxes on Britain's wealthiest inhabitants. Churchill even promoted the development and use of new weapons, airplanes, and tanks. He was also forceful advocate of military aviation. Churchill's ideology is what allowed Britain to be prepared going into the war. Since he was such an advocate for new weapons and a strong military they were ready if Germany were to attack. He was also at an advantage being a close ally with the United States. The Lend- Lease Act provided war materials which kept the country in stock. Churchill was a down to earth man and he was the one who predicted the attack from Germany. Although the people did not listen to him at the beginning they changed their minds. They realized he was a strategic person who thought a step ahead. Even before the involvement in the war he won some of the less fortunate people's support due to the strong inclination he had for social reform. His speeches helped him assure the people that they would be fine and gave them a sense of nationalism during the turbulent time.

The Eastern and Western Fronts

On the Eastern Front fighting was between Russia and the central powers of Austria-Hungary and Germany. Russians, along with some help from their allies, were ready and equipped for war. They were in equal position with Germany and superior to Austria regarding their chances. The war had begun when Russia invaded Eastern Prussia. The Eastern Front and Western Front had similarities and differences among the many factors going into the war. . One similarity included the newer technology involved meaning machine guns and poison gas inventions. While the war on the Western Front was expected due to previous issues of distrust, the Eastern Front was somewhat sudden because of assumptions made.The most obvious differences are that they are in different location and that different countries were involved in both. Casualties were higher in the Western Front, but there were many soldiers consistently  signing up to join the war effort.

Causes of the Great War

 

There were different factors that caused the start of the Great War.  Tensions began to rise due to the mistrust and want for power among the great powers in Europe. Alliances were created then jealously arose. The different powers also felt threatened by the powers with the more powerful economy and military. Nationalism was another tension added on. The countries of Germany and France had a strong sense of nationalism which led to confidence while Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Turkey were afraid of rebellion. Then a regional conflict between tiny Serbia and Austria-Hungary grew into the general war. After the assassination of Francis Ferdinand Austria began to seek revenge. The idea of a coming war brought alliances together and that is when the war became known as the Great War.