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.
