Winston Churchill’s “This Was Their Finest Hour” Speech

On June 18, 1940, Winston Churchill delivered one of his most famous speeches to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. This address, known as the “This was their finest hour” speech, was a pivotal moment in rallying British morale during the early days of World War II, particularly following the fall of France to Nazi Germany.

Context Leading Up to the Speech

• Fall of France: By mid-June 1940, France had succumbed to the German Blitzkrieg, a rapid and devastating military campaign. The fall of France left Britain standing alone against the Axis powers in Western Europe.

• Dunkirk Evacuation: Just weeks before, the British Expeditionary Force had been evacuated from Dunkirk in Operation Dynamo, a massive effort that saved over 300,000 Allied soldiers but left much of their heavy equipment behind.

• Political Climate: Churchill had become Prime Minister only a month earlier, on May 10, 1940, succeeding Neville Chamberlain. His leadership was crucial in maintaining British resolve during this precarious period.

Key Themes of the Speech

• Acknowledgment of the Situation: Churchill did not shy away from the grim reality of the situation. He acknowledged the severity of the threat posed by Nazi Germany and the challenges Britain faced.

• Call to Action: The speech was a call to arms, urging the British people to prepare for the defense of their nation. Churchill emphasized the importance of unity and resilience.

• Moral and Historical Significance: Churchill framed the conflict as a struggle for the survival of civilization itself, highlighting the moral imperative to resist tyranny.

• Inspirational Tone: The speech is renowned for its inspirational tone, aiming to boost morale and instill confidence in the British public and military forces.

Excerpt from the Speech

The speech culminated in the famous lines:

“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”

Aftermath and Historical Significance

• Boost in Morale: Churchill’s speech was instrumental in bolstering British morale at a time when the future looked uncertain. It reinforced the resolve of the British people to withstand the forthcoming Battle of Britain.

• Symbol of Resistance: The speech became a symbol of British resistance against Nazi aggression and is often cited as a defining moment in Churchill’s leadership.

• Legacy: “This was their finest hour” remains one of the most celebrated speeches in history, exemplifying the power of rhetoric in shaping public sentiment and influencing the course of events.

Churchill’s address on June 18, 1940, stands as a testament to the power of leadership and the enduring spirit of a nation facing its darkest hours.