Winston Churchill's War

By the late 1920s, a new type of political figure was transforming the European landscape, and our focus on Churchill as a contradictory and unique leader sharpens as we follow his warnings through the years in which the dictators rose.

Churchill has become Prime Minister. Almost immediately, he finds himself leading a country that is fighting alone - within days of his ascent, British troops are being evacuated from Dunkirk and France falls. In 1940 and 1941, Churchill used all of his persuasive abilities to keep Britain in the fight and to secure assistance from a powerful friend.

Britain - and her empire - are joined in the war by a powerful friend and ally. After years of fighting alone, Churchill must find a way to work with his increasingly powerful allies to make the decisions that will alter the course of the war. As 1943 winds to a close, plans begin for Operation Overlord. Churchill and his allies will return to France.

Victory brings with it fading influence and power. As the Soviet Union and the United States grow into the most significant actors in the war, Churchill's influence - Britain's influence - shrinks. He would briefly return to the leadership, but he was in his seventies and the world he knew was gone. But he had done enough. Churchill's actions during WWII, had secured his place in history.