Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill

Winston Churchill waving his famous (http://libcom.org/blog/the-peccadillos-winston-churchill-12082008)

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” (Winston Churchill). Winston Churchill lived by his words his whole life. Always an “optimist” who saw “opportunity”, he thrived to overcome obstacles. Born in 1874 at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England, he endured a challenging childhood. After spending years jumping from school to school, he finally graduated from the Royal Military College and joined the army, in which he served for seven years. Afterwards, he pursued a political career. He served in Parliament as well as many other positions, including Prime Minster and First Lord of the Admiralty. He died after a stroke in 1965 and were buried near his birthplace, at Blenheim Palace. Winston Churchill admired as hero because of his steadfast refusal to give up the fight, especially at times when many other would have given up. His perseverance and leadership led the British out of some of their darkest days in history.

While Churchill is most known for his actions during the Second World War, it was his path leading there that showed his determination. During his early years in school, he experienced difficulties learning: “He did so poorly in mathematics and the ancient languages of Greek and Latin that he was considered a dunce” (Yeo). To be considered dunce then, would be the equivalent of being called “academically challenged” today. However, the “label” did not deter him. He endured the ridicule and shame that was heaped upon him and held high to his own expectations, ultimately graduating. After his military service in India, he entered into the world of politics aiming for a Parliament seat. “Churchill lost in his first attempt at election to the House of Commons…he lost more elections than any other political figure in recent British history…But in 1900 he entered the House of Commons” (Yeo). Initially Churchill’s attempt to enter the political world was a dismal failure. Fortunately for the British people and the Allied Forces, Churchill did not throw in the towel. His unprecedented record of losses eventually resulted in victory, and he entered the House in 1900. Churchill stoically persevered throughout his numerous set backs.

Churchill giving a speech during the war (http://www.culture24.org.uk/v0_master.jpg)

Churchill’s leadership is unmatched; he inspired millions of people to be steadfast in what they believed. Before World War II, as Hitler began to seize small countries, Churchill openly opposed the new tyrant. Winston‘s actions halted, and ultimately crushed, Hitler‘s otherwise unobstructed, ascent to control. “As Hitler's regime grew to power in Germany, Churchill was one of the few to recognize the danger of this new dictator” (UXL Biographies). A true leader must not only lead, but also he must recognize where to lead to. Churchill was one of few leaders who identified Hitler as a threat to world peace, and one of the handfuls who motioned to stop him. Along with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the president of the United states at the time, Churchill fought bring England into the fray. After the war had broken out, Briton was soon the last one standing. Outnumbered and outmanned, the population had relinquished their desire to fight. Determined to return their will, Winston delivered one of his most famous speeches. “We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air…we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender” (UXL Biographies). When all hope had been lost, when the nation was faced with defeat, he proclaimed this famous phrase and sparked hope and courage in the hearts of millions of Britons. He inspired them to stand firm and defend their country, renewing their will. Churchill was a born leader at heart.

Churchill meeting with FDR at the Yalta Conferenc (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Yalta_summit_1945_with_Churchill%2C_Roosevelt%2C_Stalin.jpg)

“Churchill was the canny political animal, very devious, bursting with energy and determination, learning as hard as he could.”(Lord Mountbatten). Always full of energy he is prime example of inspiration. Through his actions and speeches, Churchill inspires people to preserve and have “determination”. “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never in nothing, great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”(Winston Churchill). This shows how Churchill is an inspiration, because not only does he tell others to endure and continue on, Churchill himself had to conquer personal and professional mockery and failures. That is what a true hero must retain; the will to continue forward, the strength carry on, and determination to never surrender.

"Churchill, Winston (1874-1965)." DISCovering Biography. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 30 Apr. 2010

"Churchill, Winston (1874-1965)." UXL Biographies. Online ed. Detroit: UXL, 2003. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 30 Apr. 2010

“Churchill: Leader and Staesman.” The Churchill Centre Website. The Churchill Centre, 23 Oct. 2007. Web. 6 May. 2010

Yeo, Eileen. "Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (1874-1965)." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Suzanne M. Bourgoin. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale Research, 1998. 17 vols.Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 30 Apr. 2010