Churchill and the Germans

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Andy H
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Churchill and the Germans

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Post by Andy H » 25 Jan 2015, 22:48

Hi

Hope its of some interest on this the 50th anniversary of his passing:-
This article examines the attitude of Winston Churchill to Germany and to the German people. It begins with an assessment of how Churchill is viewed in Germany today, comparing this with his reputation in Britain. The author points out that while the most significant parts of Churchill's political career were concerned with commenting on German affairs and with planning strategies designed to defeat the German state in war, he knew little about the country. Although Churchill undoubtedly advocated magnanimity in how the Germans ought to be treated at the end of the world wars, the reality has been that any residual political tensions between Britain and Germany can in part be attributed to Churchill's words and strategies. What is more, when Churchill's attitude towards Germany is examined more closely, it is generally much less sympathetic. Before the First World War, Churchill admired the German social security system, resented the predominance of the Junkers in government and feared Germany's growing naval capability. After the War, Churchill then feared an alliance between Germany and the new Soviet government in Russia, and advocated a policy of appeasement to both primarily for this reason. In the case of Germany, this included a sympathetic approach towards revisions of the Treaty of Versailles, but when Weimar democracy failed, Churchill was quick to denounce the new Nazi regime. The article then examines the impact of his views on Hitler's regime on the wartime alliance between Britain and the USA. On key aspects of this issue, Churchill was happy to be led by Roosevelt and the article highlights the lack of clarity that existed between the British and American governments about how best to treat Germany when the war had ended. The remainder of the article considers the criticisms that have been levelled at Churchill by those groups that faired worst at the hands of the Nazis, especially the Jews and by scholars considering ethical and strategic issues concerning the blanket bombing of Hamburg and Dresden in 1945.
Full text here:- http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10. ... #tabModule

Regards

Andy H

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