UNITED KINGDOM · 1874–1965
Winston Churchill
Prime Minister · Wartime Leader · Author
- BECAME PM
- 65
- AS PRIME MINISTER
- 9 years
- AGE AT DEATH
- 90
His words helped Britain endure its most dangerous year
Winston Churchill spent decades in politics before becoming prime minister in 1940, as Nazi Germany swept across Europe. His confidence and language gave shape to Britain’s resistance.
Could You Keep Britain Fighting?
Take his place. Rally a nation under attack while building alliances strong enough to win a global war.
Timeline
History, Step by Step
His reputation was built through reversals. Failure, isolation, and victory all shaped the leader he became.
- 1900
ENTERS PARLIAMENT
Churchill wins a seat in the House of Commons and begins a long career marked by ambition and party changes.
THE BEGINNING - 1915
THE GALLIPOLI FAILURE
A disastrous campaign forces him out of the Admiralty and damages his reputation for years.
MAJOR SETBACK - 1940
BECOMES PRIME MINISTER
With France collapsing, Churchill forms a coalition and rejects pressure to explore a negotiated peace.
THE DECISION - 1940
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN
His speeches frame survival as a national mission while British pilots resist Germany’s air campaign.
HOLD THE LINE - 1945
VICTORY — THEN DEFEAT
Germany surrenders, but voters replace Churchill’s party as they demand sweeping change at home.
POWER LOST - 1951
A RETURN TO OFFICE
Churchill becomes prime minister again, focusing on foreign affairs as his health and influence decline.
SECOND ACT
