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'I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war …. You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.'

Winston Churchill, 13 May 1940.
Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of Britain from 1940 to 1945. His government had to decide whether Britain should continue to fight against Nazi Germany, or to surrender. 

 

Read this short extract from one of his speeches.

  • What did he believe Britain should do? 
  • What feelings do you have when reading his words? 
  • Do you think that Britain should have gone to war against Nazi Germany? 
  • Is war ever the 'right' thing to do?

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