Churchill’s Legacy: Two Speeches to Save the World

Time Period
1925 to Today
Media Type
Video
Topics
Politics & Government
Presenter
Lord Alan Watson

On May 22, 2018, Lord Alan Watson delivered a Banner Lecture about his book, “Churchill’s Legacy: Two Speeches to Save the World.”

Having first helped bring victory to the Allies in 1945, Winston Churchill went on to preserve the freedom of the world by gaining the support of the United States in the restoration of Europe. In Fulton, Missouri, Churchill alerted America to the reality of ‘Uncle Joe’—a tyrant determined to dominate Europe at any cost. Churchill called for an Anglo-American alliance based on their shared values and the deterrent of America’s possession of the atomic bomb. Churchill also urged the Americans to recognize the debt they owed Britain for opposing Hitler in 1940, as so brilliantly portrayed by Gary Oldman in the film, Darkest Hour. In Zurich, Switzerland, Churchill boldly proposed a partnership between France and Germany: a United States of Europe. The hatred stirred up by the war had to be replaced by partnership for Europe to recover its economic vitality and regain its moral stature. Together, the Anglo-American Alliance and a United States of Europe led by France and Germany would have the power to “smite the crocodile” of Soviet ambition. Churchill’s concepts remain as relevant now as then.

Lord Alan Watson is a broadcaster, author, High Steward of Cambridge University, former president of the Liberal Party, public relations consultant, and Peer. An accomplished public speaker, presenter, campaigner, and consultant, his fascination with Churchill has been lifelong. His enthusiasm for Britain at the interface of Churchill's three circles—Europe, America, and the English-speaking world—remains unmatched. He is the author of "Churchill’s Legacy: Two Speeches to Save the World."

The content and opinions expressed in these presentations are solely those of the speaker and not necessarily of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

Want to listen to an audio-only version of this lecture? Listen now on Soundcloud.