Churchill's Legacy Two Speeches to Save the World Synopsis
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 recognise the debt they owed Britain for opposing Hitler in 1940. In doing so, he contributed to the US thinking behind the need for the Marshall Plan. In Zurich, 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. To understand what Churchill intended with these two speeches requires perspective. The daring of his imagination and the scale of his architecture for a new Western Alliance was extraordinary. At the time, not many recognized the symmetry of what was proposed. At Churchill's funeral in 1965, commentators bemoaned the end of an era. In truth, Churchill was the catalyst of a new era-one built upon effective defence, economic revival, and European unity. His speeches have been added to UNESCO'S International Memory of the World Register.
'A fine and insightful tribute to my great-grandfather's political instincts and his courageous approach to difficult international matters. It also acts as a reminder of the need of vigilance and tenacity in defence of our hard-won freedoms. Although Churchill died over fifty years ago, the foundations of our current peace and freedom are drawn from those two speeches of 1946' -- Randolph Churchill
'Although they were attacked and denounced at the time, Winston Churchill's two great speeches of 1946 - delivered 4,700 miles away from each other - created the political architecture for the whole postwar period. To a very great degree, the geostrategic world we inhabit today sprung from the words Churchill spoke at Fulton, Missouri and Zurich, Switzerland. Alan Watson's scholarly, well-written and penetrating analysis shows how that came about' -- Andrew Roberts
'With this fascinating and meticulously researched book Alan Watson reminds us of Churchill's great influence on world affairs even after he left office in 1945. Churchill was exhilarated by preparing his Fulton and Zurich speeches, and the result is that their power and reach is still of huge relevance to us today. This book is well worth reading' -- William Hague
Author
About Alan Watson
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.
