The Hinge of Fate

Winston Churchill Second World WarThis book consists of Churchill’s thoughts and actions concerning the aftermaths of WW1 and the lead-up to WW2. While there is much information that was left out of the story, Churchill concentrates on the parts of the war in which he played at least some part. Meanwhile, his self-assurance and confidence are inserted into the text with little diffidence—and manages to add the occasional odd element of humor. Churchill also makes a point of never chastising any of the other players in the war-game for their failings and devotes most of his writing to the main characters and their thoughts. He lays out his opinions of correct actions and incorrect actions without condemning any of the actors for following their consciences.When Chamberlain finally resigned, having accepted that he had been duped by the Nazis, Churchill felt intense sympathy for this man who had truly dedicated his life to peace and made supreme efforts to convince Hitler that there was nothing to fear from the British.“But Mr. Chamberlain and the Foreign Office were baffled by this riddle of the Sphinx… Statesmen are not called upon only to settle easy questions. These often settle themselves. It is where the balance quivers, and the proportions are veiled in mist, that the opportunity for world-saving decisions presents itself.”One great challenge the Allies faced was whether or not to conclude a mutual support treaty with the new Soviet Republic under Stalin. The British and the French were convinced that, at their current level of military weakness compared to the Nazis, they had to negotiate a pact with Stalin to draw significant German military might away from the Western Front, to the Eastern Front. The only problem was that the nations comprising the Eastern Front—Poland, Rumania, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania—did not like the idea of being “saved” by the Communists. The Polish attitude was, “With the Germans we risk losing our liberty; with the Russians our soul.”Meanwhile, as Churchill notes Hitler’s protestations and promises concerning German intentions in Europe…and then Germany’s actions…he wryly comments that “if a Government has no moral scruples, it often seems to gain great advantages and liberties of action…”. But then is quite confident that “all comes out even at the end of the day, and all will come out the more even when all the days are ended.”After the invasion of Poland, and Britain & France accepted the fact of war, Churchill tells the sanguine anecdote: “The Prime Minister’s broadcast informed us that we were already at war, and he had scarcely ceased speaking when [an air raid alarm sounded]. My wife came into the room…and commented favourably upon German promptitude and precision…”And finally, the one man who refrained from criticizing others, who had followed all his orders faithfully, and yet successfully forecast the problems sure to come, was finally elected Prime Minister: “As I sat in my place, listening to the speeches, a very strong sense of calm came over me, after the intense passions and excitement of the last few days. I felt a serenity of mind and was conscious of a kind of uplifted detachment from human and personal affairs. The glory of Old England, peace-loving and ill-prepared as she was, but instant and fearless at the call of hour, thrilled my being and seemed to lift our fate to those spheres far removed from earthly facts and physical sensation.”“Since 1911 much more than a quarter of a century had passed, and still mortal peril threatened us at the hands of the same nation. Once again defence of the rights of a weak state, outraged and invaded by unprovoked aggression, forced us to draw the sword. Once again we must fight for life and honour against all the might and fury of the valiant, disciplined, and ruthless German race. Once again! So be it.”“[Hitler] did not understand the profound change which takes place in Great Britain and throughout the British Empire once the signal of war has been given; nor how those who have been the most strenuous for peace turn overnight into uniting toilers for victory. He could not comprehend the mental or spiritual force of our island people, who however much opposed to war or military preparation, had through the centuries come to regard victory [and this is a telling notion] as their birthright.” Obviously the American Revolution didn’t really count as a “war”, because a bit of Britain’s trade & tax revenue was the only thing at stake…not the subjugation of its people.Up until this time Churchill was constantly dealing with the various European rulers who argued that precipitous actions against Germany “might draw reprisals upon France” and other, smaller, nations: “This idea of not irritating the enemy did not commend itself to me.” Churchill was definitely upset by those who argued: “Don’t be unkind to the enemy, you will only make him angry.”At the very end of the beginning, when, where before, Churchill was intentionally excluded from any role in the government in order to not offend Germany or Italy, he was now hailed as the only personality capable of leading Britain out of this morass, we read of Churchill’s thoughts and feelings.“During these last crowded days of the political crisis, my pulse had not quickened at any moment. But I cannot conceal from the reader of this truthful account that as I went to bed at about 3 A.M., I was conscious of a profound sense of relief. At last I had the authority to give directions over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with Destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial. Therefore, although impatient for the morning, I slept soundly and had no need for cheering dreams.”Again, Churchill doesn't tell the entire story...but enough of the highest levels of the story, and with enough emotional interest to be as entertained as we are informed.

A gripping account of the events leading up to World War 2 by someone very close to the inner workings. Well read by the reader sounds like Mr. Churchill himself.

As an historical artefact, an account of WWII from the highest level, but lacking the Enigma and Ultra information, this is a very good production. He writes clearly and well. Having some of the instincts of the historian,, and having already written two major biographies, he knew what he'd be looking for if he was writing a biography. So that's what it is, and it reads well. I've finished it three times, and dipped in often.

Excellent review of the early beginnings of WWII. Churchill has the advantage not only of having lived this portion of history, but also the records of the Nuremberg trials and his own personal journals. Very readable.

This may be one of the most important books of the twentieth century, written by one of its greatest heroes. Churchill, a lone voice against tyranny for so long, did everything he could to sound the warning bell against fascism. In the end--although so very late--they listened. In the end, the Allies were victorious. And in the end, we have this brilliant account from which to learn of the follies of the past, in order to preserve our future from tyranny.

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." And he did. This compulisively readable account of Europe between the wars and from 09/39 to 05/40 covers European diplomatic history, shifts in British politics, Britian's unwillingness to prepare for war, Hitler's rise to power and German re-armament. It ends with the invasion of France/the Low Countries and Chuchill's ascent to Prime Minister of a National Government. For all it's readablity and heavy use of documentation and primary sources, this is still a memior and sometimes self-serving.