Re: Brexit discussion
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1andrew1
(Post 35930756)
Churchill was one of the instigators behind the European Convention on Human Rights. Unlike Chamberlain, he was not afraid to confront difficult situations. It's a bitter coincidence that the country (Poland) whose invasion led to the start of World war II should be breaching the Convention now. Well done to the EU for continuing Churchill's good work when evidently, some would prefer it to adopt Chamberlain's approach.
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Chamberlain reputation is unfair IMO. The late 1930s was not that long after the First World War, just 20 years separate the Munich Agreement and the armistice. He was personally scared from that war as was the country. He was really motivated to avoid another war in Europe, as was the country, as were his military advisors who said we weren't ready.
Chamberlain wasn't an idiot. He knew Hitler couldn't really be trusted although it wasn't yet the Hitler we know of today. He also knew war would probably happen. He kept trying to avoid it or, at least, postpone it until we were ready. Towards the later stages Britain and France were building up their armies all the while Chamberlain 'negotiated' with Hitler. He had the country preparing for the war he tried to avoid.
History just wasn't kind to him and in part because of the image of Churchill (who also portrayed Chamberlain poorly) as the lone voice against Germany when in reality plenty in Government knew what they were dealing with. It's only after more papers were declassified that the more balanced stuff come out. |
