Winston Churchill
1874–1965 · British (Blenheim Palace/London) · World War II, 20th Century Britain
Known for: Led Britain through World War II with iron will and legendary speeches—saved Western democracy from Nazi tyranny
Churchill was a soldier, journalist, painter, bricklayer, Nobel Prize-winning author, and twice Prime Minister who led Britain through its 'finest hour.' His speeches during the Blitz—'We shall fight on the beaches,' 'Their finest hour,' 'Never surrender'—defined courage under fire.
He was also an imperialist who opposed Indian independence, oversaw the Bengal famine, championed the disastrous Gallipoli campaign in WWI, and was voted out of office immediately after winning the war. He was a complex, flawed, magnificent figure.
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