Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book looks at Winston Churchill the historian to judge his thinking about military and foreign policy after 1933. It explain Churchill’s connection with the Islamic world, especially in the Middle East, good relations with which were essential for Imperial stability and defence. Churchill’s concern lay primarily with the German question, an issue with which he shared the apprehensions predominantly of the Foreign Office led by Sir Edward Grey. Professor Bell’s careful explanation of Churchill’s war leadership whilst first lord puts his role in the ill-fated Dardanelles and Gallipoli operation against the Turks in its proper context. Churchill’s military and political experiences and his thinking about war before 1939 produced the foundation of whatever he did as a warlord in the Second World War.