Winston Churchill

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Winston Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965) was a British statesman, army officer, and writer. He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945, when he led Britain to victory in the Second World War, and again from 1951 to 1955. Churchill represented five constituencies during his career as a Member of Parliament (MP).

Early life[edit | edit source]

Churchill was born into the aristocracy as the grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. His father, Lord Randolph Churchill, was a charismatic politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer; his mother, Jennie Jerome, was an American socialite.

Military career[edit | edit source]

Churchill saw action in British India, the Sudan, and the Second Boer War. He gained fame as a war correspondent and wrote books about his campaigns.

Political career[edit | edit source]

Churchill was elected Member of Parliament for Oldham in 1900. He was a prominent figure in the Liberal Party until 1924 when he crossed the floor to join the Conservative Party.

Prime Minister[edit | edit source]

Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940. He led Britain to victory against the Axis Powers during the Second World War. He was defeated in the 1945 election but returned to the Prime Minister's office in 1951.

Later life and death[edit | edit source]

Churchill retired from the House of Commons in 1964. He died at his London home in January 1965.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Churchill is remembered as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his overall, lifetime body of work.

Winston Churchill Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD