Noah Dorce

Professor Shwartz
10/15/14

During the Second World War, Winston Churchill was chosen to become the prime
minister of the United Kingdom. He gave his first speech on May thirteenth 1940 to the House of
Commons, asking the house to declare its confidence in his government. Though the speech had
no title, it has been nicknamed Blood, toil, tears, and sweat. Winston Churchill was not
originally a popular choice with the House of Commons but after his speech was given he gained
their full support.
When most Conservative learned that Churchill would be replacing Chamberlain as
prime minister, the reaction was not on in Churchills favor. The main topic of the speech was the
nations position on the war with Germany. The general purpose being to let the public know
what would be the condition of the country during this time. In the speech Churchill states We
have before us many, many long months of struggle showing that he is warning the people
beforehand that life during this time will not be easy. But the specific purpose truly behind this
speech was to boost morale and a sense of unity throughout the nation during the war. From the
thesis, That this House welcomes the formation of a Government representing the united and
inflexible resolve of the nation to prosecute the war with Germany to victorious conclusion, he
shows his position on the war and gives his listeners an air of confidence that they will win.
Winston Churchill used this speech to sway the nation emotionally in his direction so they could
understand the truth of what was coming in the future while he was prime minister and

succeeded to this affect. This speech is one of the most famous from history and is still relevant
to this day. In 2013, the Bank of England announced that under that depiction of Winston
Churchill on the new 5 pound note would be the quote I have nothing to offer but blood, toil,
tears, and sweat which shows that over 70 years later, the quote still holds a powerful meaning.