The outbreak of the Second World War in Setember 1939 was not unexpected.  Ever since March of that year when the rump of Czechoslovakia was occupied by german troops people realized that the corporal was in a bellicose mood and would not be denied further pieces of cake.  The pact with Stalin opened the door for yet another acqusition and Hitler neatly divided this delicacy with his new chum -Stalin

Great Britain, France and other nations declared war more in a spirit of resignation and grim determination rather than with any enthusiasm.  So far as I know there were no parades or outbreaks of patriotic fervor as was the case in 1914.  The stink of that conflict was still in the nostrils and the horror of the losses had yet to pass beyond memory.  There was also the tactical question of just how Poland might be aided considering it fell to the Germans and Russians in less than 30 days.

The resignation of Chamberlain-the man who thought he could do business with Hitler-led to a new crisis in Britain-who is to be the successor.  Churchill's name was mentioned of course, but there were reservations.  Memories of Galipoli had not faded and many recalled Lloyd George's remark that "Winston had twenty solutions to every problem,but he did not know which one would work.  In essence he was a loose cannon on a short ship.  He major positive attribute was his implacable hostility to totalitarianism and there is some question which he hated more--communism or facism.

The name that seemed to be most acceptable was Lord Halifax a member of the cabinet who was certainly not a nazi sympathizer but a realistic politician well versed in diplomacy and the machinery of parliamentry procedure and familiar with "the Hitler Problem".  Halifax was also resolute, balanced and endlessly patient.  In the end, he was rejected for those very qualities of moderation.  In the crisis Britain chose the loose cannon who was resolute to the point of fanaticism.  This elevation of Churchill is critical to understanding the outcome of the conflict.

Many Historians believe that if common sense had prevailed and the"safe" man--Halifax--had been chosen--a deal would have been cut with Germany and perhaps soon after another deal with the Soviet Union.  This is all speculation, but what is not is that Churchill never would consider a deal with Hitler.  If anyone can cite a source that even suggests this please let me know for I have been searching for one for a long time.

It is somewhat ironic that Churchill fought so hard to prevent Germany from dominating Europe in that that productive and efficient nation seems headed that way in the 21st Century--the Capitol will be back in Berlin for the first time since 1945.