Winston Churchill And Franklin D Roosevelt example essay topic

Between the years of 1939 and 1945 the world was sent spiral ling in a mess of corruption, violence and uncertainty. Allied powers were faced with the unparalleled task of protecting the world from tyranny. In terms of political power, this weight was bestowed upon the shoulders of two memorable individuals. By and large Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt can be labelled as beacons of democracy and leaders of the free world in their time. Winston Churchill, the son of Lord Randolph Churchill, became an officer in the 4th cavalry in 1894. Between 1895 and 1899 he served in Cuba, India and South Africa as a reporter.

Churchill entered politics in 1900 and held many government posts until he was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty prior to World War One. Due to logistical and tactical failures during wartime, Churchill was somewhat discredited and lost his naval post. In the inter war period, Churchill remained politically active and made his way up the ranks to become chancellor of the exchequer in Stanley Baldwin's Conservative government. When World War Two broke out, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain appointed him to his old post as First Lord of the Admiralty. When Chamberlain was forced to resign, Churchill became Prime Minister. He served throughout the war as Britain's supreme leader until he was defeated in a 1946 general election.

Churchill once again became prime minister from 1951 until his resignation in 1955. In 1953, he was knighted and received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Franklin D. Roosevelt was a lawyer educated at Harvard and Columbia University School of Law. His political career started when he was elected to the New York State senate in 1910. He was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy, a position he held from 1913 to 1920. As a Democrat, Roosevelt ran as vice presidential nominee along side James M. Cox, an election that was lost to the republican candidates Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge.

While vacationing on Campobello Island, N.B., Roosevelt was stricken with polio and became paralysed from the waste down. However, he eventually recovered partial use of his legs. In 1928 and 1930, Roosevelt was elected governor of New York. At the height of the great depression, in 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the 32nd president of the United States.

He went to work immediately utilizing government resources to combat the economic downtrend. His famous "New Deal" helped pull the United states out of the depression using socialist style practices such as government work programs. In 1936, Roosevelt was re-elected to a second term in office. He denounced international aggression and called for US entry into the war. In 1940, Roosevelt made history in becoming the only president to serve for a third term in office. The United States, lead by Roosevelt entered the war after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbour.

On April 12, 1945, roughly a month before Germany surrendered to the Allies, President Roosevelt died suddenly from a cerebral haemorrhage. He was succeeded by Harry S. Truman. Both Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt were leaders of democratic societies whose general principles strongly advocate the promotion and protection of freedom. Great Britain and the United States of America respectively have been the two greatest democratic nations, in terms of economic and military factors, throughout the greater part of the twentieth century.

This being said, it is obvious that any leaders of these countries must share a similar set of values and have a somewhat parallel view of international affairs. Both Churchill and Roosevelt believed in democracy as the superior political system in the world. They both understood that human beings should be given a certain number of rights and be treated fairly in a society. They also viewed western style democratic living standards as a model for how a society should run and how people should be treated. Winston Churchill saw the early signs of corruption in central European affairs. He was very suspicious of Nazi intentions and generally distrusted this organization's political regime.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was equally apprehensive of the Nazis and their intentions. Due to the fact that Germany was closer to home for Churchill in comparison to Roosevelt, traces of distrust and warning can be seen at an earlier date in the political preaching of Churchill. In general, they both realized that the Nazis could not be trusted and were under the leadership of a man with conversely dilated views of society and human rights; Adolf Hitler. Churchill and Roosevelt met on a ship at sea off the coast of Newfoundland in 1941 to discuss their initiatives and feelings toward international affairs.

They drew up an unofficial charter, the Atlantic Charter, agreeing upon several different objectives of which they would strive to achieve. Among the most noteworthy were opposition to territorial changes made against the wishes of the people concerned, access to raw materials for all nations of the world and easing of trade restrictions, and abandonment of the use of force, as well as disarmament of aggressor nations. This relatively quick agreement outlining mutually agreed upon principles can be seen as an example of how Churchill and Roosevelt saw eye to eye in terms of international affairs. They both had a vision of a post war world that was quite similar in comparison. As the world was strewn into escalating conflict with the onset of World War Two, opposing camps of Allied and Axis powers were formed and faced off on all fronts. Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt were expected to deal with huge responsibilities.

The actions of these two men could potentially have catastrophic consequences on the world and the human race in general. Both leaders were faced with difficult decisions concerning human lives. Not only can similarities be found in the actual presence of these undesirable tasks for both men, but also their brave and unwavering reactions to the horrible circumstances. Both leaders remained strong and encouraging throughout the entire ordeal. There were times when the fate of Great Britain was questionable. When food supplies for the home islands had diminished to that of a months reserve.

Also, when Royal Air Force crewmen were losing their lives at an alarming rate. Winston Churchill dealt with these harsh realities and appeared strong so his people could see that nothing could break his spirit. In comparison, the United States had to answer the call and send thousands of young individuals to their death on foreign soil, far away from family and loved ones. A sacrifice had to be made and behind all war measures was a leader who had to impose them.

Like Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt faced adversity with unwavering confidence and stayed strong as a model for his citizens of which he served. In general, both these men did not falter under stressful conditions. Rather, they faced the harsh consequences and remained positive as models of allied confident moral. Perhaps the most obvious and prominent similarity between Churchill and Roosevelt is their ability to appeal to public opinion and use it in their favour. Winston Churchill was an amazing orator. He was undoubtedly one of the most influential public speakers of his time.

He is credited with several famous quotes that appeal to people's emotions. For example, he was coined with phrases such as, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few", speaking about the effort of RAF airmen in the Battle of Britain. Also, the speech in which he said, "Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, this was their finest hour", is among the most famous public addresses in history. Roosevelt, although not as prominent an orator as Churchill, had the uncanny ability of pleasing the masses and telling people what they wanted to hear.

Roosevelt was a master of his time in the use of media aids to produce and broadcast his message to the masses. Specifically, he made use of radio as his vehicle of communication. Most notably his radio addresses called, "Fireside chats", in which he outlined his feelings, thoughts and plans for dealing with the depression, helped to comfort Americans. Through these chats he related to citizens on a personal basis and helped them regain their confidence in the face of severe economic hardships. Like Churchill, Roosevelt is characterized by famous quotes such as in his inaugural presidential address when he spoke about the depression, saying", Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself". In general, these men had excellent public speaking skills and could use their words to encourage patriotism and pride.

Both Churchill and Roosevelt could read a crowd and cater to the masses with superior literary and oratory skills. The view shared by Churchill and Roosevelt, not to mention every other allied leader and supporter, was that Nazi Germany must be completely eliminating. Nothing except unconditional surrender would be accepted as suitable means to end the War. Ironically, the two men who orchestrated the core part of the Allied war effort were not in political control of their respective nations following the war. Winston Churchill saw the surrender of Germany in 1945, however was replaced by a more labour orientated caucus shortly after. He returned to power in 1951, but had been absent as Prime Minister for the postwar proceedings.

Tragically, Franklin D. Roosevelt died before the surrender of Germany. Subsequently, he was absent as the postwar negotiations took place. Winston Churchill has been generally characterized as rash and at times even hotheaded. Although he had very liberal or revolutionary ideas about society and how it should evolve, he also was very traditionalist ic and set in his ways. He has been described as, "A hard-line, no nonsense man". On the contrary, Franklin D. Roosevelt has been often characterized as calm and somewhat reserved.

In comparison to Churchill his homeland policies differed in that they were more socialist. For example, Roosevelt utilized an astounding number of government agencies and national funds to help pull his country out of recession, a practice that was viewed by many as socialist and unconstitutional. Therefore, it can be said that Churchill's and Roosevelt's views on homeland prosperity and welfare in the inter war period were significantly different. Winston Churchill was a strong believer in the laissez-faire philosophy of economics. He was aware that economies go through a cycle of ups and downs and believed that an economy should pull itself out of depression.

He thought that government intervention in an economy was contrary to democratic principles. In general, Winston Churchill was not a very accomplished economic thinker, and it was definitely not his strongest political feature. On the other hand, Roosevelt was a very radical thinker who had some new ideas about how to help a country get through a depression. He subscribed to the suggestions provided by John Maynard Keynes, a British economist who said that the only way to make money is to spend money. By this he meant that in order to restore financial stability in an economy the government itself had to spend enormous amounts of money and put it back into the hands of the citizens. Roosevelt did this by creating huge public works programs, setting up a social security net and issuing a guarantee on bank deposits.

Thus, he was interfering with the laissez-faire philosophy of economics, an act that was not in accordance with the beliefs of Winston Churchill. In General, the two leaders had drastically different ideas about economics and social welfare. During the depression currencies around the world were incredibly devaluated. To combat this dismal situation, economists recommended a recess from the gold standard of currency valuation, by which each unit of currency produced must be equal in its value of gold possessed by that country.

As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Winston Churchill decided to ignore recommendations and continue to use the gold standard in Britain. Franklin D. Roosevelt, on the other hand, saw the underlying principle in a retreat from the gold standard and decided to follow the economist's recommendations. Without having to support its currency in gold the United States could print more money to circulate in its economy. While devaluating its currency on the international front, a negligible effect since world trade was already dismal at this time, the US could have more paper money in its economy. Due to his use of aggressive action to end a general strike in 1926 and his apparent unwillingness to act against economic effects of the depression, Churchill earned a lasting poor reputation in the eyes of the labour movement.

Roosevelt drew heavy support from the labour movement in his country. As previously stated, he acted with quickness and efficiency to end the depression and help get people back to work. Therefore, the labour orientated segment of the US population always supported him. Unlike Roosevelt, Churchill had previous experience with leadership in a wartime scenario.

As first lord of the admiralty during World War One, Churchill had first hand experience of leadership in the face of world conflict. He sponsored an amphibious attack expedition in the Dardanelles that proved to be a disastrous failure. Tactical planning for the attack, specifically at Gallipoli, was pitiful and left the Allied troops, mainly Australians, to be slaughtered by enemy barrage. Churchill truly knew the importance of his decisions and of military planning after being held responsible for failure in the World War One attack.

Winston Churchill became suspicious of Stalinist USSR as the European war came to an end. He distrusted the Soviet motives for land occupation and military position. He could see a future conflict of ideals and came to be very wary of Stalin and his regime. Churchill coined the phrase, "Iron Curtain" as an idealistic division between east and west in Europe.

As for Roosevelt, no clear evidence can be found to confirm that he did or did not find the USSR's actions suspicious. However, this argument of difference in opinions cannot be solidified because Roosevelt died before post war Europe took shape. Roosevelt only knew the USSR as an ally fighting a common tyrant. Many fairly decisive conclusions can be drawn from the comparison of two great leaders such as Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Firstly, Winston Churchill was an accomplished wartime leader with abilities in that field, which surpass those of Roosevelt.

His strong, masculine, and aggressive nature is characteristic of a successful and competent wartime leader. Conversely, while Franklin Roosevelt is not at all a weak wartime leader, his political strengths clearly lie in piece time. His innovative ideas and before mentioned depression combating actions make him a superior peacetime leader when compared to Churchill. Secondly, Winston Churchill was an incredible public orator in terms of rallying emotion, patriotism and pride. His ability to speak to an audience with heart felt sentiment and cleaver wit makes him a better public speaker in comparison to Franklin Roosevelt. Although Roosevelt was very well spoken, his strengths lie with his intelligence and innovative thinking.

He was a far better policy maker and diplomatic official in comparison to Churchill. Roosevelt's policy making which suited the needs of society at a particular time was uncanny. Although Roosevelt did receive overwhelmingly positive support for his nation wide addresses via radio, it was with the effective and efficient content of the speeches that touched people rather than the particular way in which they were delivered. Lastly, Winston Churchill preferred and advocated a more state centred or right wing approach to democratic politics. Franklin Roosevelt favoured a more labour centred or left wing democratic style of politics.

Therefore, Winston Churchill is a better leadership candidate for a country with very traditional and conservative ideals. Franklin Roosevelt is better suited for a more Liberal state that is open to new ideas and reformation. Ironically enough, they both seemed to govern nations that suited them as leaders quite well. In the face of adversity two leaders rose to the occasion and lead their countries to victory and an assurance of freedom. Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt were very similar leaders yet they had some significant differences.

They both had clear strengths and weaknesses as every individual does, but were, without a doubt, very successful leaders in their time. Churchill and Roosevelt were truly beacons of democracy and leaders of the free world.

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