January 1, 1970

Churchill’s Legacy describes how Churchill wielded his influence in post-war politics to enable the restoration of Europe through two key speeches in 1946.

These speeches – Fulton and Zurich – set out imperatives for today just as powerfully as when they were delivered seventy years ago / in 1946. They are a vital part of Churchill’s legacy to us. Part of our heritage. UNESCO’s judgement endorses what we already know: that Churchill’s speeches are crucial to our understanding of democracy. In 1946, Churchill knew that he was not writing and speaking merely for the moment. His purpose was to shape the future – to startle, provoke and inspire Americans and Europeans into building a new alliance capable of securing democracy.

In Fulton, Missouri, Churchill called for an Anglo-American alliance based on their shared values and the deterrent of America’s possession of the atomic bomb. Churchill also urged the Americans to recognise the debt they owed Britain for opposing Hitler in 1940. In doing so, he contributed to the US thinking behind the need for the Marshall Plan.

In Zurich, Churchill boldly proposed a partnership between France and Germany in order to form a United States of Europe. The hatred stirred up by the war had to be replaced by partnership for Europe to recover its economic vitality and regain its moral stature.

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To understand what Churchill intended with these two speeches requires perspective. The daring of his imagination and the scale of his architecture for a new Western Alliance was extraordinary. At the time, not many recognized the symmetry of what was proposed. At Churchill’s funeral in 1965, commentators bemoaned the end of an era. In truth, Churchill was the catalyst of a new era-one built upon effective defence, economic revival, and European unity. His speeches have been added to UNESCO’S International Memory of the World Register.

The speeches illustrate not only Churchill’s professionalism but his determination to influence the thoughts and actions of free peoples in their future endeavours. In this he succeeded. It is his legacy.

Author bio:

Alan Watson is a broadcaster, author, High Steward of Cambridge University, former President of the Liberal Party, public relations consultant and Peer. An accomplished public speaker, presenter, campaigner and consultant, his fascination with Churchill has been lifelong. His enthusiasm for Britain at the interface of Churchill’s three circles – Europe, America, and the English-speaking world – remains unmatched.

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