Throughout the course of history, notable social and political leaders have offered up their opinions on specific subjects and pressing issues of the day. While many of the leaders have given impassioned, well-reasoned and well-delivered speeches, only a few have gone down in history as truly great orators. Such is the case with Winston Churchill. A solider, politician and eventually the Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill was one of the most prominent orators of the twentieth century. Because of the power of his speeches, his legacy and memory continues to live on.With the realization that Winston Churchill is one of the most notable orators of the twentieth century, there is a clear impetus to consider his work and its specific context. To this end, this investigation seeks to analyze one of Winston Churchill's most famous speeches: "The Sinews of Peace" or the Iron Curtain speech. This speech, given in Missouri on March 5, 1946 represents one of the most prominent and memorable speeches of the twentieth century. In an effort to provide a full understanding of the speech, the situation, occasion, audience, circumstances and identity of the speaker will be examined.
Tags: Analysis of Winston Churchill speech, Churchill speech analysis, Winston Churchill speech analysis
[...] Although the occasion was one that clearly sought to celebrate the career and accomplishments of Winston Churchill, it is evident that Churchill saw this occasion as more than just an opportunity to receive an honorary degree. When President Truman invited Churchill to Westminster College, Churchill saw this as an occasion to produce major media event” (19). Before his speech, Churchill told the president of the college that his speech would a political pronouncement of considerable importance” (19). After his speech concluded, Churchill again confided in the president noting that, he hoped that he had, “started some thinking that will make history” (19). [...]
[...] Speaker's Identity Even thought his investigation provides a clear understanding of the overall circumstances that promoted the delivery of the Iron Curtain speech, it does not provide a clear understanding of the speaker's identity. Clearly, Churchill was a politician, well versed in understanding international affairs. However, in order to better understand the man behind the message, it is pertinent to consider the speaker's identity and some critical information about his background. Historians examining the identity of Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill note that Churchill was born in 1864, to a British Lord and an American mother. [...]
[...] According to Churchill, the growing strength and power of the Soviet Union had to be contained. Churchill drew on the past World War and the sacrifices made by the US. He argued that the US should not have to again make the same sacrifice. “Twice the United States has had to send several millions of its young men across the Atlantic to fight the wars” (“Winston S. Churchill”). Churchill goes on to argue that this cannot happen again. In the end, Churchill calls on the auspices of the United Nations to put in full force the power that it has been given. [...]
[...] Conclusion Sinews of Peace” or the Iron Curtain speech is clearly one of the most notable speeches ever given in history. While the speech appears simply to provide an overview of international politics, as judged by Churchill, an analysis of the environment and circumstances surrounding the speech clearly indicate that the speech was much more than just a casual address at a formal academic gathering. The Iron Curtain speech clearly served as the impetus to raise the ire of the Soviet Union. [...]
[...] Circumstances With the situation, occasion and audience of the Iron Curtain speech examined, it is now possible to consider the specific circumstances under which the speech was given. While earlier research demonstrates that Churchill clearly used this speech as a means to improve his political career, it is important to consider the larger context of the world circumstances that were taking place. In short, what specific actions by the Soviet Union promulgated such a formidable and coordinated response? After World War II, Churchill began his career as an international diplomat. [...]
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