Sir Winston Churchill
(1874–1965)

As Britain's leader during most of World War II and a statesman in Parliament for more than 60 years, Winston Churchill is one of the legends of the twentieth century. After graduating from Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, Churchill became a soldier-journalist. He wrote for various newspapers about military experiences in places throughout the world, including Cuba, India, and Africa. During his time as a journalist, he also wrote books that incorporated his newspaper accounts. As a war correspondent in South Africa during the Anglo-Boer War, Churchill was captured and imprisoned but managed to escape from prison during the conflict. He became a military hero upon his return to England.

In 1900, Churchill started his political career when he was elected to Parliament. In the years that followed, he held various political positions, including secretary of state for war from 1918–1921. From 1929–1939, Churchill did not hold cabinet office. Instead, he worked on his writing and painting, and he also warned the nation about the dangers of Nazi Germany and the lack of military preparedness of Britain.

When World War II started in 1939, Churchill resumed his position of First Lord of the Admirality. A year later, Neville Chamberlain resigned as prime minister of Britain, and King George VI appointed Churchill to fill his position. As prime minister during World War II, Churchill gave inspiring speeches, showed a determined attitude, and played a key role in the victory of the Allies. In 1945, he resigned as prime minister when his Conservative Party was defeated in a general election. However, in 1951, he returned to his position as prime minister until 1955. In 1953, he received the Nobel Prize for Literature for his book A History of the English-Speaking Peoples.

Churchill married Clementine Hozier in 1908. They were married for more than 50 years and had five children.

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