Watch How Winston Churchill Changed the World

Name: How Winston Churchill Changed the World
Released: 2018-10-12
Cast: Michael Shelden

2018
1 Season

How Winston Churchill Changed the World is a historical documentary series featured in The Great Courses Signature Collection, narrated by acclaimed author and Churchill biographer Michael Shelden. The show delves deep into the life of Winston Churchill, one of history's greatest leaders and a defining figure of the modern world, to explore his impact on history and the world we live in today.

Through expert analysis, archival footage, and interviews with historical experts, How Winston Churchill Changed the World follows the life and legacy of the man who led Britain through its darkest days during World War II, and whose leadership helped shape the post-war world.

The series is divided into 12 episodes, each covering a key period of Churchill's life and career. Episode one focuses on Churchill's early years, his upbringing, schooling, and early political career. Subsequent episodes delve into Churchill's time as a journalist, his rise to power in the British government, his role in World War I, and his controversial decisions as Prime Minister during World War II, including his inspiring speeches, strategic military planning, and wartime diplomacy.

The show also explores Churchill's role as a visionary leader, whose foresight and tenacity helped shape the post-war world. Episodes examine his contributions to the development of the United Nations, his efforts to promote democracy and human rights, and his championing of scientific and technological advancement.

Throughout the series, Shelden guides viewers through Churchill's complex character and immense influence, highlighting his strengths, weaknesses, and key decisions that shaped history. From Churchill's remarkable resilience, humor, and charisma to his flaws as a father, friend, and politician, the series offers a nuanced and insightful portrait of the man behind the legend.

What sets How Winston Churchill Changed the World apart is its focus on the lasting impact of Churchill's leadership on the world. Each episode explores how Churchill's ideas and actions shaped contemporary politics and society, from the Cold War to the ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy. The series also examines Churchill's influence on world leaders today, including his political philosophy and inspirational leadership style.

Overall, How Winston Churchill Changed the World is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, politics, or leadership. With its expert analysis, engaging storytelling, and stellar narration by Michael Shelden, the series offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of one of history's most fascinating and influential figures. Whether you're a Churchill aficionado or new to his story, this series is sure to inspire, educate, and entertain.

How Winston Churchill Changed the World is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on October 12, 2018.

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Seasons

24. Churchill and the Legacy of Freedom

October 12, 2018

Was Winston Churchill really the indispensable man of the 20th century? Can one person even make that much of a difference in the course of history? Professor Shelden concludes this series with a pointed consideration of provocative questions that most academic historians won't even go near.

23. Churchill's Return to Power

June 1, 2020

Churchill devoted as much energy as possible in his second period as prime minister to cementing ties between the United States and Britain in response to the Soviet Union's rise as a superpower. Discover how he became a powerful, persuasive advocate for peaceful coexistence in the face of atomic destruction.

22. Churchill and Britain's Postwar Crisis

October 12, 2018

As prime minister, Churchill had shared his government with Labour leaders. Learn what happened once Labour assumed power and walked away from that spirit of partnership. From a fiscal meltdown to rationing to British troops at war in Asia, ceaseless opposition became the rule of the day.

21. Churchill on the Iron Curtain

October 12, 2018

In this episode on the dawn of the Cold War era, investigate how Churchill grew increasingly disappointed with Britain's postwar future - including its reduced power, influence, and economic prospects - and his realization that another ominous threat loomed over the world: Stalin and the Soviet dominance of Eastern Europe.

20. Peace, Churchill, and the British Voter

October 12, 2018

In July 1945, at the height of his triumph over Hitler, Churchill was kicked out of office by the British electorate and replaced with Clement Attlee. Examine how Churchill's struggle to save Europe from despotism left Britain a minor world power instead of the major power it once was.

19. Churchill from Tehran to Yalta

October 12, 2018

At the Tehran Conference, Churchill realized how small Britain was compared to the rising world powers of Russia and the United States. At the Yalta Conference, he discovered the only bond of victors is their common hate. Here, go inside Churchill's experiences at these critical diplomatic events from World War II.

18. Debating Churchill's Wartime Leadership

October 12, 2018

Take a look at some of the more controversial decisions of Churchill's war record, including his possible delay of the D-Day invasion and the bombing campaign against Dresden and other German cities. Also, consider Churchill's early public stance against the threat to Jews under the Nazis.

17. Churchill and Stalin

October 12, 2018

Turn now to Churchill's relationship with another historical giant: Russian leader Joseph Stalin. Why was Churchill's August 1942 trip to Moscow one of his most difficult wartime challenges? How did he and Roosevelt balance their desire to help an enemy of Hitler's without allowing Stalin more leverage than was prudent?

16. Churchill and Roosevelt

October 12, 2018

Learn how another historical giant - U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt - became the one vital person Churchill needed at his side to win the war. You'll learn what made these two men such effective partners, including their strong wills, their love of attention, and their hatred of being on the sidelines.

15. Turning the Tide against Hitler

October 12, 2018

When did the course of war with Germany take the decisive turn for England that Churchill had hoped for? Why did his attention wander to Malaysia and Singapore? Why was the Suez Canal such an important lifeline for Britain? What was Churchill's long-term strategy for facing down the German juggernaut?

14. Surviving the Nazi Blitz

October 12, 2018

Explore how Churchill responded to the terror of the Blitz and how his long history of experience with aviation had a major impact on the war in the air. Then, conclude with a look at the wisdom of a particular - and overlooked - sentence from his famous speech of June 18, 1940.

13. Churchill in Power

October 12, 2018

When Churchill took power over the government, he knew he'd not only have to fight the Germans but also the simmering resentments within the Conservative Party. Take a closer look at cabinet battles and the famous speech to the House of Commons after the Dunkirk "miracle" that effectively crushed Churchill's defeatists.

12. The Road to Dunkirk

October 12, 2018

On May 8, 1940, a speech by David Lloyd George validating Churchill's premonitions of war with Germany led to Chamberlain's defeat - and Churchill's succession to the role of prime minister. But, as you'll learn, within a month of taking office Churchill faced one of his most serious challenges at Dunkirk.

11. Churchill in the Age of Appeasement

October 12, 2018

Explore just how pitifully disunited and disorganized the British government was as it stood on the verge of war with Hitler. How did the "age of appeasement" begin? What made Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain think he could do business with Hitler? How did Churchill continue to prepare for war?

10. The Gathering Storm in Nazi Germany

October 12, 2018

As international danger loomed on the horizon, Churchill knew the Royal Air Force would be the key to Britain's future. Learn how Churchill set in motion a chain of events that led to the legendary (and revolutionary) Spitfire, then examine how Churchill tried to save King Edward's monarchy from scandal.

9. Churchill as Author and Historian

October 12, 2018

During the 1930s, Churchill kept his name and fame alive through his books and essays. In this episode, explore some of his greatest works from the period, including "Great Contemporaries" (a dazzling study of major leaders of the day) and "Marlborough: His Life and Times" (a multi-volume biography of a famous ancestor).

8. The Rise of Tyranny in the 1930s

October 12, 2018

Take a step back to investigate just how tangled the relationship between Britain and Germany was becoming in the 1930s. Professor Shelden reveals how Churchill led an uphill battle to persuade his country about the dangers of Hitler and the Nazis - even as his fellow countrymen turned against him.

7. Churchill as Chancellor of the Exchequer

October 12, 2018

As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Churchill's primary job was to maintain Britain's economic prosperity. Here, learn how his efforts to cut wasteful spending, implement modest tax cuts, and return to the gold standard hurt the British economy in a way that would undermine most of his good work elsewhere.

6. Churchill in War and Peace

October 12, 2018

Gain insights into Churchill's return to government in 1917 as Minister of Munitions and, after the end of World War I, as War Secretary. Then, examine Churchill's fraught relationship with Prime Minister Lloyd George and the publication of his grand, four-volume history of the war years: "The World Crisis."

5. Churchill and Failure in World War I

October 12, 2018

With the military disaster in Gallipoli and the Dardanelles during World War I, Churchill pushed his luck too far. Discover what led to this major failure and his subsequent resignation from government, as well as how he overcame this fall from grace by joining the fight on the Western Front.

4. Churchill's Rise to the Admiralty

October 12, 2018

Focus on Churchill's career as First Lord of the Admiralty and his efforts to make sure the British navy could win battles in the North Sea. Central to this were technological developments (including a massive new gun for ships) and his knowledge of the newest twist in naval warfare: aviation.

3. Churchill, the Edwardian Titan

October 12, 2018

Few British politicians have risen as far - and as fast - as Winston Churchill did during the first decade of his parliamentary career. Examine Churchill's meteoric ascent, including his conflicts with political veterans Arthur Balfour and Joseph Chamberlain, his time as a liberal statesman, and his relationship with Violet Asquith.

2. Young Churchill

October 12, 2018

Survey the remarkable accomplishments of Winston Churchill's life before he turned thirty. Follow the future statesman as he fights on the frontier of India, takes part in the British army's last great cavalry charge, survives capture in South Africa's Boer War, and wins a seat in Parliament.

1. Churchill and the Muse of History

October 12, 2018

First, establish a strong sense of how Winston Churchill looked at the world, and what he brought to politics that made him stand out from the start of his career. Then, learn how the connecting thread of history helped inspire Churchill to deliver his iconic "Finest Hour" speech. #History

Description

Where to Watch How Winston Churchill Changed the World

How Winston Churchill Changed the World is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch How Winston Churchill Changed the World on demand at Apple TV Channels and Amazon Prime and Amazon.