Churchill on the Battle of France (7:40)
In May 1940, Winston Churchill speaks on national radio for the first time as prime minister and calls for a struggle to the last breath against Nazi conquest and oppression.
Speeches & Audio (8)
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Churchill on the Battle of France
Churchill on the Battle of FranceAudio Clip (7:40)
Audio Clip (7:40)
In May 1940, Winston Churchill speaks on national radio for the first time as prime minister and calls for a struggle to the last breath against Nazi conquest and oppression.
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Winston Churchill Rallies British Citizens
Winston Churchill Rallies British CitizensAudio Clip (1:36)
Audio Clip (1:36)
In one of his greatest speeches, delivered first before the House of Commons on June 18, 1940, and then broadcast to the nation, Winston Churchill inspires his countrymen to soldier on after the fall of France, assuring them that if Great Britain upholds its duty to fight, "men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.' "
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Churchill Prepares for German Invasion of Britain
Churchill Prepares for German Invasion of BritainAudio Clip (0:21)
Audio Clip (0:21)
On the final day of the evacuation of Dunkirk, June 4, 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill speaks before the House of Commons, triumphant over the rescue of 338,226 Allied troops from advancing German forces. In the address he warns the nation to expect a German invasion and defiantly declares that Hitler's troops will meet an enemy prepared to "defend our island whatever the cost may be."
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Churchill Calls for Britain to Meet Nazi Threat
Churchill Calls for Britain to Meet Nazi ThreatAudio Clip (4:52)
Audio Clip (4:52)
In a speech delivered on November 16, 1934, Winston Churchill questions his country's policy of appeasing Hitler and raises concerns over the rising power of Nazi Germany.
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War Report on Battle of France and the Blitz
War Report on Battle of France and the BlitzAudio Clip (4:32)
Audio Clip (4:32)
Associated Press war correspondent Bill McGaffin provides a firsthand account of the Battle of France and the London Blitz in a radio interview on February 12, 1944.
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Anthony Eden on the Battle of Britain
Anthony Eden on the Battle of BritainAudio Clip (1:54)
Audio Clip (1:54)
On July 29, 1940, just weeks into the Battle of Britain, British Secretary of State Robert Anthony Eden calls upon the resolve and fortitude of the people to defend against the attacks on the British mainland that will be a turning point in the war.
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English Princesses Address British Children During World War II
English Princesses Address British Children During World War IIAudio Clip (0:42)
Audio Clip (0:42)
In a radio address on October 13, 1940, the young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret offer words of courage to British children who had been evacuated from Great Britain while their country was at war.
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German V-2 Attacks on Britain
German V-2 Attacks on BritainAudio Clip (0:33)
Audio Clip (0:33)
On September 8, 1944, Germany launched an aerial attack on London with V-2 ballistic missiles. A U.S. broadcast describes the varying reports coming from Germany and England of the damage. The V-2, developed by German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, was more technologically advanced than any other rocket of the era.
Videos (7)
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Churchill's Secret Bunkers
Churchill's Secret BunkersVideo Clip (3:47)
Video Clip (3:47)
During World War II, a secret network of tunnels was built under London to keep Churchill's communications lines intact.
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Attack on Pearl Harbor
Attack on Pearl HarborVideo Clip (1:49)
Video Clip (1:49)
On December 7, 1941, Japan launches a surprise attack on American soil at Pearl Harbor.
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History Features: London Blitz
History Features: London BlitzVideo Clip (8:50)
Video Clip (8:50)
British citizens dealt with frightening blackouts and air raids throughout the London Blitz in WWII.
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North Africa Campaign
North Africa CampaignVideo Clip (1:41)
Video Clip (1:41)
After Italy declares war, the Allies fight the Axis powers in North Africa for control of the Mediterranean.
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D-Day Invasion
D-Day InvasionVideo Clip (3:07)
Video Clip (3:07)
On June 6, 1944, Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and turned the tides of World War II.
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French Resistance
French ResistanceVideo Clip (3:15)
Video Clip (3:15)
David Keran's grandfather was an OSS agent working with the French Resistance during WWII and left behind films of his experiences.
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Battle of the Bulge
Battle of the BulgeVideo Clip (2:50)
Video Clip (2:50)
In December 1944, a major German offensive is launched against the Allies in the Ardennes Mountains region on the Western Front.
Photo Galleries (7)
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World War II Political Leaders
World War II Political Leaders(9 Photos)
9 Photos
View photos of World War II political leaders.
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World War II Pilots and Planes
World War II Pilots and Planes(12 Photos)
12 Photos
View photos of World War II pilots and planes.
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World War II Damage and Destruction
World War II Damage and Destruction(7 Photos)
7 Photos
View photos of the damage and destruction from World War II.
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Allied Military Leaders
Allied Military Leaders(11 Photos)
11 Photos
View photos of Allied military leaders
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Axis Military Leaders
Axis Military Leaders(12 Photos)
12 Photos
View images of Axis military leaders from World War II.
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World War II Posters
World War II Posters(16 Photos)
16 Photos
View photos of famous posters from the World War II era.
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End of World War II
End of World War II(8 Photos)
8 Photos
View pictures from VE day and VJ day as Americans celebrate the end of World War II.
Interactives (2)
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Inside WWII
Inside WWIIInteractive
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WWII Experience
WWII ExperienceInteractive
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In July 1940 Germany launched a series of intense air raids directed against Great Britain during World War II.
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