Calming the Storm, and Planning for the Next One

"An honor... perhaps almost unique"

Only months after the conclusion of World War II, Churchill made an appearance at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri to give a speech on the "Sinews of Peace". It was both a stirring call to action and sensitive, assuring counsel. However, the setting of this speech is part of its distinct character. While Churchill was not in his home of England, he was also not at a formal political conference. Rather, as President Truman divulged in his guest introduction, Churchill had been considering spots for vacation and was requested by the President to come to America and give a speech. Now, while this tale really may not display the full motives of either party, it's noteworthy that Churchill gave perhaps his most famous speech-- the "Iron Curtain" speech-- in a college gym in a small Midwest town. Relatively humble for the former prime minister of England and legendary "citizen of the world". Perhaps this, then, helped to carry his message into the hearts of blue-collared Americans and Brits.

Westminster College Gymnasium, where "Sinews of Peace" was delivered

"A definite and practical proposal for action"

As could be expected following an atrocious, devastating event, the world at large was asking "what now?" at the end of World War II. Specifically, the political affairs and government approaches of so many countries were up in the air. Fear and paranoia were tangible even in the joyous victory celebrations. How could we avoid yet another war? And who could judge whether the next battle would be even more cataclysmic than World War II? 

Winston Churchill took a firm stance on the issue by suggesting specific ways "to guard the homes of the common people from the horrors and miseries of another war." In his speech, he makes a deliberate call to action by asking nations worldwide to invest materials and human resources into a worldwide police force: UNO. He capitalizes on the heightened post-victory nationalism of America by emphasizing the importance and genius of the atomic bomb, the retention of national identities in UNO, and the dignity of American capitalism and democracy. 

 "If we persevere together as we did in the two world wars...

I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end."

While appealing to logos in this action plan by using division and definition, he also employs these devices when speaking about "the other": communism. Churchill passionately warns against communism by giving a clear, business-like report on the current affairs of Europe and Asia. Perhaps this was to awaken geographically-removed and still-celebrating American citizens to the painful realities at hand. Churchill paints communism as a stark, black-and-white enemy and uses stirring syllogisms, anaphora and poetic language, and poignant imagery to persuade his audience. These, too, not only contributed to his emotional and logical appeals, but also displayed Churchill's abilities as a skilled rhetorician.

In total, Churchill's choice of setting, logical and clear structure, and emotionally-charged language, combined with his charisma and eloquence, wove a perfect web in which he promoted specific ways to combat communism and obtain world peace.





Image credit

https://www.businessinsider.com/winston-churchill-iron-curtain-college-speech-2017-5 
https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Day-Churchill-Came-to-Town-The-Iron-Curtain-Speech-in-Fulton-Missouri