Stasis: Action - Winston Churchill "We Shall Fight on the Beaches"

We Shall Fight on the Beaches - Winston Churchill

Kennedy's Cuban Missile Address and Bush's 9/11 Address both called for allies to band together and fight for the "greater good". It seems the greatest, most fervent speeches are given when a nation is threatened and its way of living endangered. Winston Churchill gave his speech "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" in response to the risk of German Invasion during the early stages of World War II. Although the United Kingdom was already greatly weakened, Churchill delivered his speech to raise British morale and promised victory over the Germans at all costs. Churchill uses the stasis of action constantly throughout the speech. One of the most famous parts of his speech demonstrates his determination to win and appeals to British patriotism and strength: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." Churchill's uncompromising will immediately inspired those listening and was immediately recognized as historic. In a moment of doubt and impending defeat, it is in times like those where words may have the most profound affect. Perhaps that is why so many effective presidents are also adept orators, people that can sway millions of people and change the course of history simply with words.