The Rest Is History 623. The Nazis at War: Churchill’s Finest Hour (Part 4)
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Dec 4, 2025 Delve into the intense struggle between Hitler's Germany and Britain during World War II. Explore Churchill's powerful speeches and the significance of British survival. Discover Hitler's ambivalence toward Britain and the potential peace terms he considered. Learn about the pivotal Battle of Britain and the critical advantages that tipped the scale in favor of the RAF. As tensions escalate, witness how Operation Sea Lion falters and the shift to the Blitz unfolds, setting the stage for future conflicts.
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Hitler Misread British Resolve
- Hitler respected Britain yet misjudged its political will to resist.
- He assumed empire preservation would push Britain toward accommodation, a critical miscalculation.
Mers-el-Kébir: Brutal Choice
- Churchill ordered an ultimatum at Mers-el-Kébir to prevent the French fleet falling to Germany.
- British forces then attacked and sank ships, killing over a thousand French sailors and severing relations with Vichy.
Ribbentrop's Puppet Plot Reveals Desperation
- Nazi leadership explored fifth-column schemes, even plotting to kidnap the Duke of Windsor as a puppet.
- Such plots reveal ideological desperation and lack of viable military solutions.
