The British Bulldog: The Story of a Legend
Christopher Blue
CPD400- Dr. Beavers, Old Dominion University
January 28th, 2023









                                         Abstract
The world was going through some tough times in the 1900s, and it needed a leader that could make a difference. His role in World War II won the War in the ally's favor. This paper will discuss the importance of Winston Churchill and the leadership style he portrayed. 









                                    
                                      A World in Crisis

	December 7, 1941, is a day that forever changed the course of history. The current President of the United States said, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." (National Archives, 2017). The US finally joined the Great Second World War, even though Britain had been fighting Hitler’s Nazi forces since September 3. 1939. It all started when Germany invaded Poland, which led to Britain and France declaring War on Germany. It was later, in 1940, that Britain elected a new Prime Minister, and his name was Winston Churchill. Churchill was elected during one of the “darkest hours” in history. His nickname was the "British Bulldog," given to him because of a cartoon that Sidney Strube wrote on June 8, 1940 (Hall, 2021). This nickname was not just because of his striking resemblance to a bulldog but also his resilience to give up against heavily weighted odds in Hitler's favor. Arguably, his determination and leadership style would help the allied forces during the War.

                                 “Churchillian Principles”

	Celia Sandys, a granddaughter to the great Winston Churchill, came up with the name for her grandfather's Leadership Principles. Coined "Churchillian Principles" by Churchill Leadership Inc., founded by her (Longstaffe, 2005). These principles that Churchill was known for are still used today. He was met with a crisis and had to think quickly. His go-to attitude made him a legend. He was known for his speeches (even though he had a speech impediment) that inspired people to make the tough choices that had to be made during WWII. He would give the "what-if vision" of a situation. After heavy losses, he said, "… we shall go on to the end we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds we shall fight on the fields, and in the streets we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender" (Longstaffe, 2005). It was this leadership style and his go-to attitude that made him such a great leader. He followed a Visionary leadership style known for its “powerful ability to drive progress and usher in periods of change by inspiring employees…” (2022). 

                                Churchillian Examples Today

	Many leaders follow Churchill's Leadership styles today. During the conflicts that arose after September 11, 2001, former President George W. Bush gave a speech that rallied the nation to his cause. His speech just before the invasion of Iraq was very much like a speech Churchill would give. “My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people, and to defend the world from grave danger.” (President Bush Addresses the Nation, 2003) was just part of the speech he would give that night. Like Churchill, Former President Bush rallied the nation against the terroristic organization and would unite the United States for the first time since Pearl Harbor and the storming of Normandy. 
	A very current leader that showed Churchillian Leadership qualities would be the current Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelensky. He rallied Ukraine when Russia started its invasion and still leads his country even though he is facing a more "organized" country. His speeches lead to his citizens taking to the streets and fighting against the tyranny of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The world even came to his cause, and many countries sent supplies to help Ukraine defend itself. 
Conclusion
	It was Churchill's style of leadership that vastly influenced many decisive situations used by leaders. Churchill's speeches will be remembered and quoted in our history books and by leaders who follow his example. It is this Visionary style of leadership that sets many leaders apart. Without these leaders, our world would be a different place. Sir Winston Churchill inspired millions to fight against Hitler and his allies, which forever changed the course of the War. Soldiers braved the cause, and most gave the ultimate sacrifice; many nations united to defend the world's freedom from Nazi Germany. In the future we will need this type of leadership because the world is always in need of a leader that inspires.
	









Citations

Hall, D. J. (2021, May 11). Bulldog Churchill: The evolution of a famous image. International Churchill Society. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://winstonchurchill.org/publications/finest-hour/finest-hour-106/bulldog-churchill-the-evolution-of-a-famous-image/ 

8 common leadership styles (plus how to find your own). (2022, October 26). Indeed Career Guide. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/10-common-leadership-styles 

Longstaffe, C. (2005, March 1). Winston Churchill, a leader from history or an inspiration for the future? Industrial and Commercial Training. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/00197850510584223/full/html#idm45190611637456 

National Archives. (2017, December 13). FDR’s “Day of Infamy” Speech. National Archives. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from  https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2001/winter/crafting-day-of-infamy-speech.html 

President Bush Addresses the Nation. (2003, March 19). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/iraq/news/20030319-17.html