The Splendid and The Vile
Erik Larson
Contributed by Youlanda Mill
Part 6 Chapter 84
Summary

Eric continues to court Mary while the British suffer defeats in the Middle East and Libya. At the same time, Hitler attacked in the Balkans and Churchill toured Swansea, where his presence had a positive effect on the local citizen’s morale. This was similar to the effect Churchill had when he visited Bristol shortly after the bombing there. Back at Chequers, grim news comes about the Middle East but this was mitigated by the news that Roosevelt would expand the American Naval Security Zone to help secure British shipping lanes. However, as losses of British soldiers increased overseas, and the air raids continued to go on in Britain, members of the government were losing confidence in Churchill’s ability to lead.

Analysis

Maintaining a level of confidence within and around the government is essential during a time of crisis. From the beginning, it was made well aware that Churchill was not entirely well-liked among all of the British government, but his decisions thus far were pushing his Prime Minister. The devastation in the Middle East and the patience of the British government to continue withstanding these German air raids weaned on the conscience of British parliamentarians. However, other news would show that confidence is to be restored, especially with the decision of Roosevelt to expand the recon circles for the American Navy and help protect British shipping lanes.

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