Winston Churchill's "Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat" Speech to House of Commons

Posted by Debbie Lang | January 24, 2018

This is Winston Churchill's first speech as Prime Minister to the House of Commons, which he delivered on May 13, 1940. He talks about forming a new administration after Neville Chamberlain's resignation and then assures the House he is ready for the task before him. "I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.'" The line became synonymous with the speech. He finishes by talking about the war and the goal of the country. "You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival." Related Article: Darkest Hour: History vs. Hollywood