1. Why was the war-time coalition formed on 10 May 1940? p.94-8 Beware!! Q could also focus on Chamberlain or Churchill

2. Main factor Chamberlain’s poor record as PM 1. Appeasement 2. Failure to make pact with USSR 3. Slow response to organising British economy for war 4. Military crisis – Hitler’s invasion of Norway and Denmark in April 1940 5. Trigger – 7 May – Chamberlain opened Narvik debate

3. Short-term military situation triggered political crisis 4. After phoney war, Hitler had started his advance in Norway and Denmark in April British troops unable to prevent their defeat Days before Chamberlain had gravely under-estimated Hitler, saying that he had “missed the bus” and was too late to oppose the allies 5. Had to face House of Commons

4. Because it caused: Loss of support in parliament: Labour demanded resignation Lloyd George on behalf of Liberals did the same Rebel Conservatives would not support Chamberlain unless he could command a coalition of Lab and Libs Forced to resign

5. Contributory factor: Churchill as potential alternative Had always opposed appeasement Proved himself as 1 st Lord of the Admiralty in 1939-40 Was urging inclusion of Labour in gov’t Recognised as a propagandist Seen as energetic war leader Mother was American so could use connections with US to achieve loans and support

6. Led to: Even at time of crisis on 10 May 1940, there was a strong potential leader

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0MiKz CNKwY&NR=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0MiKz CNKwY&NR=1