The Lion's Roar

Hour two explores the years between 1929 and 1939, which became widely known as the "wilderness years," during which Churchill was variously described as a "maverick," a "spent force" and a "fanatic." His reactionary views about British control in India and King Edward VIII's abdication alienated him from his political peers. But the war years from 1939 to 1945 became his most famous period. After a lifetime driven by a desire to be the man who made history, history came to meet him. "The Lion’s Roar" traces Churchill's leadership of Britain through its finest hour during the Battle of Britain to its darkest hour in 1942. His famous speeches evoked everything about Britain that he thought was great and rallied the nation. When he visited the bombed out streets of London, his tears revealed his sensitivity. But the pressures of war forced him to make agonizing and brutal decisions. In 1940, to prevent capture by the Germans, Churchill ordered the sinking of the French fleet at Oran; 1200 French sailors were killed. The program also explores the important relationship between Churchill and President Roosevelt.