We Shall Fight on the Beaches

“There plodded comparatively slowly the dull brute mass of the ordinary German Army and German people, always so ready to be led to the trampling down in other lands of liberties and comforts which they have never known in their own.”

Churchill includes this depiction of the German army and the German people to contrast their mindset and blind compliance with their leaders to that of the Free World. Churchill also includes reasoning that is important for his audience to know—the German people only do this because they have never known freedom.

“Four days of intense street fighting passed before silence reigned over Calais, which marked the end of a memorable resistance.”

Depicting the silence following the battle allows Churchill to emphasize just what is at stake in each and every battle. When the countries in Europe were silent as Hitler rose to power, it allowed his forces to grow in strength and determination, leading to countries and cities being silenced by destruction and death.

“The enemy attacked on all sides with great strength and fierceness, and their main power, the power of their far more numerous Air Force, was thrown into battle or else concentrated upon Dunkirk and the beaches.”

Germany’s forces instilled great fear into the hearts of the European nations. However, Churchill highlights that even though the Germans struck with everything they had, the British and Allied troops at Dunkirk were still able to evacuate. The message gives the audience hope that Germany can be defeated.