Winston Churchill's Family Background

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why was common law seen as inappropriate for the USA?

Because it was developed in Britain

Because it required experienced legal technicians (correct)

Because it was too simple

Because it was developed in a centralized society

What was Lord Randolph Churchill's position under Lord Salisbury?

Prime Minister

Member of Parliament

Leader of the House of Commons

Chancellor of the Exchequer (correct)

Why did some states want to prohibit references to English precedents?

Because they wanted to adopt a new system

Because they didn't understand English law

Because they wanted to preserve colonial dependence

Because they resented British colonial power (correct)

Why was common law adopted in the USA despite initial reservations?

Because it protected civil liberties against absolutism and pragmatism Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of adapting common law in the USA?

Substantive differences emerged in areas like constitutional law Signup and view all the answers

Why did countries want to get rid of their 'colonisator'?

Because of resentment towards colonial power Signup and view all the answers

What was Lord Randolph Churchill's age at the time of his death?

Forty-six Signup and view all the answers

What was a common factor that contributed to the adoption of common law in the USA?

Common language and history Signup and view all the answers

Where was Jennie Jerome, Churchill's mother, born?

Brooklyn, New York Signup and view all the answers

What is said to be a characteristic of Churchill's style?

A willingness to take risks Signup and view all the answers

Why did Churchill's manner of speech annoy some English politicians?

He spoke with a gusto and brashness Signup and view all the answers

What is said to be a common trait between Churchill and the American people?

A willingness to take risks Signup and view all the answers

Who is described as 'incomparable, the greatest [soldier] England has known'?

John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough Signup and view all the answers

What is said to be a unique aspect of Churchill's speeches?

He drew on emotions and shared them with the whole nation Signup and view all the answers

What is the alleged ancestry of Churchill's family?

English and Native American Signup and view all the answers

What is said to be balanced by Churchill's American traits?

His upper-class English upbringing Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor in the development of Common Law?

Judicial precedent Signup and view all the answers

In which country do judges lead the investigation?

Belgium Signup and view all the answers

What was the incident that led to the payment of penalties in 2010?

Gulf of Mexico rig explosion Signup and view all the answers

What did Obama say about Britain's position in the EU after Brexit?

They'll be in the back of the line Signup and view all the answers

What do the US and UK share in terms of defense?

Nuclear weapon system Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern for the US regarding the UK?

Cutbacks in defense spending Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of Brexit according to Obama?

Britain will have less presence and influence Signup and view all the answers

What must the special relationship take account of?

Britain's postcolonial quest, geo-strategic and economic interests, and personal affinities Signup and view all the answers

Which two leaders shared a common cause during the Cold War?

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher Signup and view all the answers

Which U.S. president was known to have a close relationship with Tony Blair?

George W. Bush Signup and view all the answers

What did Barack Obama say about the UK's position in trade negotiations if it decided to leave the EU?

The UK would be at the back of the queue Signup and view all the answers

Why did the UK feel insulted by Barack Obama's remarks?

Because he said the UK would be at the back of the queue in trade negotiations Signup and view all the answers

What did Donald Trump's statements in 2017 and 2020 reveal about his views on the UK?

He made violent statements about the UK Signup and view all the answers

What did senior retired diplomats and Conservative foreign policy specialists predict would happen if Donald Trump won a second term?

The special relationship between the US and the UK would end Signup and view all the answers

What did experts think Joe Biden's presidency would mean for the UK's special relationship with the US?

The UK would be neglected in favor of Europe and Germany Signup and view all the answers

What has been the UK's default since the Suez crisis, according to one expert?

The UK's partnership with the US Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Winston Churchill's Background

Churchill's paternal family, the Marlboroughs, were of English aristocratic background.
His mother, Jennie Jerome, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and may have had Native American ancestry.
Churchill's upbringing and style were a mix of upper-class English and American traits.

The Common Law

The USA and the UK share a common law system.
The common law was developed in a centralized society, making it less suitable for a large country like the USA.
The system was seen as inappropriate for the USA due to its archaic procedures and requirement for experienced legal technicians.
The common law was adopted in the USA due to its protection of civil liberties and its conservative philosophy.
The system was adapted to fit the USA, leading to differences in areas such as constitutional law, family law, and labor law.
Similarities between the two countries' systems include judicial precedent, the rule of law, and an adversarial nature of proceedings.

Economic Relations

Economic relations between the USA and the UK are deeply rooted in history, but have had their ups and downs (e.g., the BP crisis in 2010).
The UK's decision to leave the EU (Brexit) has led to the USA readjusting its policies towards the EU.

Diplomatic and Security Relations

The USA and the UK share a nuclear deterrent and engage in numerous defense contracts and intelligence cooperation.
Both countries have a common commitment on many issues, such as the Iraq War and the management of Saddam Hussein.

The Special Relationship

The special relationship between the USA and the UK must take into account their postcolonial quests, geo-strategic and economic interests, and personal affinities between leaders.
Examples of close relationships between leaders include FDR and Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, and George W. Bush and Tony Blair.
However, relationships have also been strained, such as between Barack Obama and the Tories, and Donald Trump and Theresa May/Boris Johnson.
The election of Joe Biden did not necessarily offer greater reassurance to the special relationship, as the focus may shift towards Europe, particularly Germany and France.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about Winston Churchill's family history, including his aristocratic English roots and American-born mother. Discover how his multicultural background influenced his views on the 'special relationship' between English-speaking peoples.