Final answer:
Winston Churchill wanted to go through Gallipoli to open a new front in WWI, link up with Russian forces, and weaken the Ottoman Empire by controlling the Turkish straits. The plan, however, led to a disastrous military campaign for the Allies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Winston Churchill Wanted to go Through Gallipoli
Winston Churchill, serving as the First Lord of the Admiralty, aimed to go through Gallipoli during World War I with the intention of opening up a new front that would link up with the Russian forces. The strategy behind the British plan was to attack through the Dardanelles, land on the Gallipoli Peninsula, isolate the Ottoman Empire, and control the strategic Turkish straits. This attack would allow the Allies to eventually capture Istanbul and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war, creating a pathway through the Balkans against Austria-Hungary and Germany.
The Gallipoli Campaign began in 1915 but encountered severe setbacks including heavy artillery fire from Turkish defenses and naval mines. The ANZAC forces that included Australians and New Zealanders faced devastating conditions and were unable to advance effectively from their beachheads. This poorly-executed invasion resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The hard-fought victory for the Turks solidified the reputation of General Mustafa Kemal, who later founded the modern Turkish Republic. On the other hand, the campaign's failure led to Churchill's resignation from his Admiralty post, although he later became the Prime Minister of Britain during a critical phase of World War II.
The Gallipoli invasion had significant repercussions, including creating a sense of national identity in Australia and New Zealand, as commemorated on ANZAC Day. However, it also highlighted the strategic miscalculations and operational failures that can occur in warfare.