Question

After the Munich Agreement was announced, Winston Churchill gave a speech in Parliament about the decision.

Do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.

Winston Churchill,
October 5, 1938

What argument does Churchill make in this speech?

Reaching an agreement is the only way to end Germany’s aggression.
Avoiding a war at all costs is the only sensible stance in this situation.
Giving in to Germany’s demands will only lead to more demands down the road.
Going to war is the best approach to solving most diplomatic problems.

Answer 1

In this speech, Winston Churchill argues that the Munich Agreement is only the beginning of a much larger problem, and that unless the British government takes a firm stand against Germany's aggression, it will be forced to make more concessions in the future. He suggests that avoiding war at all costs is not a sensible approach and that, instead, the only way to prevent future aggression is by standing up for freedom and taking a firm moral and martial stance against it. Therefore, Churchill is arguing that giving in to Germany's demands will only lead to more demands down the road and that going to war is the best approach to solving this diplomatic problem.

Answer 2

C. Giving in to Germany’s demands will only lead to more demands down the line