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Sun Tzu says that the Dao brings the people into accord with their ruler, so that they follow him even at the risk of their lives. That sounds like an ideal from a distant age. The summer of 1940 in Britain shows what the Unity of Leaders and People can look like in reality: not as obedience to a ruler but as a shared resolve of leaders and people.
A prime minister in a crisis
Situation
On May 10, 1940, the German Wehrmacht attacks in the west. On the same day, Winston Churchill becomes prime minister. Three days later, he tells the House of Commons that he has “nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat,” and that the aim, in one word, is “victory.” Within a few weeks, the Netherlands, Belgium and France fall. The British army is trapped on the coast at Dunkirk.
Link to the principle
Churchill does not begin with promises. He tells the truth about the situation. The Unity of Leaders and People requires honesty. If you deceive people, you get approval for a while, but not trust.
The dispute in the War Cabinet
Situation
Between May 24 and 28, 1940, the War Cabinet wrestles with the question of whether Britain should sound out peace terms through Benito Mussolini. Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax is in favor. Churchill refuses. The moment on May 28 when Neville Chamberlain comes down on Churchill’s side is considered an important turning point. On the same day, Churchill speaks to the roughly 25 ministers outside the War Cabinet and says that Britain will fight on. According to reports from those present, all of them agree, and some clap him on the back.
Link to the principle
Before leaders can be one with the people, they have to be one among themselves. Churchill first secures unity in the innermost circle, then in the wider one. Only then does he speak to the country.
Three speeches in six weeks
Situation
On June 4, 1940, after the rescue of more than 300,000 soldiers from Dunkirk, Churchill tells the House of Commons that Britain will fight on the beaches, in the fields and in the streets, and that it will never surrender. On June 18, he gives the speech in which he says that future generations will look back on this time and say: “This was their finest hour.” In the evening, he reads it again on BBC radio. An estimated 60% of Britons listen.
Link to the principle
The speeches do not invent a mood; they distill one. Many Britons were ready to carry on but could not find the words for it. Churchill gave them the words. This is how accord arises: the leaders put into words what the people are willing to bear.
The test
Situation
On July 10, 1940, the Battle of Britain begins. In the fall, the bombing raids on London and other cities follow. Until the summer of 1941, Britain stands against Germany without major allies. The population holds out.
Link to the principle
The Unity of Leaders and People becomes visible only when it costs something. A people that knows it is one with its leaders can bear burdens that a divided people would not carry.
Who had the lion’s heart?
Situation
At the celebration of his 80th birthday on November 30, 1954, Churchill said: “It was the nation and the race dwelling all round the globe that had the lion’s heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar.” Even so, in July 1945, the British had voted him out of office and given the Labour Party a large majority.
Link to the principle
Churchill himself describes the principle: the strength lay in the people; the leadership gave it direction and a voice. At the same time, the 1945 election shows that unity is tied to a task. Once the task is fulfilled, the paths can part.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Tell your people the truth about the situation, even when it is hard.
- First ensure unity in your innermost leadership circle.
- Put into words what people feel but cannot say.
- Unity becomes visible only when it costs something.
- Don’t count on unity lasting beyond the shared task.
Summary
In the summer of 1940, Britain stood alone against Hitler. Winston Churchill prevailed in the War Cabinet against negotiations, secured the ministers’ support and, in three speeches, put into words what many Britons felt. The country held out through the Battle of Britain and the bombing raids. Churchill himself saw the strength in the people and his own role in giving it a voice. That is exactly what Sun Tzu means by the Dao.
Sources
- John Lukacs: Five Days in London, May 1940. New Haven: Yale University Press 1999.
- Sun Tzu: The Art of War, Chapter 1. Lionel Giles (trans.): Sun Tzu on the Art of War. London: Luzac & Co. 1910.
