Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to A Long and Illustrious History

The Second World War and Churchill (1939-1945)

Study note

The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945. Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister for most of the war and is remembered for his determined leadership and famous speeches. He led Britain to victory alongside its allies against Germany, Italy and Japan. He should not be confused with figures from earlier history such as Oliver Cromwell, who lived centuries before.

The end of the war in Europe is marked on Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, which falls on 8 May. Take care to keep this separate from 11 November, which is Remembrance Day linked to the First World War. The key facts here are the years 1939 to 1945 for the war, Winston Churchill as the wartime Prime Minister, and 8 May as VE Day.

Memory tip: WWII: 1939-1945. Churchill is the wartime PM. VE Day = 8 May.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 7

Who was the British Prime Minister for most of the Second World War?

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for The Second World War and Churchill (1939-1945)(7 questions with explanations)

The Second World War and Churchill (1939-1945): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who was the British Prime Minister for most of the Second World War?

    • Oliver Cromwell
    • The Duke of Wellington
    • Winston Churchill
    • Aneurin Bevan

    Correct answer: Winston Churchill

    Winston Churchill was the wartime Prime Minister.

  2. 2. When did the Second World War take place?

    • 1914 to 1918
    • 1801 to 1815
    • 1939 to 1945
    • 1485 to 1509

    Correct answer: 1939 to 1945

    The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945.

  3. 3. What was the surname of Winston, the wartime Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in the Second World War?

    • Attlee
    • Walpole
    • Churchill
    • Wellington

    Correct answer: Churchill

    Winston Churchill was the wartime Prime Minister.

  4. 4. Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister for most of the Second World War.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Winston Churchill led Britain as wartime Prime Minister.

  5. 5. On which date is Victory in Europe (VE) Day marked?

    • 11 November
    • 5 November
    • 6 June
    • 8 May

    Correct answer: 8 May

    VE Day, marking victory in Europe in the Second World War, is on 8 May.

  6. 6. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Oliver Cromwell was the wartime Prime Minister during the Second World War
    • Winston Churchill was the wartime Prime Minister during the Second World War

    Correct answer: Winston Churchill was the wartime Prime Minister during the Second World War

    Winston Churchill was Britain's Second World War Prime Minister.

  7. 7. Which of these statements about the Second World War is NOT true?

    • Winston Churchill led Britain for most of the war
    • The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945
    • VE Day is marked on 11 November

    Correct answer: VE Day is marked on 11 November

    VE Day is marked on 8 May; 11 November is Remembrance Day for the First World War.

Back to A Long and Illustrious History, or try a mock test or timed exam.