The speech that Winston Churchill delivered in 1946 was called “The Sinews of Peace.” Sinews is another word for a tendon or ligament, something that binds the body together.What does the word “sinews” show about Churchill’s beliefs?
Read the excerpt from Churchill’s speech in 1946. It is the first time he used the phrase “iron curtain.”Which statement best summarizes what Churchill is saying in this section of his speech?
What image did Churchill want to create with the phrase “iron curtain”?
Think of the phrase “iron curtain.”What does the word “iron” make you think of?
What does the word “curtain” make you think of?
Does Churchill use the phrase the same way as before, or in a different way?
Which statement best summarizes what Churchill is saying in this section?
Why do you think Churchill used the phrase a second time?
He wanted to emphasize his meaning and drive home his point.
What reason did you provide?
How did the phrase reinforce Churchill’s overall message in this speech? Use details from the lesson in your explanation.
The phrase “iron curtain” created a vivid mental image of Europe divided by Soviet control. It made listeners fear the spread of communism and understand that people behind the curtain were trapped, reinforcing Churchill’s message that the United States and other Western nations needed to respond in defense of freedom.
What explanation did you provide?
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