What was Great Britains finest hour ?

Answer 1

In world terms, Britain's influence and image were at their peak around 1910. The funeral of King Edward VII was attended by heads of state from pretty well everywhere. Even in his short reign, international respect and admiration for Britain and its achievements had increased, compared to its peak under Victoria.

The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 was the first high-profile failure of British superiority, and from then on, it seems to have been all downhill. Britain remained a major world player in many respects, but especially after 1919 it was no longer seen as the automatic leader.

Answer 2

Further to previous answers, the Battle of Britain, and Britain's lone (in Europe) stand against Germany and Italy in the Summer of 1940 are popularly reckoned to have been Britain's 'Finest Hour', a view based on Churchill's speech of 4th June 1940. This is a good example of the way in Churchill's written and recorded words, and his subsequent historical treatment of the Second World War, have shaped the views and interpretations of successive generations.

If it's a matter of opinion, then Britain's 'finest hour' would clearly mean different things to different people. Is it the height of British Imperial power and splendour (for which 1851 is a far better contender than 1910)? Is it a moral issue, such as Britain declaring war on Germany to fight for a Polish state which she could not directly assist? Is it a cultural issue, such as the Beatles' release of 'Sergeant Pepper' in June 1967 or the recording of 'All You Need Is Love' in August 1967? Is it an event that sume up 'national character' (whatever that is), such as British defiance during the Blitz of 1940-41 or the modd of the nation after July 7 2005? Is it a military issue? If that's the case, then Britain's finest hour in military terms would probably be something like 1759, the 'year of victories', or possibly the successful crossing of the Rhine in March 1945.

History is complicated, and questions like this, while seemingly easy to answer, are essentially matters of emphasis and interpretation. My own suggestion for Britain's 'finest hour' would be an example of doing 'the right thing', such as the Attlee Government's creation of the National Health Service in 1948, an event which set an example in social policy to the rest of the world.

Answer 3

Adding to previous British successes. Decoding of the Enigma at Bletchley Park (building on the excellent work done by the Polish before they were invaded by the Nazis).
As Churchill said "They were the Geese that laid the Golden egg"

The work done by Alan Turing which lead to the development of the digital computer.
Charles Babbage who if he had been more successful would have built a steam powered computer in the 1800's!
The creation of the Parlimentary system of government upon which ALL democratic governments are based (including the American government!)

Our finest moment must be the Battle of Britain our victory then stopped Hitler from gaining control over europe and gave the world hope for the future!

Answer 4

That was an expression used in a famous speech early in WWII by Winston Churchill, exhorting the people of Britain to resist and defeat the advancing Germans, even though things were looking bad then. His full speech is online at the link below. It ends, "Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.' "

Answer 5

Great Britains finest hour was the day that we stood up and declared war on Nazi Germany. we stuck to our principles and declared that though we stood alone we would defy tyranny.

Many people gave their lives in that conflict and so many others since to protect values and principles that we hold dear.

In this time of division as to whether British forces should be in Iraq and Afghanistan and the million other places that they are wanted and needed. Please remember whether you are for the war or against it. Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force are protecting you and they deserve your support.

"Lest We Forget"

Answer 6

The Battle of Britain, when a hand full of fighter pilots defeated the might of the German air force

Answer 7

Don't know. But, I slept with Great Britains finest Whore. Does that count?

Answer 8

It has to be winning the'Battle of Britain'air war 1940,if the jack boots had marched through Britain mass killing would have occured and total devistation of these isles.

Answer 9

Without a doubt it was the Battle of Britain during WWII

It certainly wasn't joining what was the Common Market, which has become the monstrous EEC

Answer 10

During the 2nd. World War when "BRITAIN STOOD ALONE" against the might of the German Forces before the US entered the war.