Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill · "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

First speech as Prime Minister to the House of Commons, 13 May 1940 · Gecheckt op 2 maart 2026

I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.

Analyse

Winston Churchill opened his inaugural address to the House of Commons on 13 May 1940 with the line, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” The wording matches historical transcripts of the speech. No credible source disputes the phrasing or context.

Achtergrond

Churchill became Prime Minister on 10 May 1940 during World War II and addressed Parliament three days later, outlining the dire situation and his resolve to fight. The phrase has since become one of his most famous quotations, symbolizing determination in wartime.

Samenvatting verdict

The quote is accurate and comes from Churchill’s first speech as Prime Minister on 13 May 1940.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— The Churchill Archive, Cabinet Papers, 13 May 1940 speech transcript (National Archives, UK)

— UK Parliament Hansard, 13 May 1940, “Prime Minister’s Address”

— BBC History – "Winston Churchill’s first speech as Prime Minister"