As World War II began, Winston Churchill proved to be an effective leader in many ways in his position as First Lord of the Admiralty. His return to this post (which he had held during World War I) galvanized the military and brought additional confidence to the people of the United Kingdom. He consistently advocated aggressive action against the enemy and never faltered in his fighting spirit even in the face of initial German successes. These qualities led to his being appointed as the empire-nation's Prime Minister in May of 1940.
