Recalling Winston Churchill's Famous Speech 74 Years Ago Today

On May 13, 1940, World War II was underway.

The United States wasn't involved yet, but there was real fear in Britain that Germany would invade. German troops had already invaded France, and once Europe was conquered, Adolf Hitler would target Britain.

Winston Churchill spoke to the House of Commons for the first time as prime minister that day, and established the tone that would rally his country for the rest of the war.

He said he had "nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat," and declaring that Britain's aim was: "Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival."