We Shall Fight on the Beaches

A generalissimo is the commander of a combined military force consisting of army, navy, and air force units. This term provides context of military rankings during the time period. A military leader who is in charge of multiple branches has significant power and influence. The use and introduction of this term in the first paragraph of the speech immerses the audience into the world of war, reminding them of Churchill’s military experience and expertise.

Gestapo is the abbreviation of the German term Geheime Staatspolizei (“Secret State Police”). The Gestapo was the political police of Nazi Germany whose primary purpose was to identify and eliminate opposition to the Nazi regime, including political opponents, resistance groups, Jews, communists, intellectuals, and anyone deemed a threat to the stability of the Nazi state. The Gestapo employed various methods of surveillance, interrogation, intimidation, and violence to achieve its goals. Its actions were characterized by brutality, torture, and the widespread use of fear to suppress dissent.

In the final paragraph of his speech, Churchill notes that many parts of Europe have already been occupied by “the Gestapo.” He uses this reminder of the German secret police to represent the insidious, non-democratic forces employed by Nazi Germany.