Changes

On May 10th, the Germans invaded western Europe.<ref> ''The Times of London'', 11 May 1940 </ref> They launched coordinated attacks on the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. London was in a panic and many believed that a German victory was inevitable. The British people demanded that a National Government, be put in place, comprising the Conservative, Labour and the Liberal Party. It was believed that such were the dangers that only a National Government, as in World War I could save the country. It was widely believed that Lord Halifax would become prime minister, but he was unwilling. He had been too much associated with the appeasement policy of Europe and he . It was rumored that Halifax had been even rumored to have favored seeking peace with the GermansGermany. The public was overwhelmingly in favor favored Churchill, and they saw him as someone who could lead their country to victory, however. However, many of the British political elite believed that Churchill was too much of a maverick and was too unpredictable. Perhaps crucially, in the appointment of Churchill was the reaction of favored by the British armed forces. He was genuinely popular with the rank and file and the . Additionally, British officers and was widely seen saw Churchill as someone who would could successfully fight the GermansGermany.