Before studying the text together, let's do some pre-reading activities. They will help us get ready for the detailed study. 

Discussion

Watch the script of a clip of From Into the Storm and answer the following questions.

Script:

Churchill: Now that the French have surrendered,we must assume that their navy will soon be in German hand. That must nothappen. We must keep control of the Mediterranean. Without access to the SuezCanal, our oil supplies will be cut off, which would of course be disastrous. I’vetold the French they must continue to fight, sail their ships to a Britishport, or scuttle the entire fleet. If they accept none of these choices, I’veordered Admiral Somerville, to bombard the French fleet in the port of Oran. Wehave to show the world, and in particular the United States, that we mean tofight on.

 

Questions:

1.  What consequence would it be if the German took over the French navy?

2.  What was Churchill’s plan if French did not accept his choices? Why would he do so?