Segregation in the United States Military
The U.S. and its military continued to fight in Europe in part because of the Holocaust, a racially motivated genocide. However, their military, which they used to fight the Nazis, was segregated and racist itself. Larson points out this irony as a way to underscore how odd the U.S. - and by proxy, the U.K. - was in some of their intentions and morals.
The United States' Involvement in WWII
The United States became engaged in World War II in Europe only after they were attacked by the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. Winston Churchill had long pressured the United States and its President, Franklin Roosevelt, to get involved in the war, but it was pressure from an unexpected place that caused them to get involved with the war.
Churchill
Prior to his taking the post of Prime Minister, Churchill was perhaps best known for his involvement in planning the Battle of Gallipoli, which is widely known as one of the most disastrous campaigns in the history of warfare. Despite his failure, he was tasked with leading the United Kingdom and the military of the U.K. and the world.
A Person's Offering
Churchill's quote "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat" is ironic because all a person has to offer is their blood, toil, tears, and sweat. Regardless, Churchill said this to inspire the British people to give everything they can to their country and to the war effort.
Courage
Churchill's quote “I never gave them [the British people] courage" is ironic because as audiences, we know that Churchill did in fact give the British people courage, even if he didn't.
