Online Lecture: Churchill's Darkest Decision — Mers-el-Kebir, July 1940

Join Dr. Spencer Jones, esteemed historian and author, for a gripping exploration of one of Winston Churchill’s most controversial decisions. In 1940, as Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany, Churchill faced the harrowing prospect of the powerful French navy falling into enemy hands. When negotiations with French officers at Mers-el-Kebir, Algeria, failed, Churchill ordered the destruction of the fleet — a decision he called “the most unnatural and painful” of his life. Discover the dramatic and tragic story behind this fateful moment in history.

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll and a reminder email one week, one day, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask questions to the instructor live using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted in the lecture description, all those who enroll in this program can attend the live event and will also receive a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within two weeks following the live event.