In September 1938, the world was held in the balance by two men who represented a fractured vision of reality.

Neville Chamberlain was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the leader of a global empire. Haunted by the slaughter of World War I, he believed that rational diplomacy could prevent another catastrophe. When he flew to Munich to meet Hitler, he didn’t go as a coward, but as a man convinced that a signed treaty could tame a tyrant.

Winston Churchill, meanwhile, was in his “wilderness years.” Holding no government office, he was a lonely backbencher dismissed as an alarmist. While the public celebrated Chamberlain’s return, Churchill warned that a “quiet sleep” was no substitute for the truth.

Upon his return, Chamberlain famously declared to the crowds:

“My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.”

“My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.”

Five days later, Churchill delivered the devastating rebuttal:

“You were given the choice between war and........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)