Had Tommy Shelby Really Existed, Would Winston Churchill Behave the Same as in Peaky Blinders?

Introduction

'Peaky Blinders' is a critically acclaimed TV series that delves into the world of gangsters in Birmingham during the early 20th century. The series has been likened to numerous other shows, including 'The Sopranos' and 'Boardwalk Empire.' Interestingly, although 'Peaky Blinders' is known for its fictional characters, it often draws inspiration from real-world events and historical figures, such as Winston Churchill. But what if Tommy Shelby, a character central to the series, had indeed existed? Would Winston Churchill have behaved the same way as portrayed in 'Peaky Blinders?'

While 'Peaky Blinders' has been praised for its accurate portrayal of the time period, it is important to remember that the series is fiction. Churchill, a prominent historical figure, was often reduced to caricatures in movies and TV shows. However, this article aims to explore the hypothetical scenario of how real Winston Churchill might have reacted if real-life gangster Tommy Shelby had been a part of his historical context.

Peaky Blinders and Historical Accuracy

The line between fiction and reality can be blurred in TV series, particularly in historical settings. Shows like 'Peaky Blinders' often take artistic liberties to enhance storytelling. For instance, the show features a character named Tommy Shelby, who is loosely based on real-life gangsters. However, the series takes significant creative liberties in how it portrays historical events and individuals.

The Work of John Lukacs and Churchill

John Lukacs, a renowned historian, describes the extraordinary duel between Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler in his book, 'The Duel: The Eighty-Day Struggle Between Churchill and Hitler.' According to Lukacs, Churchill's behavior and decision-making during this period were crucial in the outcome of World War II. In this context, examining how Churchill might have interacted with a real Tommy Shelby is fascinating and provides an interesting hypothetical scenario.

Did 'Peaky Blinders' Influence Modern Understandings?

The essence of 'Peaky Blinders' lies in its ability to draw from real historical events. For example, the show's depiction of the rise and fall of gangsters in early 20th century Birmingham is rooted in fact. However, if Tommy Shelby had been a real individual, how might his existence have influenced Churchill's decisions? According to some historians, the early 20th century was a time of intense political and social upheaval, and figures like Tommy Shelby would have been known to political circles.

Contrary to popular belief, the influence of American gangster cinema on British culture is not as significant as one might think. 'Peaky Blinders' is a blend of British and American influences, but it is perceived as a uniquely British phenomenon. This raises the question: are we creating a Xerox copy of Windsor Churchill or is there something inherently unique about his character within the series?

The Role of Historical Figures in Fiction

Historical figures such as Winston Churchill are often portrayed in a way that aligns with the narrative of the show. In 'Peaky Blinders,' Churchill is depicted as a government minister during a period when he was actually out of office. This portrayal could be seen as a deliberate artistic choice to create a dynamic environment for the series. However, it is important to separate the fictional narrative from the real-life persona of Churchill, who was known for his leadership and decisiveness in the face of adversity.

Given the real-world context, it is unlikely that Churchill would have behaved exactly as portrayed in 'Peaky Blinders.' Churchill's actions during World War II, as documented by historians like John Lukacs, were marked by strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to the cause. The historical context suggests that if Tommy Shelby had existed and interacted with Churchill during his political career, their relationship would have been complex and influenced by real events rather than the fictional narrative of the series.

Conclusion

While 'Peaky Blinders' provides an entertaining and immersive depiction of gangster culture in early 20th century Birmingham, it is important to remember that the series is a work of fiction. Historically, Winston Churchill was not in office during the period when Tommy Shelby is depicted as being influential. Therefore, it is unlikely that Churchill would have behaved the same way as in the series. Historical accuracy and the real-life character of Churchill underscore the distinction between the fiction and reality of 'Peaky Blinders.'

References

1. Lukacs, J. (2005). The Duel: The Eighty-Day Struggle Between Churchill and Hitler.