Winston Churchill was born on November 30, 1874, at Blenheim Palace, a residence given to his ancestor, the 1st Duke of Marlborough.¹⁾

He was a direct descendant of John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough.²⁾

His mother, Jennie Jerome, was an American, giving Churchill dual British and American heritage.³⁾

Churchill had a difficult time in school and was often considered rebellious and unacademic.⁴⁾

Despite academic challenges, he attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and graduated 20th out of a class of 130.⁵⁾

Before becoming a politician, Churchill worked as a war correspondent, covering conflicts in Cuba, India, Sudan, and South Africa.⁶⁾