W ORLD W AR II ON THE H OME FRONT Examining the effects in Britain

P OLITICAL E FFECTS : In many European countries, old leaders were swept aside (especially those who helped Germany). This paved the way for new forms of government, often with a platform that denounced armed conflict. The war gave a boost to various independent movements in colonies all over the world. Ex. Within three years – India became its own independent country. (1947)

P OLITICAL E FFECTS C ONT : The war completely crippled the economies of European powers. Economic recovery was even more difficult than after WW1. This had strengthened the will of countries to co-operate, and eventually led to the creation of the European Union. The war declared the 2 most powerful countries in the world as USA and USSR. USA = capitalism and USSR = communism

T HE HOME FRONT IN B RITAIN – WW2 It is worth noting that the British government was much more prepared for this war then the attacks in The home front in Britain can be examined with the incorporation of four distinct measures. 1) Evacuation 2) Conscription 3) Controlling Information 4) Rationing

P ART 1 : E VACUATION Once war was declared: Sept 1939, the government of Britain begun their evacuation process. 1.5 million people (most school ages children and their families) were moved from high risk bombing areas to the rural areas of Britain. Problems arose because of this, despite the well planned evacuation: Evacuees were often separated from their families, and often times the children without families were abused, exploited and mistreated. Many of the British rural people refused to take in evacuees, which led to many wealthy people being convicted of war crimes.

Evacuation saved many young British lives once the German Blitz commenced. The Evacuations also freed mothers to devote their lives to essential ‘war work’. The evacuations also brought two different walks of life together: The inner city people saw the countryside and visa versa. This caused many country folk to see the terrible conditions in the city and in turn they voted for politicians who wanted to eliminate poverty.

P ART 2: C ONSCRIPTION From the beginning of the War: all men aged had to register for war work (either fighting or working towards the war effort). Men that were not needed in battle waited in reserves. While some men were not conscripted according to their employment. These men were in reserve occupations: such as medical work, coal mining, electronics to demolition. These men stayed in their field as they were needed to work in specific jobs to further the war machine.

As of 1940 – Winston Churchill headed the new coalition government of Britain. Under Churchill, labour minister Bevin worked closely with employers and unions to ensure fair and efficient working conditions for the British war movement. Wages and prices were both strictly controlled. Workers faced long hours however, up to 80 hours a week to ensure all of the essential industries were maxing out production. Work was difficult but all men knew it was for the right cause – to CRUSH the Nazis.

W OMEN IN B RITAIN Late 1941: women were conscripted as the workforce demanded more production. All women 20 and up had to register for war work. Unless they were ill, pregnant or had small children at home. These women were sent to work in industry or auxiliary armed forces. Some of these women worked hours a week on airplane assembly lines. By 1939 there were 7.5 million women working of the total population of 40 million. Large numbers of women joined the armed forces and served overseas>

The novelty of women working had worn off much quicker when compared to WW1. Mainly because so many women were assisting in the war effort. Trade Unions readily accepted women and advocated for equal treatment in the work force for women and men alike. While the women worked the same jobs as men, monetary discrimination continued in Britain until the 1950s.

C ONSCRIPTION While conscription began in early 1939, before the war even started, most of the procedure was met with excitement and few complaints in England. By 1940, over 1 million men volunteered to fight, not including the other men who were forced to fight.

P ART 3: C ONTROLLING I NFORMATION The government used its emergency powers to control information passed in Britain, it aimed to: Boost morale and support the war effort Provide important information and instructions. Make sure the press did not publish and the BBC did not broadcast anything that might be helpful to the enemy.

C ONTROLLING I NFORMATION C ONT. Press: Newspapers were closely controlled. Journalists had to submit their stories to censors before the article went to printing. Most were happy to do so however, they felt that they were helping the cause. The papers also reported bad news, but used a positive connotation in order to inspire the working British. Some newspapers were banned, for example The Daily Worker, as they produced stories about factory owners profiting from the war. Radio: The BBC was not controlled by the government but they did broadcast many stories and film. By the end of the war, 25 million tuned into the BBC.

Propaganda: The government introduced propaganda as well; this was different then Nazi propaganda. This propaganda encouraged citizens to save food, buy war bonds, conserve fuel and beware of spies. Films were used to inspire the British and boost wartime morale. Propaganda was used to portray Winston Churchill as a great leader (which he was). The BBC portrayed him as a legendary figure. Observation: Government also monitored the mood of the people using Mass Observation Reports. This involved people (spies) listening in on conversations and reporting them back to the government.

Sorting the Mass Observation Reports

For homework: Read the handouts from my textbook: Make your own notes about the Rationing in Britain during the second world war.