A level exam: Chapter 19-The social and cultural impact of total war Flashcards
What was conscription like in WW2?
In 1939 there was limited consciption for men aged 20-22 but in 1940 this was extended from 18-41 and in 1942 it became 18-51.By mid 1941the army, navy and airforce had over 3 million men in uniform and by 1944 there were 4.5 million men and half a million women.
What was the impact of conscription at home?
The demand for men in the army improved unemployment as levels dropped by half and full employment was available, even in the worse off areas. War work involved 11 or 12 hour working days but wages increased for the working class. Average male earnings rose by 80%. Nutrition standards also improved.
What was the impact of war on women?
There was urgent demand for more women and unmarried women between 19 and 30 could be conscripted for service in the Women’s Auxiliary service or war work. Women were later directed to docks, hospitals and labour shortage. By 1943 over half of factory workers were women and 80% of unmarreid women were working. However, womens wages were only 60-70% of a man’s.
What was the impact of war on children?
In 1939, the govenment moved a million children out of the main cities of Britain and they were sent to villages and small towns. Some children found homes where they were looked after better than at home but others were mistreated. More were evacuated after the Blitz and after Germany launched rocket attacks, disrupting the education of children.
What restrictions were placed on people during the war?
Under the Emergency Powers Act, people had to keep black out blinds and they were forbidden from expressing defeatist attitudes. Censorship was imposed on overseas mail, telephone lines were tapped and newspapers were subject to censorship.
What changes were there to food during WW2?
German U-boats attacks in the Battle of the Atlantic threatened to starve Britain out. Far stricter rationing was needed and there were government campaigns to cut waste as well as encouraging home grown food.
How was propaganda used?
They were reminded not to talk about their work as ‘careless talk costs lives’ and they were told to grow their own produced and not to waste energy. The BBC broadcast on the radio and provided entertainment and morale. Cinemas were also being attended by 30 million a week and they made films to encourage the war effort.
What was the blitz?
It was the German bombing campaign that occured in two phases. London was the main trget and many industrial cities were bombed. To survive these, people went underground to the tube, used outdoor Anderson shelters, Morrison shelters in their houses or into local shelters.
What was the Beveridge Report?
The White Paper was published in 1942 and it sold over 600,000 copies. Beveridge wrote of slaying the 5 giants:want, sickness, education, bad housing and unemployment. The report said that a national health service would be established, family allowances would be paid, there would be full emplyoment, national insurance would be unviersal, ends of means testing and a single weekly insurance contribution.
What happened to the Beveridge report during the war?
A white paper on employment policy was issued in 1944 and outlined commitment to high and stable environment. The coalition government introduced family allowances in 1944 and 5 shillings were paid a week for all children after the first.
What was the Butler Act?
It was introduced in 1944 and it made reforms to education. School leaving age was increased, compulsory secondary education was established and local grants were available for university students.It led to a tripartite system of education and children had to take the 11+ to determine their school. The top 30% could attend grammar schools and the rest attended secondary moderns or occasionally technical colleges.
