Keeping up Morale

Question 1

KEEPING UP MORALE
what was the Emergency Powers Defence Act?

Answer 1

passed in summer of 1939, it gave the govt power to create laws without going through parliament in the interest of the country’s safety

Question 2

KEEPING UP MORALE
what was the ministry of information? How many people worked there?

Answer 2

they controlled all forms of media and censorship. 3000 people worked for them by 1945

Question 3

KEEPING UP MORALE
how did the radio contribute to keeping up morale in Britain during the war?

Answer 3

• there were 9 million license holders so most families had access
• was an important way of keeping people informed
• BBC newsreaders became popular and said their names so the public would know if they were being impersonated
• ‘it’s that man’ was a comedy programme mocking hitler
  -‘music while you work’ improved morale in industry through daily broadcasts of cheerful music in factories (very successful)

Question 4

KEEPING UP MORALE
how did cinema contribute to keeping up morale during the war?

Answer 4

• it was cheap and popular
• films during the war were patriotic and dealt with the realities of war
• by 1945, over 1500 million cinema tickets had been sold
• the ministry of information made many short films
• a famous film was ‘Henry V’ starring Lawrence Oliver. It was made in 1943 and issued just before D-Day invasion

Question 5

KEEPING UP MORALE
what was a famous film made during the war?

Answer 5

‘Henry V’ starring Lawrence Oliver. It was made in 1943 and issued just before D-Day invasion

Question 6

KEEPING UP MORALE
how many radio license holders were there in britain?

Answer 6

9 million

Question 7

KEEPING UP MORALE
how did ‘music while you work’ contribute to keeping up morale?

Answer 7

‘music while you work’ improved morale in industry through daily broadcasts of cheerful music in factories (very successful)

Question 8

KEEPING UP MORALE
what was propaganda?

Answer 8

information, especially of a biased or misleading nature. used to promote a point of view

Question 9

KEEPING UP MORALE
how was propaganda used to keep up morale?

Answer 9

• the govt had to ensure that people would support the war effort at all costs
• it was hoped that through constant persuasion and suggestion people’s attitudes could be positively influenced
• posters ranged from emphasising bravery and unity to encouraging women to work in munitions factories
• posters were cleverly designed to promote the war effort and appeal to patriotism

Question 10

KEEPING UP MORALE
what was censorship?

Answer 10

the govt controlling what could be reported on. The suppression of any parts of news (etc) that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable or a threat to security

Question 11

KEEPING UP MORALE
how did censorship contribute to keeping up morale?

Answer 11

• radio, newspaper, magazines, films were all monitored by the ministry of information
• the govt wanted to ensure no info was given to the enemy or given to the public to damage morale
• soldier’s letters home and telephone calls were both subject to censorship

Question 12

KEEPING UP MORALE
can you describe the Dig for Victory campaign?

Answer 12

• encouraged people to grow their own food and waste less
• encouraged people to turn lawns/open green spaces into growing spaces
• carrots had a particular focus - ‘Dr Carrot’ encouraged people to make curried carrot and carrolade
• ‘Potato Pete’ had his own song which was played on the radio

Question 13

KEEPING UP MORALE
can you describe the spitfire fund?

Answer 13

• appeals were created to encourage people to give money towards the production of the exciting and popular spitfire planes
• almost every big british town had their names on spitfires to show their generous donations - this would have made them feel like they were a part of the war effort
• if a business/community raised £5000 they could have the plane named after them

Question 14

KEEPING UP MORALE
when was churchill appointed as prime minister?

Answer 14

10th May 1940

Question 15

KEEPING UP MORALE
why was churchill appointed as prime minister?

Answer 15

1. he had been against the policy of appeasement and was ultimately proven right
2. he improved relations with the labour party so people thought he would create a cohesive wartime government
3. his speeches were admired and he was popular with the press
4. opinion polls showed the public liked him

Question 16

KEEPING UP MORALE
why did churchill face a difficult situation when he became prime minister?

Answer 16

the german army and air force were deep into northern france and the british were trapped at dunkirk. france also fell at this point - paris had been captured and invaded with no sign of help from the USA

Question 17

KEEPING UP MORALE
why was churchill significant and a good prime minister?

Answer 17

1. he organised the military effectively
2. ensured the air force could control the skies
3. cultivated close relations with the USA which meant britain recieved support to fight the war
4. he was crucial in keeping up the morale and made the public believe in ultimate victory. he rejected the idea of peace, and to him, the defeat of Nazism was all that mattered.