Life After The War

Question 1

What was the economic position of the country

Answer 1

2/3 of Britain’s merchant ships sunk so food supply problems
1/3 houses destroyed
60000 civilian deaths
Income tax was raised 50%
Britiain had losts it’s empire

Question 2

What happened to the people coming back from war

Answer 2

In 1945, there were approximately 5 million men and women in the armed forces. It was a challenge to bring these people back into civilian life, also known as civvy street.

Question 3

What problems did former soldiers encounter getting back into normal life

Answer 3

Numerous homes and places of work had been destroyed, which meant that many people faced problems finding work or settling back into normal family life. The post-war divorce rate was high with over 60,000 applications processed in 1947.

Question 4

Economic war damage

Answer 4

Great Britain’s declining economy was unable to match the USA.
Pressures of demobilised soldiers needing jobs.
Shortages of food and vital materials meant rationing had to continue.
By 1945, Britain’s reserves of gold had fallen from £864 million to £3 million
Britain had lost 30 per cent of its total wealth

Question 5

Social war damage

Answer 5

Rising divorce rates.
Food shortages and long queue

Question 6

Housing war damage

Answer 6

Towns and cities, such as Swansea and Coventry, were heavily bombed.
20 per cent of schools/houses were destroyed or in need of repair.
Thousands lost their homes, and many slept in army camps short term.
Housing demands due to soldiers returning to civvy street.
Poor standard of housing, such as a lack of running water.