Preparing For War: Britain Flashcards
What preparations had been made to prepare the British people for war?
> 1939 emergency powers defence act gave the government power to defend the nation and protect public order
> the ARP was created in response to the threat of bombers.
What were the predictions of the Air Ministry?
> in 1938 they predicted that during war Britain would suffer 65,000 casualties /week
> in 1939 they predicted that in the 1st week of war Britain would have 1 million casualties, 3 million refugees and 1/2 British cities destroyed
What were the precautions taken against air raids?
> during Munich crisis government ordered creation of shelters
-afterwards these became permanent and more were created
> families were encouraged to build their own and 2 million Anderson shelters were supplied.
> 1 million burial forms were given to local authorities
1 million coffins were ordered by the government
What were the roles of the ARP?
500,000 joined the ARP, they patrolled the streets enforcing blackout
> they advised civilians and coordinated emergency services.
What new technology was created to help the defence effort?
> barrage balloons
> radar to detect enemy aircraft
> anti-aircraft guns
> powerful search-lights
By 1939 how many had been conscripted?
> 1.5 million,
-1.1 million went to the army, rest were split between navy and airforce.
What were the main measures taken by the government to prepare for war? (5)
> shelters
> wardens
> gas masks
> anti aircraft guns
> conscription
What was the legislation enforcing conscription?
> military training act 1939:
- made 6 months of military training compulsory for all men aged 20-21
> national service act:
- made all men 18-41 liable for conscription
What was the role of Churchill in before he became PM during WW2?
> in the buildup to the war he began making speeches about the need to rearm the nation
> when the war was declared he became the first Lord of the Admiralty
+ a member of the war cabinet
> when Chamberlain resigned 10th May 1940 he was succeeded by Churchill
What was the role of Churchill as PM during WW2?
> his ‘Drive to Victory’ campaign resulted in many key successes such as El-Alamein
> his refusal to be defeated was inspiring for many and provided confidence
> his rousing speeches raised morale :
- “finest hour”
- ” Battle of Britain”
> he contributed to morale during the Blitz by making speeches and touring bombed areas
> many believed his inspired leadership won the war for the allies.
Was Churchill really ‘great’?
> many believed that his inspired leadership was what won the war for the allies
> he was defeated in 1945 election he called
> he retained his reputation and people still regarded him as a hero,
- opposed his policies, not his personality
> he was an outstanding war leader but not suitable for peacetime
> he remained the leader of the opposition for 6 years
> in 1951 he was re elected but resigned in 1955
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