Rationing Flashcards
What was Rationing?
The Government introduced a series of measures to ensure that here was an adequate supply of food.
Why was rationing introduced?
At the outbreak of war, Britain only grew enough food to feed about one person in every three.
Much food was imported but these supplies were threatened by the German U-Boats
When was Rationing introduced?
Rationing was introduced in January 1940.
How did rationing work?
Each person had a ration book filled with coupons, which they used to buy the amount of food they were entitled to each week.
Later, a points system was introduced, to give people a greater choice in what they could buy.
How did The Board of Trade help?
They issued recipes showing people how to make healthy meals using food that was available.
What was rationed?
At first only butter, bacon and sugar were rationed.
Later, this was extended to include tea and most basic foodstuffs, although vegetables were never rationed.
Clothes were rationed
Fuel was rationed
What was the ‘Dig For Victory’ campaign?
This encouraged people to grow their own food.
How did Britain deal with food rationing?
Communities often clubbed together to buy a pig or some chickens.
Window boxes, playing fields, railway embankments, lawns, public parks and golf courses were used to grow vegetables to keep the nation fed and healthy. Even the Tower of London’s moat was turned into a vegetable garden!
How did family size have an effect on rationing?
Very large families with a large number of ration books did not suffer as much whereas smaller families or families with no children had a lot less food.
How did the poor benefit from rationing?
Rich and poor were treated the same – even the Royal Family had ration books.
Many of Britain’s poor got their first glimpse of a better standard of living and saw their diet and health improve.
How did rations affect supplies?
Some foods were in short supply, particularly sugar, tea and fruit from overseas and the fuel rations affected people in the country more than the towns.
What was the issue with luxury goods?
Luxury foods and goods such as chocolate and perfume were heavily taxed.
What happened when US troops came?
There was a flourishing back market which grew considerably when US troops arrived in Britain.
