War Flashcards
what were the reasons for appeasement?
1) Many had died in WW1
2) Britain couldn’t afford to go to war again - they would have to borrow more money from the USA
3) Britain was still in economic depression, Germany was much more advanced, and more ready for war.
4) Hitler could be used as a defense against communism.
5) Still some sympathy that the Germans had been treated badly by the treaty of Versailles.
What were the reasons against appeasement?
1) Churchill thought war was inevitable
2) Standing up to Germany would have shown strength, instead, they were seen as being weak.
3) Waiting longer would allow Germany more time to become stronger.
What were Britain’s preparations for war?
Britain almost totally unprepared for war - too small an army and badly equipped. Conscription was introduced to help this in 1939 - more than 1.5 million men conscripted to join army. Government supplied over 2 million households with Anderson shelters.
1/2 million joined ARP wardens - enforce strict rules such as blackout. Development of radar and also deployed barrage balloons - stopped bombers coming in too low.
What was the Blitz?
Started the 31st of July. Luftwaffe’s main targets were airfields of RAF’s fighter command and British shipping in the English channel. RAF was heavily outnumbered, in its first 3 weeks it lost nearly 20% of its strength.
The Germans then changed tactics to bombing cities and they concentrated their efforts on destroying Britain’s industry. Hitler hoped to damage morale.
What were the effects of the Blitz?
London was bombed every night from 7 September to the 2nd of November. The Blitz lasted from September 1940 until May 1941, where 45,000 civilians died and 3 and a half million houses were either damaged or destroyed.
What was evacuation like during the Blitz?
It wasn’t made compulsory by the government however it was very much encouraged. The government didn’t want women and children being killed as this would affect morale. They were evacuated to safe areas like Wales where there were fewer military targets than in England. Some moved to Canada and the USA. In all 1 and a half million people moved around the country.
Why did many people enjoy life in the country?
Majority of evacuees came from large cities and towns and weren’t used to living in the country. People found life in the country healthier and more exciting.
Why was rationing brought in by the government?
Germany had a plan to starve Britain into surrendering and Britain obtained 40% of food from abroad. Hitler built large u-boat submarine fleet which he used to sink British merchant ships. This was very successful for the first 3 years, in April 1941 alone over 700,000 tons of British shipping was sunk. The ministry of food was set up and rationing started quickly. Food followed by clothes, petrol and coal was rationed.
What was rationing like for the people?
It was very tough. By 1942, water was rationed and people were only allowed 13 Cm of water in their weekly bath. It was almost impossible to get hold of fruits like bananas, oranges and lemons except on the black market, but it was illegal and had a high price.
“Dig for victory” campaign - vegetables grown anywhere that could be cultivated. Animals were also reared for meat. Rationing continued until 1955 and this was very frustrating for society.
How did women help with the factory work?
They helped to make war materials which were physically demanding jobs. Some munition workers handled toxic chemicals everyday. “Canary girls” were their nickname because their skin turned yellow. In one munition factory alone at Bridgend, some 7,000 people were employed and over 65% were women.
How did women help on land?
They grew food to feed the nation. This was called the Land army. It was poorly paid but vital in beating the losses from German U-BOAT attacks.
How did women help in the ATS?
This was the auxilliary territorial service. The women initially did jobs like cooks, clerks, orderlies, store women or drivers but later took part in hundreds of different roles.
how did women help in the WAAF?
Women maintained aircraft as mechanics, served on airfields, operated barrage-balloons, and worked as spies. However, because of stereotype that fighting wasn’t a women’s job, they weren’t allowed to fly combat planes.
How did censorship keep up morale?
The ministry of information was given this task. Bad news was kept to a minimum and defeats were kept as secrets.
How did propaganda keep up morale?
Posters were put up everywhere, giving people motivational messages. The truth was exaggerated to make them look better than they were. The cinema was controlled and patriotic films were shown.
