The outbreak of war created new values and attitudes, a feeling that everyone should do their bit towards the war effort. ‘Digging for victory’ and ‘Make do and Mend' became popular phrases and encouraged community spirit. So, ' Keep Calm and Carry On' reading, what was life like in wartime Britain and the 1940's?
Initial Action
Evacuation of children from the major cities began in 1939. Everyone issued with gas masks were encouraged to carry them at all times. Food rationing soon came in, with ration books issued to everyone. Bacon, butter, sugar and meat were issued on a points system quickly followed by tea. The Ministry of Food printed leaflets and booklets to help to make the most of the limited food that was available. Production of posters identifying aircraft and ships helped to make the public aware of the enemy.
Women In War
Women, essential to the war effort, filled in the gaps left by the men who had gone to fight. They became munition workers, post women, conductors, and police officers. Famously, organisations like the Land Army, the WRNS, WAAF and ATS recruited women. They plugged the gap in the workforce. Women, paid significantly less than the men, however, often struggled with the balance between work and home.
The Blitz
The Blitz, a German campaign to bomb Britain in 1940 and 1941, killed approximately 43,000 civilians. Targeting cities and key locations across Britain, the Luftwaffe hit London, Liverpool, Bristol, Belfast, Cardiff, and Swansea, to name but a few. Despite the severity of the attacks, a 'blitz' spirit developed, clear evidence of the staunch determination to succeed felt by the nation.
Entertainment
Newspapers headlined the major events like the Blitz, Dunkirk, The Dambusters and of course Victory in Europe. Movies shown in cinemas boosted morale and the radio became the focus for the latest news and family entertainment. Popular songs captured the mood and remain symbols of the period in their own right. Morale boosters, such as Lilli Marlene, kept the spirits up and poignant songs like 'We'll Meet Again', filled hearts with a feeling of hope. Vera Lynn and Anne Shelton became forces sweethearts.
The Home
Clothes, rationed from June 1941, created an emphasis on making do and mending what you had. Sweets rationing to three ounces a week, from July 1942, led to Jelly Babies, liquorice and lemon sherbets becoming popular. Everything was in short supply particularly saucepans, toothbrushes and soap. Families, encouraged to economise on fuel and electricity, switched off unnecessary lights and used no more than five inches of hot water in the bath.
1940’s Post War Economic Recovery
The war in Europe came to an end on 8th May 1945 and Japan finally surrendered on 14th August. 1946 saw rapid change in industry from wartime to peacetime production. In an effort to recoup the costs of war however, the Government encouraged exporting most of the products. In addition to this, the Government needed to tackle a shortage in housing. The destruction of thousands of homes during the bombing raids and an influx of servicemen, recently demobilised and in need of accommodation, increased demand. A temporary solution came in the form of prefabricated homes. Council house building started in earnest too, with new estates springing up. The Labour government set out plans to nationalise industries like coal, gas, and electricity. They also added railways, roads, and ports to the agenda, with the railways being nationalised in 1949.
Post War Life
Despite the end of the war, rationing continued. Bread, which had not been rationed during the war, became rationed for two years because of a world shortage of grain. Some great children's stories found their way onto bookshelves during this period. The Reverend W. Awdry’s book Thomas the Tank Engine steamed its way into the Nation's hearts. Enid Blyton's Famous Five series and Rupert the Bear continued to be printed. ‘The New Look’ by Dior revolutionised the fashion industry. However, with material still rationed, the extravagant look remained beyond the reach of most people. More people now took paid annual leave and Butlin’s and Pontin’s holiday camps proved popular although guests were reminded to take their ration books.
Here, At Sweet and Nostalgic, we stock a great range of 1940's and World War Two gift ideas. Come and have a look! Our products create a warm sense of nostalgia for this influential decade. Our range covers the whole of the 20th Century, so there's something on our site for everyone interested in the most influential century that the world has known to date.