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Many British civilians were killed in air raids during the war.

Britain: British Society 1931-1951 - Britain At War 1939-45

Discover what life was like in Britain during the Second World War, from the Blitz and evacuation to rationing, propaganda and the daily impact of total war.

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Fascinating Fact:

Propaganda posters and radio broadcasts encouraged morale. They promoted messages about unity, sacrifice, and careful use of resources.

In GCSE History, this topic looks at Britain at war between 1939 and 1945. You study the Home Front, including the Blitz, evacuation, rationing and civil defence. The course also explores how government used censorship and propaganda, how roles changed for women and children, and how ordinary people coped with bombing, separation and shortages. You will examine different historical sources to understand both official policies and personal experiences.

Key Terms

Home Front: The experiences and efforts of civilians in Britain during the war, away from the front line fighting.
Rationing: A system that controlled how much food and other goods people could buy so supplies were shared fairly during wartime shortages.
Evacuation: The organised movement of children and other civilians from likely target areas to safer parts of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What was life like on the Home Front in Britain during World War Two?

Life on the Home Front involved air raid warnings, blackout rules, food queues and new government controls. People faced fear and disruption yet often showed strong community spirit and resilience.

Why was rationing introduced in Britain in 1940?

Rationing was introduced because German attacks on shipping reduced imports. The government needed to make limited food and fuel supplies last longer and to ensure they were shared fairly across the population.

How did the Blitz affect British civilians?

The Blitz destroyed homes, workplaces and services in major cities, causing deaths and injuries. It also led to evacuation, emergency shelters and new welfare support for those who lost everything.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Towards the end of the war the Germans sent flying bombs (V1s) to attack London. What nickname were they given?

Doodlebombs

Buzzbugs

Doodlebugs

Rocket Bombs

When they ran out of fuel they would plunge to the ground and explode. They made a buzzing sound until they dipped towards the ground, when they suddenly fell silent

2 .

Older volunteers were recruited to defend the UK in the event of a German invasion. Popularly known as "Dad's Army", they were also called the Home Guard. What was their full official title?

Home Defence Army

Local Defence Force

Irregular Underground Army

Local Defence Volunteers

They would have begun a guerrilla campaign against the Germans if an invasion had ever taken place. Thankfully, their skills and enthusiasm were never put to the test

3 .

During the first six months of the war very little actual fighting took place on the continent. What name was given to this period?

Eerie War

Phoney War

Weird War

Ghost war

This lull was not to last. In the spring of 1940 Hitler was to attack Denmark and Norway, as well as the Low Countries and France

4 .

How many British civilians were killed in air raids between 1940 and 1945?

32,000

100,000

50,000

125,000

This figure includes victims of conventional bombing, V1s and V2s

5 .

48,000 men were directed to the coal mines and other industries by the Ministry of Labour and National Service. Named after the minister responsible, what were they called?

Morrison's Boys

Bevin's Boys

Churchill's Boys

Eden's Boys

These men were in an occupation which they could not leave for military service

6 .

A memorial in Central London depicts the various functions that women performed during these years. Where is this memorial situated?

In Parliament Square

In Trafalgar Square

In Whitehall

At the Imperial War Museum south of the river

This was a late tribute to the sterling work of women in the national war effort

7 .

Air raid procedures were administered by ARP wardens. What did ARP stand for?

Air Raid Procedures

Air Raid Protection

Air Raid Prevention

Air Raid Precautions

Sirens wailed, the "All Clear" sounded and Londoners were escorted to and from tube stations. All of this was supervised by ARP wardens

8 .

To protect civilians from air raids the government issued a shelter to be installed outside, partially buried, covered with earth and named after a government minister. What were these shelters called?

Anderson Shelters

Morrison shelters

Churchill shelters

Bevin shelters

Such shelters were quite effective and reduced bombing casualties. However, they offered little protection in the event of a direct hit

9 .

Many women and girls served on the land, thus releasing men for military service. What name was given to this group?

Women's Land Army

Women's Land Force

Girls' Agricultural Army

Women on the Land

A productive British agriculture industry was all the more important as less food was being imported

10 .

Children were evacuated from big cities to the countryside in order to escape the expected bombing. How many children were involved?

1 million

2 million

4.5 million

3 million

Many children returned to their families when the bombing didn't occur. When air raids began in the autumn of 1940 most of them returned to the countryside

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Depression, war and recovery, 1930-1952

Author: Edward Towne