Total War and Civilians on the home front

What is total war?

A form of warfare in which the whole population and economy are mobilised for the war effort, and civilians may also be treated as targets.

What were the main aims of total war tactics?

To break the enemy's will to fight and destroy its ability to continue the war by attacking both military and civilian targets.

How did total war blur the distinction between soldiers and civilians?

Civilians contributed to military production, transport, food supply and national defence, while bombing campaigns also directly affected civilian populations.

What is the Home Front?

The civilian population and everyday life that support a country's war effort.

Why was World War II considered a total war?

Entire economies and populations were mobilised, while civilians were deliberately attacked through bombing, sieges and other forms of warfare.

What are examples of civilian mobilisation during WWII?

Rationing, evacuation, blackouts, conscription, women working in factories, propaganda and censorship.

When did the British government begin evacuating children?

1 September 1939, at the beginning of the war.

Approximately how many children were evacuated in Britain in three days?

1.5 million.

Who else was evacuated alongside children in September 1939?

Approximately 7,000 disabled people and 13,000 pregnant women.

Approximately how many teachers accompanied the evacuees?

103,000.

Why were children evacuated from British cities?

To protect them from expected German air raids and bombing.

What happened to many evacuated children during the Phoney War?

About half returned home by early 1940 because there was little bombing in Britain during that period.

What difficulties did evacuated children experience?

Some missed their families and found unfamiliar country life difficult.

What were air raid sirens used for?

To warn civilians that an air attack was approaching.

What were Anderson shelters?

Protective shelters built in gardens to help civilians survive air raids.

Where did London civilians shelter during air raids?

Many used Underground Tube stations as shelters.

What was the purpose of blackouts?

To prevent light from escaping buildings and helping enemy aircraft identify targets at night.

What did civilians have to do during a blackout?

Turn off lights, cover windows and dim vehicle headlights.

Who patrolled streets during blackouts?

Air Raid Precautions (ARP) wardens.

What were some negative effects of blackouts?

They caused trips, car accidents, uncomfortable homes and increased opportunities for crime.

When was the British Home Guard formed?

May 1940.

Approximately how large was the Home Guard by July 1940?

1.7 million men.

Who joined the Home Guard?

Men considered too old, too young or unfit for regular military service.

What was the purpose of the Home Guard?

To provide a last line of defence against a possible German invasion.

Why was the Home Guard an example of total war?

It involved ordinary civilians in the defence of the country.

When did rationing begin in Britain?

Ration books were introduced in 1939.

Why did Britain introduce rationing?

German U-boats attacked supply ships, threatening Britain's access to food and other essential goods.

What was rationed in Britain during WWII?

Meat, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, cheese, tea, chocolate, clothing and petrol.

What was the purpose of ration books?

To control the distribution of scarce goods and ensure supplies were shared.

What was the "Dig for Victory" campaign?

A campaign encouraging civilians to grow food in gardens, parks and other available spaces.

What did "Make do and mend" encourage?

Civilians to repair and reuse clothing and other goods instead of buying replacements.

What were salvage drives?

Campaigns encouraging civilians to collect reusable materials such as scrap metal, paper, rubber, bones, aluminium and old clothing.

How did children contribute to salvage drives?

They helped collect materials that could be reused for the war effort.

How did women's employment change during WWII in Britain?

By 1943, nearly 90% of single women and 80% of married women worked in factories, farms or the armed forces.

What types of work did women undertake during WWII?

Munitions production, factory work, farming through the Women's Land Army and military-related work.

What was the Women's Land Army?

An organisation through which women worked in agriculture to help maintain food production.

What proportion of Bletchley Park staff were women, according to the notes?

Approximately three-quarters.

Why was women's employment significant during WWII?

Women filled important roles in the workforce and demonstrated the mobilisation of society for war.

What was wartime propaganda?

Information distributed through posters, radio, newspapers and films to influence public attitudes and maintain morale.

What was the purpose of British propaganda during WWII?

To keep civilians positive, encourage support for the war effort and maintain morale.

What was censorship during WWII?

The restriction or control of information released to the public.

Which British government department was responsible for information and censorship?

The Ministry of Information.

How was information controlled in Britain during WWII?

Emergency laws, postal inspection and restrictions on photographs and news reporting were used.

How did the BBC operate under wartime censorship?

It followed government rules and could delay or change news reports.

Why did governments use censorship during WWII?

To protect military information and control the information reaching the public.

How did civilians in Denmark experience German occupation?

They faced inflation and food rationing.

How were civilians in Leningrad affected during the siege?

They experienced severe starvation and deprivation during the prolonged siege.

When was Darwin bombed during WWII?

19 February 1942.

Approximately how many people were killed in the bombing of Darwin, according to the notes?

About 235.

Why was the bombing of Darwin significant for Australia?

It brought the war directly to Australian civilians and demonstrated that the conflict could reach Australian territory.

How did total war change everyday life for civilians?

Ordinary life was reorganised around the war through evacuation, rationing, blackouts, employment changes, propaganda and civil defence.

What is a strong judgement about the impact of WWII on civilians?

Civilians were both essential contributors to the war effort and direct victims of the conflict, demonstrating how total war blurred the distinction between military and civilian life.