Britain and War 1939-45 Chapter 5 Flashcards
(47 cards)
What was the phoney war?
The period between 1939 to 1940 where the nation was preparing for hostilities, but nothing of military significance actually happened.
When did the phoney war end?
- Germany’s invasion of Norway.
- Britain sent a task force to Norway but it was too small to prevent Germany turning over the country
- Chamberlain was heavily criticised by all parties.
What was the result of Germany’s invasion of Norway for Chamberlain?
Confidence vote is called.
Although Chamberlain gets a majority of 81, it’s small compared to the 200 which he could have expected.
Who were the two possible successors to Chamberlain?
Lord Halifax and Winston Churchill.
What weaknesses prevent Lord Halifax from becoming PM?
- He was a peer - his right to be PM was constitutionally unsound.
- He had an uninspiring personality and doubted his own capacity to hold highest office.
- The Labour Party had declared themselves unwilling to serve in a coalition with him as PM.
What were the reasons for Churchill becoming Prime Minister?
- Churchill’s years in the political wilderness worked in. his favour - he wasn’t associated with the National Govs policy of appeasement.
- In May 1940 he had no real opposition as Halifax was too diffident and lacking support.
- Labour party’s refusal to enter a government led by Chamberlain or Halifax.
- With the outbreak of war meant that MPs accepted his bullish qualities made him ‘the man of the hour’.
What set backs did Churchill face in 1942?
The fall of Singapore, Feb 1942.
The Loss of Tobruk, June 1942.
How many British soldiers surrendered during the Fall of Singapore in February 1942?
85,000
What country gained control of South East Asia after the Fall of Singapore?
Japan
How do historians view the Fall of Singapore in relation to the British Empire?
It is viewed as marking the end of the British Empire.
The Loss of Tobruk ( June 1942).
- Surrender of 33,000 troops to Rommel’s army.
- Lowest point in Britain’s North Africa Campaigns.
What role did Clement Attlee have in Churchill’s wartime government?
Deputy PM.
The Labour leaders contacts with the military and trade unions were invaluable in the organisation of the war effort.
What role did Ernest Bevin have in Churchill’s Wartime Government?
Minister of Labour and National Service.
Tasked with organising British industry to meet the demands of war.
What role did Stafford Cripps have in Churchill’s wartime government?
Ambassador to the USSR 1940-2.
Minister of Aircraft Production 1942 -5
Stafford was demoted because of his failure to negotiate an acceptable plan for independence in India.
What role did Herbert Morrison have in Churchill’s wartime government?
Home Secretary.
Oversaw the defence of London during the Blitz.
Morrison shelters.
Responsible for the policy of internment.
What role did Hugh Dalton have in Churchills wartime government?
Minister of Economic Warfare 1940-2
President of the Board of Trade 1942-5
How did Dalton respond to fall in coal production 1939-1942?
Coal production fell from 227 million tons in 1939 to 200 million tons in 1942.
This was a result of poor wage levels and the conscription of 80,000 miners.
Bevin suggested coal rationing - quickly rejected by the conservatives.
What role did Anthony Eden have in Churchill’s wartime government?
Foreign Secretary 1940-5.
Churchill conducted a lot of foreign policy, greatly reducing Edens role.
Evidence in the increase in state authority during WW2 (1939-45):
- conscription
- rationing
- restrictions on the right to travel
- evacuation.
How did WW2 shape social attitudes?
narrowed the gap between classes..
How many men between 14 and 64 were registered for war services during WW2?
14.9 million
How many women between 14 and 58 performed some sort of war service during WW2?
7.1 million.
How many people were part of the Home Guard during the war?
1.75 million.
Emergency Powers Act 1938
Physically fit men aged 20 to 21 had been obliged to undergo military training.
