Britain in the Second World War

World War Two was the defining episode for 20th-century history and indeed for much of the war Britain was by far the most important nation of the allies. This book presents a survey of politics, society, culture and military strategy between 1939 and 1945. Structured around themes such as propaganda and culture, and Britain and its allies, the book covers the major historical debates of these areas, including Britain’s commitment to remain in the conflict until unconditional surrender, and the effect of war on the status of women. It includes discussion of: politics, including Churchill’s wartime strategy and the 1945 election; the economy; selling the war to the public; and the influence of war on British culture. The text is a compact history of wartime Britain which not only provides a narrative of events, but also highlights contemporary historical debate.