Rationing
Britain is an island and by the outbreak of World War Two, it did not have enough farmland to sustain its increased population.
Rationed foods during World War Two
The problem was solved by importing a great deal of goods from the British Empire.
The German Government tried to disrupt delivery of goods by sea to Britain.
The Battle of the Atlantic saw the destruction of many British merchant ships by German U-boats.
In order to cope with reduced supplies, in 1940 the Government introduced a number of measures:
- The Government organised the rationing of foodstuffs, clothing and fuel during the war.
- The price of restaurant meals was limited.
- Extra milk and meals were provided for expectant mothers and children.
The video below looks at the regulation of the wartime kitchen.
Rationing helped to change attitudes - the fact that everyone was restricted to buying a certain amount of goods, created a sense of sharing and cooperation in Britain.
It was accepted that the Government was more involved in people鈥檚 health and food intake.