preparation for war

• Government created and started a plan for a war that could last for 3 years
• Government started a programme to build new warships for the navy
• People were encouraged to cut up and donate metal that could be used for war machinery and ammunition
• People were encouraged to plant vegetables to supplement rations
• Government spent money on educational information to tell people about the dangers of gas attacks, how to use food rations and stay healthy
• Government met with trade unions to agree on working regulations and wages
• Government insisted on blackouts- to cover windows to prevent light being seen outside
• All people had to carry gas masks
• Britain declared war on Germany on September 3rd 1939 but no action was seen until spring 1940. This period between this was known as the ‘phoney war’