![]() It was very obvious to me even as a 10 year old that some shops had could not possibly be earning a living. As a result some shops closed for the duration and many more had very had little to sell. Most other goods were in short or very short supply. Many imported or factory made items were no longer available, often till long after the end of the war. The result of all this was that, apart from the bare necessities of life, it was almost impossible for many traders to obtain stock to refill depleted shelves. It was impossible to import anything from abroad without official sanction. Most factories were fully occupied on government contracts whilst the government controlled the supply and distribution of most raw materials as well as the railways and all sea traffic. Private motoring was available only to business users regarded as essential to the war effort. Petrol and diesel supplies were especially tightly controlled. Most basic foodstuffs were rationed as were sweets and clothing. Most younger men had been conscripted into the armed forces or, in some cases, to other essential work including the Merchant Navy and the coal mines. Everything was dedicated to the war effort, particularly after Dunkirk and the very real threat of invasion. The government took control over almost every aspect of the economy. This position was to change dramatically over the next year or so. ![]() ![]() When the war started in September 1939 the economy had largely recovered from the depression of the 20s and 30s thanks largely to the rearmament programme. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |