3.5.5 World War II

World War II began in 1939 when Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland. Britain and France declared war on Germany. Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in 1940 and led Britain through the war with inspiring speeches and determined leadership. His famous speeches included 'We shall fight on the beaches' and 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few'.

During the war, Britain faced the Blitz — sustained bombing of British cities by the German air force (Luftwaffe). London and other cities suffered heavy damage. The Battle of Britain (1940) was a crucial air battle in which the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended Britain against German air attacks. The Allied forces (including Britain, the USA, and the Soviet Union) eventually defeated Germany. The war in Europe ended on 8 May 1945 (VE Day).

World War II had a profound impact on Britain. Over 380,000 British armed forces personnel were killed. Many civilians also died in the bombing. The war effort involved the whole population — women worked in factories and on farms, and children were evacuated from cities to the countryside. The war also led to the decline of the British Empire and major social changes.