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History & society · British history

The People's War: Britain at Home and Abroad, 1939–1945

Explore how the Second World War transformed British society, from the Blitz and rationing to the roles of women and the armed forces. This course examines the experiences of ordinary people and the lasting impact on the nation's identity.

150 min5 modulesBeginner friendly
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Free to take. This course does not use any Learning Credits.

What you’ll be able to do

By the end of this course, you will be able to describe key events on the home front and overseas, explain how the war changed daily life and social roles, and discuss the war's legacy in modern Britain.

Course outline

A clear route from first principles to practical confidence

  1. 01

    The Outbreak of War and the Home Front

    • From Appeasement to Declaration: Why Britain Went to War in 1939
    • The Blackout, Evacuation, and the First Air Raids
    • Rationing and the Ministry of Food: Feeding a Nation at War
  2. 02

    The Blitz and Daily Life Under Fire

    • The Blitz: London, Coventry, and Other Target Cities
    • Shelters, Doodlebugs, and the Spirit of the People
    • Keeping Calm and Carrying On: Propaganda and Censorship
  3. 03

    Women, Work, and the War Effort

    • Land Girls, Munitions Workers, and the 'Make Do and Mend' Ethic
    • The Women's Services: Wrens, ATS, and WAAF
    • Changing Families: Childcare, Absent Fathers, and New Freedoms
  4. 04

    Britain's Armed Forces and Global Conflict

    • Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and the 'Few'
    • North Africa, Italy, and D-Day: The War in Europe
    • The Far East: Burma, Prisoners of War, and the End of Empire
  5. 05

    Victory, Legacy, and the Birth of Modern Britain

    • VE Day and the Cost of Victory: Grief, Housing, and Health
    • The Welfare State: From Beveridge to the NHS
    • Remembering the War: Memorials, Museums, and Family Stories