Examine the effects of World War II on the civilian
populations of Britain and France
Introduction:
The effects of World War II on civilians were catastrophic. World War II was the deadliest war in human
history, with total dead estimates ranging from 50 to over 70 million. Approximately 25 million of these
deaths were military deaths, while approximately 47 were civilian deaths. The effects were both economic
and social. Inflation shot up, budgets were diverted almost solely towards the war effort, and standards of
living were significantly reduced. Food was often rationed, and many had to learn to live with an occupying
force. In this essay the effects on the civilian populations of the Allied nations Britain and France will be
examined.
Thesis:
The civilian populations of both Britain and France suffered similar economic and social effects from World
War II such as a collapsed economy and devastated infrastructure. However because of the different
circumstances that both nations experienced during the war, there were differences in their experiences as
well. In France, occupied by Germany for the majority of the war, there were the issues of resistance
movements, collaborators and rape. While Britain’s population faced the massive air raids from the Battle of
Britain.
Similarities (Britain and France):
Economy collapsed, infrastructure destroyed, displacement (homeless, refugees), increase in births out of
wedlock
Economy collapsed:
The economies of all the nations involved in the war were devastated. The costs of producing military
technology, promoting military research among the normal costs of society had caused most nations to run
massive debt, mostly to the United States. Additionally, with literally millions of soldiers coming home after
the war searching for jobs, unemployment rates soared.
Devastated infrastructure:
Similarly, during the war, the infrastructures of participating nations (except those who were almost
completely unaffected, such as: the continental United States) were completely destroyed from battles and
bombings. Roads, railways, docks, communication were all destroyed, limiting the efficiency of these
countries after the war.
Displacement:
At the conclusion of the Second World War, millions were left displaced and homeless. In France, homes
had been destroyed and many were left with nowhere to live, and oftentimes with no family. Additionally,
many Europeans had fled to Britain across the English Channel.
Social Consequences:
Both Britain and France saw a change in the role of women in society. Women were working far more
frequently in an effort to contribute to the war effort, taking charge of the household while their husbands
were away fighting. In both states, the number of births out of wedlock increased, as there were more
lonely women at home, unaware of the status of their husbands. While in France, there were several
accounts of rape against the German occupiers.
Differences:
Britain:
Evacuations:
The evacuations of civilians into the countryside in World War II were designed to save the civilian
population (the majority were children) from aerial bombing of cities and military targets such as docks.
Operation Pied Piper officially relocated over 1.5 million people. It was deemed safer to be in the
countryside where the Germans were less likely to bomb.
Battle of Britain:
The first major battle fought entirely by air forces between the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the Royal
Air Force (RAF). The goal of the Germans was to devastate Britain’s air defense, military bases,
infrastructure and eventually key cities and then supplement the battle with an all out invasion of Britain
called Operation Sealion. The attack of key cities, terror-bombing attacks, were meant to destroy the will of
civilians by destroying their homes and by targeting civilian populated areas. And so many British civilians
were forced to live with the constant fear of facing an air raid at any moment, wondering whether they would
have time to make it to a bomb shelter in time or not.
France:
Resistance:
The French resistance, also known as the Maquis, was an organization of French men, women, and
children who fought against the Nazi German occupation force and the collaborationist Vichy Regime. The
Maquis comprised of small groups of armed men and women, publishers of underground newspapers, as
well as those that helped allied soldiers. The resistance brought together all layers and groups of French
society, from Roman Catholics, Jews, liberals, anarchists and communists, unified to fight off the Nazis.
Collaborators:
Though the resistance was very popular in France, there were those that collaborated with the occupying
Nazi forces. Some of these people were forced out of fear, but others did so voluntarily in an attempt to
raise their standard of living. Collaborators ranged from working in the Vichy Regime, to even being a snitch,
reporting any illegal resistance activity. After the war, collaborators were very unpopular, and were beaten,
and many times killed.
Conclusion:
World War II had horrid effects on civilian populations in all participating nations, particularly the ones that
were the locations of major battles. The civilian populations of both Britain and France faced several similar
economic and social consequences, but because of the differences of their circumstances during the war
experienced some differences as well. Many say collateral damage is necessary in war, however civilian
casualties had never been this high in any previous conflict. Before a nation goes to war, it must not only
consider the consequences to its militaries, but to its people as a whole.