ABSTRACT

1940 was the most significant year in European history this century. For Britain it was 'the finest hour', the beginning of the People's War. Britain and 1940 explores what the year meant for the people of Britain then and now.

Covering the pre-history of 1940 in Britain, Malcolm Smith explores the great fear that a second world war would perhaps mean the end of British civilization and charts the development of the myths of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, and the great influence they have had on our national consciousness and on attitudes to the outside world.

The book presents students of British history with a panorama of the influences that have constructed national consciousness around a crucial moment in British history.

chapter 1|9 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|19 pages

The projection of war, 1918 to 1939

chapter 3|23 pages

To Dunkirk

chapter 4|18 pages

Invasion and the Battle of Britain

chapter 5|21 pages

The Blitz

chapter 6|20 pages

Wartime politics and popular culture

chapter 7|19 pages

Refighting the war: Attlee to Blair

chapter 8|19 pages

America, Europe and the world

chapter 9|4 pages

Conclusion