War Economy

During the Second World War the British government was constantly monitoring the success of its various policies concerning the Home Front. The government was also aware of the possibility that it might be necessary to introduce legislation to deal with any emerging problems.

It is December 1941. You have been asked to write a report on the War Economy . This is to be divided into two sections.

War Economy : Main article

(1) A report on the War Economy.

Things you should consider include:

(a) What tax changes did the government make in September 1939?

(b) Why did so many trade unions demand higher wages in 1940?

(c) What was the Control of Employment Act.

(d) What tax changes did the government make in April 1940?

(e) What was the Limitation of Supplies Order.

(2) A report that includes proposals about the changes that you would like to see in government policy. These proposals will then be discussed and voted on by the rest of the class.

Things you should consider include:

(a) Was the government right to increase taxes during the war?

(b) Should the trade unions be allowed to take industrial action during the Second World War?

(c) Was the government right to pass the Control of Employment Act.

(d) Was the government right to limit the production of luxury goods?