Rationing

Rations were introduced by the government

Britain did not have enough farmland to sustain its increased population. The problem was solved by importing a large number of goods from the British Empire.

The German Government tried to disrupt delivery of goods by sea to Britain. Many British merchant ships were destroyed by German U-boats.

In order to cope with reduced supplies, the British Government introduced food rationing in 1940.

• The government organised the rationing of foodstuffs, clothing and fuel during the war.
• The price of restaurant meals was limited.

Rationing helped to change attitudes - the fact that everyone was restricted to buying a certain amount of goods, created a sense of sharing and cooperation in Britain.

It was accepted that the government was more involved in people’s health and food intake.