The main contribution to the war effort was between the time when we evacuated from Dunkirk until Russia entered the war in early 1941. This was the period known as ‘Britain Alone’. At this time we had three choice, give into the German forces, Fight on or come to an agreement. As we were under Churchill at this time we of course decided to fight on. The Germans had hoped that we would come to an agreement. This as they assumed that as we are we are from the same origin as them we would come to an agreement.
During ‘Britain Alone’ we were virtually defenceless. The Battle of Britain Deeply affected the strength of the RAF and we could only rely on the Navy. The RAF was in such disarray as they were losing too many pilots. We could produce the planes but not the top class pilots to fly them.
The running of the country greatly depended on the moral throughout Britain. The Spirit of Dunkirk was still ever present within the minds of the British population and the government was not going to let them forget it. The even increased moral by clever propaganda. The performed this via Radio, newspapers and billboards. The propaganda ranged from keeping the Refugees with their placements to encouraging people to keep their conversations about the war concealed and private. In charge of keeping the country happy and secure was the Home Guard.
Our other main contribution was during the battle of the Atlantic. This is as it was vital to keep the connection between the USA and Britain open. This is for a number of reasons. One is that Britain was a way into Europe for America, without the link America would have found it difficult to get into Europe. Without this D-Day would not of been able to happen, especially onto the Normandy beaches.
Another reason that the link was vital for the war effort, especially Britain, was the supply of food and raw materials into Britain. Without the constant inflows of food we would of lost the war or at least we would have been forced to surrender. This is why the Battle of the Atlantic and the efforts made by the Royal Navy towards keeping the inflow of raw materials and food into Britain was a big contribution to the war effort.
All in all I believe that we did contribute greatly to the war effort and that our main asset in this was the time we made for the preparation of weapons, the entrance of Russia into the war and the preparation for America to enter the war.
