By Isra Marcu
The drastic effects this war had on the food of Great Britain urged the government to play into stereotypes of women as domestic caregivers and the heroic efforts of soldiers abroad through films and posters. This change in the food environment created long-lasting effects jumpstarting many diets in today’s time.
INTRODUCTION
World War 2 took place from 1939 through 1945, during which Winston Churchill was the prime minister (Johnson). During this time, many foods were in high demand but were scarce in obtainability. Things like meats, cheese, eggs, rice, and breakfast cereals were rationed (Adams). In contrast, fresh vegetables and fruits, bread, and a few other things were not in high demand or scarce therefore not being rationed (Adams). This is important because before the war many people ate meat-heavy diets neglecting fruits and vegetables but were forced to adjust to the unprecedented time of war. People were also given allotments (land) to help them grow and take advantage of the space they had (Adams). The reason for all this rationing was that Great Britain was “a net importer of food”, meaning that little changes to the global food market drastically affected the country’s diets (Adams).
I chose to use films and a poster to convey my message. The main reason I chose such sources was that I could easily understand and gather information from them. Although ration books are interesting I feared that they would be difficult to grasp knowledge from and comprehend. In addition, I felt that it was easy to see not only the messages from my sources but also the reason why such messages are conveyed in specific manners.
These sources show how people lived in Great Britain during wartime and use specific language and pictures to appeal to women and the hero effect. The language includes introducing the importance of cooking in certain ways for children and overall family health. In addition, relating certain foods those in Great Britain needed to eat to sustain their health to what those fighting in the war ate to appeal to the hero effect.
I hope this exhibit shows what a difference World War 2 had on the food of Great Britain but also how the government sought to get its message across through different appeals to stereotypes. The effects of diet during that period are forever seen in the way people eat now.
SOURCES
Adams, Robin J.C. “Rationing in Britain during World War II.” Faculty of History. Accessed May 1, 2022. https://www.history.ox.ac.uk/rationing-in-britain-during-world-war-ii.
Johnson, Ben. “World War 2 Chronology.” Historic UK. Accessed May 2, 2022. https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/World-War-2-Chronology/.
“Doctor Carrot – the Children’s Best Friend.” Cartoon. IWM Art. Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Accessed May 4, 2022. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/29038.
Abcd of Health. UNCChapel Hill Libraries. United Kingdom: Spectator Short Films, 1942. https://www-foodanddrink-amdigital-co-uk.libproxy.lib.unc.edu/Documents/Details/BFI_ABC_of_Health-N_463344-24HD#.
Mrs. T and Her Cabbage Patch. UNCChapel Hill Libraries. United Kingdom: Gaumont-British Instructional, 1941. https://www-foodanddrink-amdigital-co-uk.libproxy.lib.unc.edu/Documents/Details/BFI_Mrs_T_and_Her_Cabbage_Patch_m76568-24HD?SessionExpired=True#DocumentMediaSummary.
Falconer, Paul. “Plan and Grow for Winter.” Poster. IWM Art. Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Accessed May 2, 2022. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/8928.
