The lecture on London at War was by far my favorite. I find the World War I and World War II era very interesting. I was excited to learn about the war from a different perspective. Learning about this era in high school and college, I have heard the same story and perspectives from how the war affected the people at home in the United States. I was excited to learn how another country felt and lived during this time. It was also entertaining to hear it form a person who lived during this time. Bob Craig began lecture discussing the Great War. He talked about the Holborn-Covent Garden bombing and London's first air raid. The worst raid occurred on June 13, 1917, 162 people were killed. During the inter war period the British government gave no consideration to the possibility of another war until 1982. On the road to war in 1933 Hitler becomes chancellor, 1934 re-arment begins and in 1935 the treaty of Versailles is broken. War seemed inevitable and on September 3, 1939 Britain declares war on Germany.
The most interesting points came when he talked about what was going on with in the society and how the war disrupted the daily lives of the people in Britain. I could not imagine being a child in this time as Bob Craig was, living in such fear. On certain days the children of London were evacuated, their parents packed their suitcases and evacuated by train. I can remember the feelings I had when my family and I were evacuated during the 2004 Southern California fires. I wondered if the fires would reach my house. I was scared that the memories made there could forever be lost. The children of this time had to separate from their brother sisters and parents, not knowing when they would see their family next.
Along with the evacuation of London’s children, rationing also took place. People had ration books. During this time food and clothes distribution were controlled. Resources were distributed on a particular day or at a particular time basis. It was funny when Bob Craig mentioned his ration book and how his sister took his rations for sweets,
I really agree with you that the first hand experiences were the most interesting parts of the lecture. The way you compared the evacuations to the California fires also gave an interesting point that related nicely. I really liked your use of the raw facts within your response as well.
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