The age of Austerity and 1945-52

[jridgeback]

If anyone knows anything about this period, specifically about peoples living standards and daily lives, could you please let me know. Thanks a lot.

[Artemis]

Anyone born during this period is known as a Baby Boomer. As the birthrate rocketed. I am one such.

[gary baldy]

Bit of a big question ridgeback!
Try here for a good article:

http://au.encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_781539317/Post-Wa r_Britain.html

and also click on further reading for a good bibliography.

[WendyS]

Yes, it was a time of great austerity. As a small child I remember that industry was suffering from terrible power shortages as it tried to rebuild itself after the war so coal was severely rationed to all households. (Don't forget nobody had central heating in those days - generally just one coal fire to heat the whole house!). Consequently power cuts were a way of life and homes were not allowed to light a fire until 4 p.m. Then would come the power cut just as it got dark plunging the house into a search for candles and Children's Hour on the radio would be abruptly terminated. My mother often relied on a Hay Box to finish cooking caseroles when the power went off. (What's a Hay Box I can hear you asking?). Food rationing continued until about 1953 when sweets were finally de-rationed. In winter we all woke up in bedrooms which had ice frozen on the window panels. Water pipes froze so there was no water for washing or flushing the toilet. Few people had cars. Everybody used the bus, train or walked. Most peoples' clothes were shabby and worn out. Schools had little equipment because the War had exhausted funds. And I could go on and on ! If you go down to your local library there are bound to be lots of books on the subject. Let's hope we never have to return to those days. But the adults who lived through them learnt many lessons about thrift, recycling and economy which stayed with them for the remainder of their lives. My own parents for example, never threw anything away in case it could be re-used, recycled or cannibalised to repair something else because everything was in such short supply.

[raysparx]

Why are you asking? I was born in the 40s in a very poor area of london and would gladly relate my growing experiences to you if you would like me to ,please reply.cheers Ray