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The Blackout in Britain and Germany, 1939–1945

  • Book
  • © 2018

Overview

Authors:
  1. Marc Wiggam

    1. School of Advanced Study, University of London, London, United Kingdom

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  • Provides the first book-length comparative social history of the black-out in Britain and Germany

  • Offers new insights into the effect of the black-out on crime, working conditions, the operation of industry and ideas of space

  • Utilises a wide range of sources including newspapers, diaries, and intelligence gathered by the German secret police

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Table of contents (6 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiii
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  2. Introduction

    • Marc Wiggam
    Pages 1-10

  3. Context and Planning

    • Marc Wiggam
    Pages 11-38

  4. Adherence

    • Marc Wiggam
    Pages 39-64

  5. Fear and Transgression

    • Marc Wiggam
    Pages 65-84

  6. Working in the Blackout

    • Marc Wiggam
    Pages 85-111

  7. Conclusion

    • Marc Wiggam
    Pages 113-117

  8. Back Matter

    Pages 119-131
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Keywords

About this book

This book is the first major study of the blackout in the Second World War. Developing a comparative history of this system of civil defense in Britain and Germany, it begins by exploring how the blackout was planned for in both countries, and how the threat of aerial bombing framed its development. It then examines how well the blackout was adhered to, paying particular regard to the tension between its military value and the difficulties it caused civilians. The book then moves on to discuss how the blackout undermined the perception of security on the home front, especially for women. The final chapter examines the impact of the blackout on industry and transport. Arguing that the blackout formed an integral part in mobilising and legitimating British and German wartime discourses of community, fairness and morality, the book explores its profound impact on both countries.

Authors and Affiliations

  • School of Advanced Study, University of London, London, United Kingdom

    Marc Wiggam

About the author

Marc Wiggam researches communication history and the legitimation of state authority. He is co-author of British Press in the Second World War (forthcoming) and is currently working on another book on the British Ministry of Information.

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