The Blackout in Britain and Germany, 1939–1945

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

   PDF

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.

• Second World War
• home front
• wartime morale
• civil defence
• Mass Observation

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

  Marc Wiggam

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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