The 1940's

The 1940's were perhaps one of the most complex decades in the 20th century, with the first half being embroiled in war and the second half concerned with rebuilding. It came between the wild and radical 1930's and the ultra-conservative 1950's. As the 1930's were drawing to a close, after years of depression and a complete upheaval of mores and beliefs, the political situation was such that war of some kind was inevitable. But the Second World War, as it was known, was the first great civilian war, in which ordinary men, women and children were in fear of their lives every day. When the war ended, the Cold War began, as politcal boundaries and allegencies shifted. By the end of the decade, the world would never be the same again.

Why I love the 1940's. As I'm a 1960's baby, the 40's were quite close to me. My Grandfather was a prisoner of war in a Polish camp and I was often told of how my Grandmother coped with 6 young children, on her own.

But it's not just the war, I love the clothes from that time. It's amazing how women mananged to make themselves look good despite clothing coupons and the lack of resources. I'm a fan of the Chalet School books and the author, Elinor Brent Dyer, wrote several books set in the war, actually written during the war years, which give a realistic view of life in the 40's. I am full of admiration of how people of the 40's did their best to live normal lives, despite everything.

The music was wonderful, from the crooners to the big bands. wish I could have gone to a real dance hall and danced with a handsome soldier to Glen Miller's big band music!

The shifting of the boundaries around class, race, gender roles and the evolution of the teenager were all fascinating aspects of the era. There were so many changes and all the old certainties were disappearing.