Wartime Rations and Black Markets: Britain's Challenge to Feed Itself During WWII
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Britain relied heavily on imported foods before WWII, so when war disrupted supply lines, rationing was necessary for survival. Foods like sugar, meat, cheese were rationed.
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Citizens registered for ration books allowing them to buy rationed goods at fixed prices, but black markets emerged with spivs and retailers dealing illegally.
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Unrationed root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and beetroot were used as sugar substitutes in cooking due to scarcity. Resourceful cooking was needed.
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Farmers and veterinarians had reserved occupations so were not conscripted, but some resented not directly supporting the war effort.
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Rationing continued after the war due to limited dollars for imports and the need to rebuild infrastructure, diverging from North America's quicker end to rationing.