Building National Identity and Unity: Great Britain

Food and fuel shortages, nightly bombings, and the constant fear of invasion created an atmosphere of deprivation and destruction in Great Britain. To combat this, British propaganda appealed to its country’s reputation for resilience and resistance. Sacrifice and duty were frequent themes.

For many, Prime Minister Winston Churchill personified the strength and character of the British people. He was often shown as a bulldog: loyal, strong, determined, and persistent.

Use Highlight It! to read an excerpt from the leaflet below from Prime Minister Winston Churchill, distributed to millions of English homes in 1940. As you read it, consider its tone, message, and content.

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Highlight the text that helps you answer the prompt.

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Left: Poster urging mothers to send their children to the country, away from cities being bombed.
Center: This bookmark’s striking image reminds people not to waste bread.
Right: Churchill as a bulldog. “Holding the Line!” refers to Britain’s tenacious resistance to Germany.