Chapter 3 focused study guide
First and Second World Wars: Life in the UK Study Guide
Revise Britain in the First and Second World Wars, including the Somme, voting reform, Dunkirk, the Blitz, Churchill and 1945.
Section 3.4
The 20th century
The First World War
Britain entered the First World War in 1914 after Germany invaded Belgium. Fighting lasted until 1918 and caused enormous loss of life. The Battle of the Somme in 1916 became a symbol of the human cost of trench warfare.
The war accelerated social and political change. Women took on a wider range of work, and voting rights expanded in 1918. Women gained the vote on the same terms as men in 1928.
Between the wars and the Second World War
Economic difficulty and unemployment marked parts of the inter-war period. Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, leading Britain and France to declare war. Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in 1940.
Key British experiences included the evacuation from Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, the Blitz and fighting across Europe, Africa and Asia. Germany surrendered in May 1945; the war against Japan ended later that year.
Targeted practice
Questions about The 20th century
These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 3 practice set.
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Sample question 1
When did the First World War end?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: 11th of November 1918
The First World War ended at 11.00 am on the 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.
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Sample question 2
Which British Prime Minister was famous for the speech ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Winston Churchill
During the Second World War, Winston Churchill made many famous speeches including lines which you may still hear: ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’. This was Churchill’s first speech to the House of Commons after he became Prime Minister, 1940.
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Sample question 3
Which of the following countries did not belong to the Allies during World War I?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Bulgaria
Bulgaria was not part of the Allies during the First World War.
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Sample question 4
Which of the following countries was not part of the Allied Powers during the First World War?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Bulgaria
Bulgaria formed part of the Central Powers during the First World War.
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Sample question 5
When did the First World War finish?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: At 11 am on 11th November 1918
The First World War ended at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.
Further verification
Official and primary sources
Use the official handbook for the knowledge syllabus. For current administrative information or broader context, consult the relevant primary source.
Reviewed 27 July 2026. See the editorial policy and factual update log.