The 1940s The 1940s were dominated by World War II and its aftermath. It was a decade of great change and upheaval for the British public as millions of soldiers joined the Armed Forces to fight, while those who stayed at home had to adjust to new rules and ways of life to help the war effort. Everyone was called upon to 'do their bit' to help the nation and people were encouraged to 'make do and mend', which meant reusing and repairing clothes and furniture instead of throwing them away. After the war ended in 1945, life didn't return to normal right away. Clothes rationing lasted until 1949 and the country was nearly bankrupted by debts that had accumulated during the war so living conditions were poor.