The Outbreak of War: 22nd August - 3rd September, 1939.

The Outbreak of War served as an official government account of the events that led to the onset of World War II. Written in the wake of Britain’s declaration of war on Nazi Germany, the pamphlet outlines the diplomatic breakdowns and the aggressive actions of Germany that made war inevitable, particularly focusing on the invasion of Poland. The pamphlet aims to present Britain’s stance as one of reluctant but necessary engagement, portraying the decision to go to war as a defense of peace and democracy in the face of unchecked totalitarian expansion. It reflects the British government’s efforts to rally public support for the war and justify its policies, positioning the conflict as a moral and defensive obligation against Nazi aggression.