The early 1940s was a bleak period, to say the least. The world was in the middle of a global war that claimed more than 70 million lives in just six years. People were going hungry, homes and livelihoods destroyed, and families were devastated over the loss of their loved ones. Despite the horrific situation, people persevered and stood resilient. We can all learn a thing or two from the many World War 2 lessons the older generation has taught us.
There are a lot of World War 2 lessons we learned and could learn from the last global war. The most important, perhaps, is that war should never be an option or should only be considered if all other means are exhausted. There are also lots of survival lessons we can learn from those who lived to tell their stories.
The Second World War took a combined 49 million civilian lives. The Axis nations, particularly Germany, Japan, and Italy, were responsible for the bulk of the casualties. Despite this horrific statistic, there are lots of civilian survival stories that deserve to be told.
Here are some examples of human resilience that should inspire everyone to do what it takes to keep moving forward.
Dealing with Food Shortage
People in war-torn countries had to deal with food and water shortage simply because there was not enough being produced. One reason is that the people who worked the line were on the battlefield. Another possible reason is that people were afraid to come out and work.
When World War 2 started, it was less than a decade since the end of the Great Depression. While that point in human history is something to be forgotten, people remembered and learned their lessons.
Rationing
One lesson they applied during the war was to make the most of what they have. They made the food they have last as long as possible through rationing. Many civilians did so for the sake of the soldiers. They made sure the men and women fighting for their country had enough sustenance.
Victory Gardens
Self-sustenance through backyard gardening is another of the many World War 2 lessons we learned. To deal with food shortage, many started planting Victory gardens in their backyard. Fruits, vegetables and herbs were also grown in public places such as parks.
Prepping
It’s quite difficult enough trying to stay alive each and every day. Imagine you live in some war-torn country such as Syria. There’s nothing to eat or drink while houses and buildings have been leveled. Among the many World War 2 lessons, this one is perhaps the most important – be prepared.
Stock up on food and water. Collect survival gear and other stuff that may prove useful when SHTF such as fuel, weapons and ammunition.
Comfort Food
Your prepper pantry should be filled with foods that have long shelf lives. You should also stock up on comfort food. It’s bad enough that the world has fallen into shambles.
Make thing a tad easier to digest by having food that your tummy will love to digest. Stock up on comfort food such as coffee, chocolate, and your favorite dish.
Recycling
Most of the factories that still functioned during the war were involved in making ammunition, weapons, and other products need to win the war. Since the workforce was severely depleted, civilians decided to help out buy recycling raw materials.
Bartering Skills
Many believe that an economic collapse or an apocalyptic event will render supermarkets useless. Most films about such themes show stores being ransacked. In such an event, money will not be as valuable as it is now.
Bartering was one of the World War 2 lessons that we can apply in life right now and in the event of the apocalypse. In The Walking Dead, Georgie offered food and the “key to the future” for some music records. Maggie agreed and got a hand-written book of “medieval human achievement.”
If you’ve seen the 2015 film The Survivalist, a mother offered her teenage daughter to the survivalist in exchange for food and shelter. While that is a little too much, it shows the importance of having something to offer in exchange for something you need.
During the war, soldiers engaged in bartering by offering cigarettes, rations, and chocolates. Civilians meanwhile bartered silverware, alcohol, and their services. Doctors, for example, offered their professional knowhow in exchange for food.
First Aid
It’s quite obvious that one of the most valuable World War 2 lessons we should have learned is to know how to give basic first aid. Once you’re hurt on the battlefield, your best chance of surviving is to be found by a medic and given proper assistance. We all know that’s next to impossible when bullets and bombs are flying all around.
Without the prospect of getting hit by a bullet, there is no excuse why you can’t provide first aid to someone in a medical situation. You must learn first aid as this knowledge will surely come handy.
It’s also important to have a first aid kit wherever you go. Keep at least one kit in your home, office, car, and bug out bag. You can even make an Altoids tin first aid kit, which you can bring with you anywhere.
Survival Hacks
During the war, people especially soldiers learned to think outside the box to survive or at least make life a little more bearable. Cigarettes were among the most useful items soldiers had. They used it to start a bonfire, treat mosquito bites, relieve toothache, and get rid of parasites in the body.
Anytime you have a war going on, life is hard. Despite all the horror, you should still find ways to survive. With the help of World War 2 lessons you’ve learned, you’ll be better equipped to deal with such a tragic scenario. Visit The Gentleman Pirate to learn more about surviving, including some of the many survival hacks we know so far.
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