How useful are Sources A and B for an enquiry into morale in the East End of London during the Blitz? Explain your answer, using Sources A and B and your knowledge of the historical context. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

Source A provides valuable insights into public morale during the Blitz. It highlights how people engaged in community activities, such as booing the king and queen, indicating that while morale was challenged, public spirit remained strong amidst hardship. The source details the significant role of local morale-boosting initiatives, including food distribution and voluntary work, which helped sustain a sense of community.

In contrast, Source B emphasizes the varied responses to bombing in the East End of London. It portrays both the challenges of low morale due to constant threat and the responses from families and government in providing support. This source illustrates how different social classes experienced morale differently, with wealthier areas receiving more resources compared to the working-class neighborhoods hard-hit by bombings.

Together, the two sources provide a nuanced view of morale: Source A focuses on the community’s resilience, while Source B highlights disparities based on socioeconomic status. However, critical evaluation of the provenance of these sources must be undertaken; for instance, Source A may present an optimistic view to encourage a positive public image, while Source B may lean on empirical reporting of morale related to immediate threats. Overall, both sources are useful for understanding morale during the Blitz, but must be interpreted within their contexts.