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Britain was the first Allied power to initiate rationing, and its impact was felt deeply due to the nation’s geographical limitations. As an island nation, Britain produced only about 30% of the food required to sustain its population. The remaining food supply relied heavily on imports, which were severely disrupted by the German U-boat campaigns. With memories of World War I still fresh, the British government was determined to avoid the mistakes of the past, where food was only accessible to those who could afford it.
Pre-war efforts to prepare for rationing included printing millions of ration books before the conflict even commenced. As a result, when the war began, the groundwork was already laid, allowing for a quicker implementation of rationing measures starting in January 1940.