Why Democracy Needs You

A fascinating reminder of the idealism which accompanied Britain in the Second World War. - Timothy Garton Ash author of Homelands: A Personal History of EuropeThese pamphlets aimed to teach British soldiersabout the system they were fighting for, warts and all. Of their time, but the view of democraticresponsibilities still resonates today. - Pepper Culpepperauthor of Billionaire Backlash‘Hitler has educated the Germans to be his blind slaves; we have the far harder task of educating responsible citizens. For that, we must have learnt not to be at the mercy of propaganda and ignorant prejudices. This sort of training is especially important for those who fight for a democracy … ’After the devastating losses suffered by the British army in the early years of World War II, the coalition government was looking for ways to boost the morale of British servicemen. They set up an innovative programme designed to educate soldiers on the system of democracy in Britain, first to underline what they were fighting to protect, and second with a view to their participation as citizens in a post-war future. This book brings together highlights from the first two pamphlets published for the programme together with a newly commissioned introduction. These pamphlets brilliantly and critically explain the British constitution and the responsibility that goes with living in a democracy. They are aimed at empowering the future electorate with the means by which to interact with and influence those in government, covering parliamentary structures, methods of debate and understanding opposing points of view with admirable economy, clarity and directness. At the same time, they capture an optimism for a better future, even in the midst of global conflict, which is inspirational even now.