Figure 1.--Here we see European school class in the 1947-48 scchool year. It was a 6th year primary school all boys class. Single gender ckasses/schools were still common in the 1940s. The 'a' probably means there werre more than one class, we are not sure is they were separated byb academic ability. The boys are variously dressed, but most war suits with short pants. The coutryb is notb udentified, butb we would guess Hunagry. 1947-48 was just before the Communists created a Stalinist police state and athoriough socialist system in Hungary.

Not all school images we have acquired are dated. But some are and they provide a range of insights into school trends during the decade. Some come without any additional information, but we can usually if not always identify the country concerned. At first only a few countries were involved in the War, but that steadily increased. Civilians were subjected to horrific privations including dreadful famines. World War II was primarily fought in the 1940s, but a range of military actions began in the 1930s. Japan began military actions by invading Chinese Manchuria (1931). Italy spread military action to Africa by invading Ethiopia (1935). Germany occupied Austria and began the occupation of Czechoslovakia (1938) The War began with the German and Soviet invasion and occupation of Poland (1939). One neutral country after another was impacted beginning with the Soviet invasion of Finland (1939). NAZI military success engulfed most of Europe (1939-41). And then Japan spread the War to Oceania and Asia (1941). Even after the War ended, the economic dislocations affect school children. One major impact was the creation of Communist countries in Eastern Europe. Children in the se countries would not benefit from the economic miracles generated by capitalism, beginning in Germany. This was not just economic, they would be subjected to relentless propaganda implemented by totalitarian Communism and social engineering.

Related Style Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[Long pants suits] [Knicker suits] [Short pants suits] [Socks] [Eton suits] [Jacket and trousers] [Blazer] [School sandals]

Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Page
[Return to the Main School page]
[Activities] [Chronology] [Clothing styles] [Countries] [Debate] [Economics] [Garment] [Gender] [Hair] [History] [Home trends] [Literary characters]
[School types] [Significance] [Transport and travel [Uniform regulations] [Year level] [Other topics]
[Images] [Links] [Registration] [Tools]
[Return to the Historic Boys' School Home]

Created: 1:16 AM 5/7/2024
Last updated: 1:16 AM 5/7/2024