The war years
Unemployment in the South Wales Valleys grew to over 90%.
The decade was dominated by the Second World War of 1939 to 1945. Thousands of children from England’s cities were moved to the Welsh countryside to live and the effects of the blitz were seen in Swansea. Millions were killed in the war, and the bomb on Hiroshima heralded a nuclear arms race.
The Welsh arts developed with the establishment of a national opera company in 1946. A professional musical establishment, it ensured international recognition for Welsh musicians and singers.
