Life in the UK Test: Britain in the 20th Century
Updated October 27, 2026
The 20th century gets a lot of space in the history chapter, from the two world wars to the welfare state and devolution. Here are the key facts as the handbook presents them, followed by free practice questions.
The First World War
- Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914.
- The British attack at the Somme in July 1916 caused about 60,000 British casualties on the first day alone.
- The war ended at 11am on 11 November 1918, which is why Remembrance Day’s two-minute silence is at 11am.
Votes for women
- 1918: women over 30 got the vote, partly in recognition of their war work.
- 1928: women got the vote at 21, the same as men.
The Second World War
- Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940.
- 1940: civilian volunteers in small boats helped rescue more than 300,000 men from Dunkirk. That summer, the RAF won the Battle of Britain for control of the skies.
- 6 June 1944: D-Day, when Allied forces landed in Normandy.
After the war
- The NHS was set up in 1948 to provide healthcare free at the point of use.
- 1969: the voting age was lowered to 18.
- 1973: the UK joined the European Economic Community.
- 1979: Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister.
- 1998: the Good Friday Agreement. 1999: the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly were set up.
Free practice questions
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What event triggered the First World War?Answer: BThe handbook says the First World War was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914.
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At what time and date did the First World War end?Answer: AThe war ended at 11am on 11 November 1918. The two-minute silence on Remembrance Day is held at 11am for this reason.
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What happened at Dunkirk in 1940?Answer: DIn 1940, many civilian volunteers in small boats helped the navy rescue more than 300,000 men from the beaches around Dunkirk.
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On which date did D-Day take place?Answer: COn 6 June 1944, Allied forces landed in Normandy, France, on D-Day.
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Who became Prime Minister in May 1940 and led Britain through the Second World War?Answer: AWinston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940 and led the country through the Second World War.
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In 1918, which women were given the right to vote?Answer: CIn 1918 women over 30 got the vote. Women got the vote at 21, the same as men, in 1928.
Pass the Life in the UK Test on your first try
- All 338 questions on British values, the countries of the UK, history, modern society, and government and the law
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