Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to confer on His Majesty certain powers which it is expedient that His Majesty should be enabled to exercise in the present emergency; and to make further provision for purposes connected with the defence of the realm. |
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| Citation | 2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 62 |
| Territorial extent | United Kingdom |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 24 August 1939 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Emergency Laws (Repeal) Act 1959 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939 was an important law passed in the United Kingdom right before World War II began. Its main goal was to give the British government special powers to help win the war effectively.
This law allowed the government to create many new rules, called Defence Regulations. These rules touched almost every part of daily life for people in the country. They helped the government manage resources and keep things safe during the war.
Contents
Why This Law Was Passed
This important law was created because of a big event: the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact (also known as the Nazi–Soviet Pact) on August 23, 1939. This agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union made war seem very close.
The Act officially started on August 24, 1939. At first, it was only meant to last for one year. It gave the government broad powers to prepare for and fight the war.
What Powers Did the Act Give?
The Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939 gave the government many new abilities. These were seen as necessary to keep the public safe and defend the country. The powers included:
- Making rules to arrest and punish people who broke the new regulations.
- Allowing the government to take control of buildings, businesses, or other property.
- Giving permission to enter and search any building.
- Changing or pausing other laws to help the war effort.
Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts of 1940
| Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1940 | |
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| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to extend the powers which may be exercised by His Majesty under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939. |
| Citation | 3 & 4 Geo. 6. c. 20 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 22 May 1940 |
| Other legislation | |
| Relates to | Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939 |
| Emergency Powers (Defence) (No. 2) Act 1940 | |
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| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to remove doubts as to the extent of the powers which may be exercised by His Majesty under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939. |
| Citation | 3 & 4 Geo. 6. c. 45 |
| Other legislation | |
| Relates to | Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939 |
In 1940, two more laws were passed to make the 1939 Act even stronger. The first, the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1940, extended the original law for another year. It also allowed for yearly extensions if Parliament agreed.
This 1940 Act greatly increased the government's powers. It meant that people could be asked to offer their services or property to help the country. The second 1940 Act helped clear up any questions about the government's powers. It also allowed for special courts to be set up in war zones.
When the Law Ended
The Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939 was officially cancelled on March 25, 1959. This happened with a new law called the Emergency Laws (Repeal) Act 1959.
However, some of the specific Defence Regulations that were created under the 1939 Act lasted even longer. The very last of these special rules finally ended on December 31, 1964.
See also
