Well the United Kingdom was allies with the British Empire,Russia, China, and the United States during WW2. As the opposing team was Germany,Italy and Japan. Though the most tough issue was keeping up to par with the germans especially after the Battle Of Britan. On September 7, 1940, 300 German bombers raided London in what would be the first of 57 consecutive nights of bombing. This "blitzkrieg" would continue until May 1941. (History.com) though after the war the UK actually was not damaged much at all socially,economicaly or polictally
Media,family, friends, education level. Knowledge of the issues, if the issues directly affect you (like immunizations being mandatory for your kids). I'm not sure about the second half of your question.
