In the event of a city power cut can you use a single-phase 240V generator to connect across the two 120V phases supplying the house and would you still get 120V to neutral on each side?

Yes you can BUT because you asked this question you should have a pro show you how to do it. Just to give you a worst case example, transformers work in both directions so if you feed the "city" with 220v your neighbors will enjoy your power until your generator burns up. Maybe 2-3 seconds!

Another thought Yes, IF you have a neutral connection at your generator. If you do not connect the neutral you will not have 110v from hot to neutral. This is because your house must be perfectly balanced across the neutral to have the correct voltage divider to split 220V into 110V.

This is near impossible in a residential situation. You need the neutral for 110V Also, buy a generator transfer panel if you plan to power your house off a generator. It's the law More Not because it's the law, but if you don't have a transfer panel and you connect it directly to your panel you'll also be putting current to the lines coming into your house This is real scary for the electricians that come out to repair the power.

The (city) power is off and they don't expect to see (feel! ) any on your end. You could end up electrocuting someone.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.