Britain at war (1914-1918) Flashcards
when did ww1 start
21st July 191
when did ww1 end
11th November 1918
what was the liberal party’s attitude to war
divided
many were pacifists
many were concerned over German military expansion
what was the conservative’s party’s attitude to the war
many were pro-war as the empire needed to be defended
some concerned about economic effects
what was the labour party’s attitude about the war
deeply divided
many pacifists (socialist- Marx theory)
necessary due to the threats UK faced by Germany
who was the PM during the start of the war
Asquith (liberal)
why did Britain go to war with Germany
Germany did not respond to Britain’s ultimatium
when did Britain enter ww1
11pm 4thAugust 1914
when France went to war with Germany why did Britain need to consider involvement in the war
Britain had an informal naval alliance with France
why was Belgium’s involvement in the war important
a long standing agreement (if Belgium was attacked Britain had to help)
Belgium was a small country so seemed unfair if they had to fight by themselves
define total war
a war which restricts normal everyday life
what is the defence of realm act
the act allowed government considerable powers to maximise production, keep military secrets and protect people
when was the defence of realm act passed
8th August 1914
what was the military service act January 1916
single men between 18-41 if liable were sent to fight on the front line
give one impact on children during the war
children took out of education, between 1914-17 600,000 children were took out of education to work
what was the demographic of those who had the highest death rates through the war
wealthier and healthier men as the working class men were too weak or unwell to fight
give one improvement of food during WW1
restrictions on alcohol meant there was more spending on food so people were achieving the daily calories or exceeding them
(spending rose by 60%)
give a problem with food during WW1
rationing was introduced in 1918, meaning there were long queues
when was rationing introduced
February 1918
why was housing a problem
there were less men to build houses so there was a housing shortage and there was less repairs so damp led to lung diseases
give an example of poor working conditions during the war
women worked in ammunition factories and 300 died
how did working conditions increased during the war
900 factory canteens
give 3 examples of government intervention
seperation payments (those who had a member who were in active service and were paid 23s for a wife and one child)
Care of mothers and young children 1915 (more midwives and provision of milk)
school meals extended throughout the year not just term time
how many women served
100,000
