britain at war: 1914 - 1918 Flashcards
what were the conservatives party attitudes towards the war?
supported it so they could protect their empire and that they could be united. however some concerned about the impact on the economy and financial affairs due to trading
what were the labour party attitudes towards the war?
deeply divided: opposed it due to being exploitative of the working class while others supported it due to the national danger posed by germany
what were the liberal party attitudes towards the war?
many in party were naturally pacifist but many supported the war as they disliked the kaiser and the german’s power
> general support in the beginning although later issues went against principles
what were society’s attitudes towards war?
- attitudes changed throughout the war
- hostility towards germany
- country felt united (women turned militancy into co-operation and ireland was united)
- many soldier excited to go fight because daily life was boring
- communists rejected war on ground of anti-capitalism
- religious people rejected war on grounds of their religion
many ministers were resigning during the war, what did this show?
showed that attitudes in government were generally divided. it represented instability in the government
why did britain go to war with germany?
the declaration of war from germany against france as britain had an informal navy alliance with france that in the event of war, france defend mediterranean and britain defend the channel and north sea
why was belgium important to britain?
the principle of belgium independence had been a long-standing british commitment. also the fact that belgium was a “small” country fighting a much bigger adversary, which helped establish moral arguments for war
what was the defense of the realm act 1914 (DORA)?
controlled communications, the nations ports and subject civilians to the rule of military courts
when was conscription introduced?
1916
how did the war impact the home front of britain?
- sugar, meats, butter, jam and tea rationed
- blackouts introduced
- improved conditions in munitions factories
- government propaganda
- land use was regulated
- railways and mines taken over by state
how many women worked in munitions during the war?
947,000 in 1918
how many women worked in transport during the war?
117,000
how did the numbers of women in war change before the war to after?
before - 5.9 million in work
after - 7.3 million in work
how did the england’s active service league pressure men to fight in the war?
gave men who weren’t in uniform and of military age white feathers (a symbol of cowardice)
why didn’t the role of women improve or change as a result of war?
many men resented the challenge of lower paid women taking skilled jobs and wanted to make sure women didn’t take men’s jobs when the war was over
what were the strengths of women working during the war?
they were able to experience new jobs and earn more than before, therefore becoming financially independent
what are 3 reasons women gained the vote in 1918?
1) achievements before the war
2) experiences during the war
3) movement towards democratic reform, including changes in parliamentary attitudes
how did women’s achievements before the war gain them the vote?
- campaigns for women’s suffrage caused agitation and fear of radical actions = couldn’t risk repetition after war
- gained a lot of publicity towards the cause
- receiving more education and legal rights
- bills before 1914 got considerable support and would have given vote if there was no war
how did women’s experiences during the war gain them the vote?
- women took over a lot of male roles = are capable
- medical roles on frontlines
- pankhurst and the offer of amnesty for suffragette prisoners in return for suspension of the campaign
how did movement towards democratic reform, including changes in parliamentary attitudes gain them the vote?
- asquith spoke for many that the work by women had led to a change of heart
- believed that women as a group gave a higher level of support
- after war, issues of women voting didn’t seem as radical or dangerous
what is a coalition government?
formed when 2 or more political groups temporarily work
what are 4 reasons there was a coalition government formed in 1915?
conflict with liberal ideas, failures on the war, shell shortage and leadership problems
what were the conflict of liberal ideas that led to the formation a coalition government?
- key principles were undermined (more control on civilian lives, taxation and restricting trade etc)
- increased government intervention > war socialism
- conservatives forced conscription
what were failures in the war that led to the formation of a coalition government in 1915?
- couldn’t get through the western front
- shell shortage
- by landing near istanbul on the gallipoli peninsula failed
- cabinet thought about opening a second front
what was the shell shortage that led to the formation of a coalition government in 1915?
- an excuse for a failure of tactics
- openly criticised by the unionists in may 1915
- criticisms of government provisions of war maritel and accusation of shell shortage
- minister of munitions was lloyd george
what were the leadership problems that led to the formation of a coalition government in 1915?
- churchill was very unpopular for the failure of the campaign against turkey
- all wanted the same thing = coalition as it was a representation from many countries
- morale in the country was low due to problems
