Compare and Contrast the Impact of WW1 and WW2

Question 1

Social/Cultural Impacts of WW1 and WW2 Comparisons?

Answer 1

• Germany being the “aggressor” in each war (Belgium WW1, Poland WW2) –> therefore had a propoganda disadvantage (commented on by Hitler in Chapter 6 Mein Kampf after WW1)
• Britain used posters in both wars –> Personnification and propganda techniques
  WW1: Kitchener –> “Your country needs you”
  WW2: (“Let us go forward together”)

-In both wars –> Emphasis on productivity of food
WW1: Kitchen is the key to victory
WW2: Potato Pete

Women were mobilisedeffectively in the workforce in both wars (examples); after both wars these gains were largely reversed

Question 2

Contrasts of Social/Cultural Impacts of WW1 and WW2?

Answer 2

In WW2 a big contrast was the additional use of the spoken word, made possible by the development of the radio.

The message too was different; there was conscription existed early on so no need for recruitment posters

“What did you do in the Great War, daddy”

“The fresh memory of WW1 meant there was no need to tell peopl about”the” horrors”of” war”(Battle” of”Somme” film);” instead” the”main” focus”was” on”keeping” morale”high.”

Evidence: quotes from Churchill’s speeches for Britain, those of Hitler and Goebbels in WW2.

Question 3

Socio-Economic Impact Comparisons?

Answer 3

Germany recovered after both wars with American help:

Dawes Plan (WW1) and Marshall Aid (WW2), both of which were partly motivated by a desire to stop the spread of communism.

Britain very similar impact both wars – economic”bankruptcy” (evidence).

Britain responded similarly and effectively in both wars e.g. “rationing,”growing” own”vegetables” (examples),”mobilising” women”into” the” workforce” (examples).

Question 4

Socio/Economic Impact, Contrasts?

Answer 4

Germany failed to economically prepare for WW1 as she gambled on a short war; therefore shortages and deprivation

However, Hitler planned for much better (4 Year Plan)

WW1 - Germany only superficially recovered - Dawes plan was a loan But Germany collapsed

WW2 - German recovery was stronger

Marshall Aid was provided with no strings attached; it was also spread across Europe

Britain

WW1 - Lloyd George failed to provide “Home fit for heroes” but women made political gains

WW2 - Clement Atlee/Aneurin Bevan succeeded in building Welfare State (NHS, council housing) but women failed to make political gains (except in France)

Question 5

Political Comparisons

Answer 5

Russia, in both wars, initially suffered a great deal from German invasions (Tannenburg WW1Barbarossa WW2)

In Britain, both wars led to a massive shift (politically) –> change in party system

After both Wars, Germany went from Democracy to dictatorship