First World War 1914-1918

Question 1

What Impact did the War have on the Parties?

Answer 1

Labor Conservative Liberals

1914/15 Political Truce Political Truce Asquith led
war effort

1915/16 Joined Asquith’s Joined Asquith’s Asquith formed
Coalition Coalition Coalition

1916 Joined Lloyd Lloyd George
George opposing replaced
Asquith Asquith

1916/18 Entered Wartime Entered Wartime Lloyd George
Coalition Coalition led wartime
coalition
Asquith opposed

Question 2

What could be described as the main impact of WW1?

Answer 2

• Participation of groups not usually valued by governments (e.g. women + working class) - led to unguided social change
• groups were ‘rewarded’ for they’re participation in 1918

Question 3

What Impacts did the War have on Government Interventions?

Answer 3

• Government interventions became widely accepted- seen as normal and beneficial
• Examples = Introduction of Food Rationing + Restrictions of Pub Opening Hours

Question 4

What Impacts did the War have on the Parties?

Answer 4

• Liberal party declined
• Labor party grew - as they were committed to social reform
• Labor + New Social Order promoted social + economic reforms

Question 5

What Impacts did the War have on the Working Class (particularly housing)?

Answer 5

• Addison Housing Act 1919 - built 213000 new homes, set provision of decent housing for the poor was the responsibility of the state - Abandoned in 1922
• Wheatley’s Housing Act 1924 - provided £9 mil grants a year for building council houses.

Question 6

What Impacts did the War have on Education?

Answer 6

• Fisher’s Education Act 1918 - introduced compulsory education for children under 14

Question 7

What Impacts did the War have on Employment?

Answer 7

• Unemployment Insurance Act 19120 - covered all worker’s earning less than £250 (excluding agricultural labors, domestic servants + self-employed)
• Wage rates doubled
• Working week were on average 7 hours shorter than pre-war times
• Food rationing meant that people could afford meat