Recruitment, conscription, censorship, propaganda Flashcards
How many infantry divisions did the British have in August 1914?
6
What were the branches of the British army in 1914?
British Expeditionary Force (small, professional, regular) and British Territorial Army (part-time reservists)
How many did the British government expect would voluntarily enlist each month?
100,000
Between early August-September, how many men enlisted during the ‘August Madness’?
500,000
Who founded the Pals Battalions?
Lord Derby
What was an indication of declining British enlistment numbers by mid 1915?
22,000 men enlisted in a month
What was the first measure taken after enlistment numbers declined in 1915?
Physical requirements, such as height requirements, were relaxed; age increased from 30 to 40
What was the Derby Scheme, and was it successful?
National register; upon being called up, men were requested to voluntarily enlist
When was conscription first introduced?
Military Service Act 1916 (January)
Who was conscription first introduced for?
Single men 18-40, excluding clergymen, Irishmen, those working in essential industries, etc.
When were conscription laws modified?
Military Service Act 1916 (May)
What were conscription laws modified to?
Included all men, married or single
How many conscientious objectors registered over the course of the war?
16,000
What were the potential consequences of conscientious objection?
Court martial and could be gaoled
How many conscientious objects were gaoled at least once throughout the war?
16,000
What was the age range for German conscription before the war?
Every 17-45 year old male liable for service
During August 1914, how many army divisions were there in Germany?
94
Was the system of German recruitment effective?
Upon commencement of hostilities, martial law. Reservists and new armaments quickly added–highly effective
What was the size of the German army by 1916?
Peacetime size of 800,000–>5.8 million by 1916
What was the impact of DORA on censorship?
Almost unlimited ability to suppress and control information
Which organisation controlled information, including that provided to the press, during early war in Britain?
Secret War Propaganda Bureau
From February 1917-1918, which government department controlled war information in Britain?
Department of Information
Which departments did the Department of Information amalgamate?
Foreign Office News Department, Neutral Press Committee
From February 1918 onwards, which government department controlled war information in Britain?
Ministry of Information
