Recruitment During WW1 Flashcards
What was the purpose of recruitment campaigns during WW1?
To encourage men to enlist in the armed forces and increase the size of the army.
What methods were used to recruit soldiers in WW1?
Propaganda posters, public speeches, newspapers, and patriotic songs.
What was the role of propaganda in recruitment?
Propaganda appealed to patriotism, duty, and masculinity, often using slogans like “Your country needs YOU.”
What were “Pals Battalions”?
Groups of men from the same town or workplace who enlisted together and served in the same unit.
How did social pressure influence recruitment?
Men were pressured by peers, families, and communities, and those who didn’t enlist were often shamed as cowards.
What was the age range for enlistment in Britain during WW1?
Initially, men aged 19–38 were eligible, though younger boys often lied about their age to enlist.
How did the introduction of conscription in 1916 change recruitment?
It made military service compulsory for men aged 18–41, addressing the shortfall in volunteers.
What was the role of women in recruitment?
Women participated in recruitment campaigns by handing out white feathers to men not in uniform, symbolizing cowardice.
How were colonial troops recruited during WW1?
Colonies like India, Canada, and Australia were encouraged to send volunteers, often using similar propaganda techniques.
What incentives were offered to encourage men to enlist?
Promises of adventure, financial support for families, and national pride were used as incentives.
