Scot’s on the western front Flashcards
What were the reasons why many Scot’s joined the war
Patriotism, propaganda, pals battalion, pressure, incentives
Explain patriotism
At this time Scot’s were thought as ruthless fighters and many Scot’s wanted to keep this mine a going so they signed up for the war
Explain propaganda
Posters played on men’s sense of guilt and patriotism so that when they saw them it made them feel bad for not joining the war effort
Explain opportunity
Many people who had been sat behind desks for their job saw this as an opportunity to go an experience the world and war life
Explain pals battalion
Men signed up at the same time as their mates in order to fight alongside each other in the war
Explain pressure
Other members of their family who weren’t able to join the war but would put pressure on those who could but wouldn’t to join
Explain incentives
War men at that time were well paid and usually better paid then jobs so men signed up for the moolah
What are the problems Scot’s faced in the trenches
Lice, trench foot, rats, bad food, boredom, safety
Explain lice
Lice liked to jump into the back of Scot’s kilts which made them itch
Explain trench foot
Soldiers that would stand in water for days upon end would get diseases on their feet which caused incredible pain
Explain rats
They were attracted to dead bodies which were everywhere which meant the hygiene was poor
Explain bad food
Many chefs weren’t professional so they did not know how to cook good meals leading to the food being rubbish
Explain boredom
Much of the soldiers day was spent sitting around doing nothing which got very boring after 4 years
Explain safety
They trenches were built out of mud which meant they could collapse anytime
What technology was used during war
Airplanes, artillery, chlorine gas, mines, flame thrower, machine guns, tanks, Enfield rifle, bayonet
