The Era of the Great War Flashcards
Where did the Cameronians primarily recruit from?
Glasgow and Lanarkshire
The Cameronians were a Scottish regiment with strong local recruitment.
Which city did the Royal Scots primarily attract recruits from?
Edinburgh
The Royal Scots were one of the oldest regiments in the British Army.
What was one reason men found it less scary to be away from home when enlisting?
They could sign up alongside family members or friends from their town
This provided a sense of camaraderie and support.
What type of imagery was used in propaganda to encourage enlistment?
Images romanticising Scotland’s military tradition with kilts and bagpipes
This aimed to invoke feelings of pride and heritage.
What factor significantly influenced recruitment numbers in certain areas?
Fear of unemployment
High unemployment made military service seem like an attractive option.
What opportunities did men perceive in joining the military?
Seeing new places and performing heroic deeds
Many viewed enlistment as a way to escape mundane jobs.
How were women involved in encouraging men to enlist?
They pressed men into service by giving them a white feather
This symbolized cowardice for not enlisting.
What was one effect of propaganda on Scottish enlistment?
It evoked patriotism by using symbols of Scottish military history
The kilt was a prominent symbol in these efforts.
What are Pals Battalions?
Groups formed to enlist men who knew each other, making enlistment more appealing
Example: McCrae’s Battalion from Hearts football club.
What social pressure influenced men to volunteer?
Fear of being given the white feather as a symbol of cowardice
This created a strong peer pressure to enlist.
What sense did patriotism instill in Scots regarding enlistment?
A sense of pride to be Scottish and a duty to fight for King and country
This emotional appeal was significant in motivating enlistment.
How did ‘war fever’ affect enlistment in Scotland?
Men were excited and carried away by the thrill of war
Propaganda portrayed the war as an adventure.
What economic factor motivated men to enlist?
The prospect of being paid to serve
Soldiering was seen as a respectable way out of poverty.
What was the common belief about the duration of the war when it began?
The war would be ‘over by Christmas’
This misconception led many to enlist enthusiastically.
What type of slogans influenced Scottish enlistment?
Patriotic appeal of slogans
These slogans played into the existing martial tradition of Scotland.
What stories affected Scots’ perceptions of the German Army?
Stories of spies and ‘Belgian Atrocities’
Such narratives fueled anger and a desire to enlist.
What condition often resulted from wearing poorly fitting boots in muddy conditions?
Trench foot
Trench foot could cause feet to swell significantly and lead to severe complications, including amputation.
What were the common symptoms of trench foot?
- Swelling of feet to two or three times their normal size
- Numbness
- Skin peeling off upon removal of boots
What psychological condition is referred to as shell shock?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Shell shock results from severe trauma experienced during war, affecting soldiers long after the conflict ends.
List some symptoms of shell shock.
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Severe guilt
- Sickness
- Blindness
- Deafness
What physical symptom did soldiers experience related to the kills they committed?
Hysterical tics in facial muscles
This symptom was reported in soldiers who had bayoneted men in the face.
What was trench fever and how was it transmitted?
An illness caused by body lice
Symptoms included high fever, headaches, aching muscles, and sores on the skin.
How long did it typically take to recover from trench fever?
Around twelve weeks
What adverse conditions did soldiers face in the trenches?
- Infestation of rats
- Poor hygiene
- Lack of washing
- Cold temperatures