World War 1 Flashcards
What was recruitment like in 1914?
When the recruitment campaign was launched, it worked far better than expected. 750,000 men joined up within the first few weeks alone. Large groups of friends even joined up in pals battalions.
What was conscription?
Conscription was introduced in May 1916. The government had the power to conscript all men aged 18-41 under the Military Services Act. Only men in reserved occupations such as munitions or mining were excused from military service.
What were conscientous objectors?
Conscientous Objectors were people who refused to fight in the war. They had to appear before local tribunals to explain why they refused to fight. Most conchies worked in medical or support services. Around 1,500 conchies were imprisoned.
What was DORA?
Defence of the Realm Act passed in August 1914. The act gave the government control over the media, food production, industry and many other areas.
How did the government handle munitions?
David Lloyd George became minister of munitions. He reorganised production and set up new state run factories. By the end of the war the government controlled around 20,000 factories.
Why was rationing introduced?
DORA allowed the government to take control over food supplies. Britain did not suffer serious food shortages before 1916, but prices did rise dramatically. Britain imported a lot of its food from North America. When the German U-Boats began attacking shipping, rationing now became an issue that needed to be considered. The government tried to increase food production by bringing all available land into production.
When was rationing introduced?
Voluntary rationing schemes were introduced in 1916 but did not work so compulsory rationing was introduced in 1918.
What was rationed?
Sugar, meat, jam and margarine
What were civilian casualties like in the war?
About 1,500 civilians were killed due to enemy actions.
When did German warships shell towns in north east England?
December 1914
When did Zeppelin ships begin raids on England?
January 1915
When did German gotha bombers begin raids?
May 1917
What was propaganda like during WW1?
DORA allowed the government to control newspapers and other media during the war.
There was censorship, particularly of the national press.
The pacifist newspaper the tribunal was shut down and the daily herald was closely monitored.
Propaganda was aimed directly at children through toys and books etc.
How did publishers and people react to the war effort?
Many supported the war effort:
12 newspapers were given knighthoods for their war time services.
Leading authors like rudyard kipling produced patriotic material for free.
Patriotic films such as For the empire and battle of the somme attracted large audiences.
