How were civilians affected by World War 1?

Aim: To revise key details about the British Home Front during the First World War

http://www.mrallsophistory.com/powerpoint/ww1.ppt

• Britain enters an European war

• Germany invades Belgium that was supposed not to be invaded .

• Britain declares war on Germany.

Queen Victoria

Grandsons

George VNicholas II

Kaiser William II

British King

Russian King

German King

August 1914

• There was a great enthusiasm over all europe (from both sides).

• They thought they would be victorious and that the war would be over by Christmas.

Britain: Censorship:• soldier´s letters • Newspapers• Photographs of dead or

injured soldiers.• Reports aimed to:

– Maintain morale– Encourage civilians to

support the war effort– Create hatred and suspicion

of the enemy

Recruitment

• Initial recruitment used posters, leaflets, etc. to build an army quickly

• What is the message of this poster?

• How would this poster encourage men to join the army?

Recruitment

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Recruitment of volunteers to the army, 1914-15

19141915

• Voluntary recruitment was decreasing, but the demand for troops was increasing

• Voluntary recruitment didn’t share the burden between all parts of society

• Conscription introduced in 1916

• All men aged 18-40 had to register

• They could be called up to fight at any time

• Battleships were so precious that admirals didn´t risk them at battle.

• British blockade german ports to prevent food and other supplies from being imported.

• Germany was short on food in 1918. In reply, they sent submarines to sink britain merchant ships.

• Britain bought food from neutral countries.

Rationing

• In April 1917, German U-Boats were sinking one in every four British merchant ships

• Britain was running out of food

Rationing

• In 1917 voluntary rationing began, led by the royal family

• In 1918 compulsory rationing began– Sugar– Butter– Meat– Beer

The Brown Family’s Four War Christmas• What is happening in

each frame?• Explain why these things

are happening, based on what you know about life on the Home Front