DORA and the war Flashcards
(19 cards)
what is DORA
defence of the realm act
when was dora passed
initially on 8 August 1914 and in its final form in november
summary of dora
the act allowed the government considerable powers which it took in different ways to maximise the producton of goods (especially military) and food, to keep military secrets and maintain the morale of the general public. made sure industries were focused towards the war effort
gave the gov extensive powers to maintain national security and support the war effort
why did britain get involved within the war effort
- had an informal naval alliance with france- in the event of war, france would defend the mediterranean and britain the channel and north sea
- belgian independence had been a long-standing british committment- germanys ultimatum sparked british support for belgium.
what did dora set up within the government?
- Ministry of Munitions (1915) - took over arms factories and created its own.
- ensured that britain had enough weapons and ammunition to sustain the war effort during ww1
- improved conditions in munitions factories and the government negotiated directly with trade unions to reduce industrial discontent.
detail the defence of the realm act
- railways and mines were taken over by the state
- sugar, meat and tea were rationed in 1918
- restrictions on alcohol and pup opening hours, buying rounds was illegal and the strenght of beer reduced
- blackouts to protect when in danger of air raids
- censorship of press and private correspondence
- considerable amount of gov propganda to influence attitudes
- british summer time was introduced in May 1916 to help conserve energy
- land use was regulated with country agricultural committes set up to ensure land was not left uncultivated
when was conscription passed
passed in may 1916
detail why conscription was introduced
- number of volunteers had decreased by 1915
- by the end of 1915, heavy fighting had destroyed old army and new forces were needed
- could no longer rely on volunteers as they had done in 1914- pals battalions
- liberals had delayed conscription- went against liberal values
- very unpopular
what was included in conscription
- jan 1916- tory minister Lord Derby introduced a voluntary scheme whereby men of military age asserted their willingness to serve, but it was argued that this would not be enough
- therefore, a full scheme was introduced
- provision for conscientious objectors but they were often harshly treated
- 4 million men who served in the forces during the war were often regarded as the greatest militarisation of british life in military history
impact on living standards
- german submarine struck merchant ships importing food
- this was not dealt with effectively
- this was coupled with the loss of manpower on farms as more workers went into the armed forces- leading to food shortages and hunger
- families had to cope without male breadwinner
- between 1914 and 1917, 600,000 chilkd were withdrawn from school for war work.
- towns and cities suffered from german air raid attacks by sea on the east coast in 1914.
impact on death rates
- casualties of war fell disproportionately on the healthy and wealthy- substantial number of poor men who were too unhealthy to fight
- biggest rise in death rates amongst middle and upper class men.
- death rate for junior officers who came from public schools was high
impact on food and rationing
- money that the people had was increased as dora restricted the sale of alcohol- making more money available for food
- wartime measures such as the provision of cheap food in factory canteens
- additional payments by the state for the families of those at war
- w/c spending on food rose by 60% to around £2 per week
- problems with food supplies- merchant ships hit by german submarines and shortage of men to farm
- rationing was introduced in 1918- making shopping difficult, long queues
impact on housing
- housing stock was run down as few houses had been built
- labour not easily available for building work and repairs
- bad housing was major cause of lung disease as a consequence of bad heating, droughts and general squalor.
impact on working conditions
gap betwen wages of unskilled workers and skilled workers narrowed. they now had money to spend on food. working class in low paid trades were now given the opportunity to get out of low paid trades and into better paid work producing war supplies. there was opportunities for overtime and taking on younger workers.
impact on government intervention
- separation payments introduced- by 1917- reached 23s for a wife with one child
- widows pensions for wives of servicemen killed, starting at 13s
- disability allowances for those too badly wounded to go back into the forces
- munitions canteens- provided subsidised foods- by 1918 there were 900 workplace canteens feeding 1 million workers.
- increased intervention for mothers- ministry of munitions subsidised nureries for working mothers, and whilst limited (28 creches by 1917) they did cut childcare costs.
why did the working class benefit from the war
- full employment as soldiers, factory workers etc
- women- as many worked this increased the amount of money a family made
- control of rent and prices under dora- meant standards of living improved & less people living in poverty
- rationing improved general health and gave greater equality to those in
what was extended in 1916
- 1911 national insurance
- extended to the families of serving soldiers and to war workers
- led to maternity care being available to many women
- many more families had access to medical care- reducing costs and improving health
how did the war impact education
there was increased concern for education. Fisher produced radical proposals for improving the fitness and health of children. schools were to provide playing fields and sports facilities. This became known as Fishers Education Act of 1918.
Summation of the impact of gov interference
DORA, conscription, BST, alcohol and pubs limited etc… represented and unprecedented amount of control over civilians lives, interruption of privacy and control over the economy.
But, these acts do not lead to lots of hostility. People believe that this is necessary for war.
The conservatives who would normally oppose government intervention approve of these acts as they believe in their patriotic duty to fight in the war, so as these measures were necessary to ensure that the war was won- they allowed and accepted them.
Because of this, it is difficult to argue that the increase in government powers is negative for peoples experience. Every intervention made- such as the ministry of munitions- was justified (shell crisis etc).
