Era of the Great War - Domestic Impact of War Society & Culture Flashcards
(20 cards)
Describe the purpose of introducing substitute foods during food shortages.
Substitute foods were introduced to replace items that were in short supply, such as a new type of bread made from wheat flour mixed with powdered potatoes or beans, known as ‘Standard Bread’. Other substitutes included margarine for butter and dried egg.
Explain the role of the Corn Production Act in addressing food shortages.
The Corn Production Act provided subsidies to British farmers to convert pasture land into crop fields, encouraging the growth of carbohydrate-rich crops like potatoes and wheat to ensure the population had enough energy and felt full.
How did the Women’s Land Army contribute to food production during shortages?
The Women’s Land Army was established to address the labor shortage in agriculture caused by men fighting in the war. Young women were recruited to work on farms, proving their capability and significantly contributing to food production.
Define rationing and its implementation during the food shortages in 1917.
Rationing is the controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services. In December 1917, the British government began rationing food, starting with sugar, and later included meat, butter, and other products to manage shortages and ensure fair distribution.
Describe the role of women in the transport network during World War I.
Women were essential in maintaining the transport network, working on buses, railways, and as ambulance drivers to ensure the movement of goods, troops, and weapons, especially as men enlisted for military service.
Explain the significance of the Women’s Land Army established in 1917.
The Women’s Land Army was created to address labour shortages in agriculture due to men fighting in the war. It aimed to recruit women to work on farms, helping to prevent food shortages and ensuring the country was not starved into submission.
Define the contributions of women in the military services during World War I.
Women served in various capacities in military services, including the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) and the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF), taking on roles such as wireless operators, drivers, and typists, which were vital for communication and support.
How did societal perceptions of women in agriculture change during World War I?
Initially, many traditional farmers doubted women’s physical capabilities for agricultural work. However, as women proved their hard work and determination, perceptions shifted, leading to greater acceptance and reliance on women in farming roles.
Describe the purpose of conservation posters during the war.
Conservation posters encouraged citizens to conserve fuel, food, and other supplies to support the war effort.
Explain the role of censorship during World War I.
Censorship during World War I was used by the government to protect secrets, cover up mistakes, prevent opposition, and control public opinion, ensuring that only positive news was reported.
How were letters from soldiers censored during the war?
Letters from soldiers were censored by officers who used black marker pens or scissors to remove any information that could aid the enemy or cause concern for families at home.
Define the reasons for censoring letters sent home by soldiers.
Letters were censored to prevent the enemy from gaining secret information and to maintain morale by not revealing the harsh realities of war to soldiers’ families.
Describe the beliefs of Quakers regarding war and violence.
Quakers were religious objectors who were absolutely opposed to violence and war, following the Old Testament Commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill.’
Explain the perspective of Socialists on the causes of war.
Socialists believed that war was caused by capitalists for their own gain and viewed British and German workers as class brothers, arguing it was wrong for them to kill each other.
How did the government handle conscientious objectors during conscription?
The government set up special tribunals to hear cases of conscientious objectors, where an army officer would question them and a panel of local figures would hear arguments, trying to persuade them to join the army.
Define the four possible decisions made by tribunals regarding conscientious objectors.
The four decisions were: Absolute Exemption (excused from military duty), Conditional Exemption (no military service but required to do national work), Exemption from Combat (non-fighting role in the army), and Rejection (ordered to join the army).
Describe the public sentiment in Great Britain at the onset of World War I.
At the onset of World War I in August 1914, there were street celebrations throughout Great Britain, with many believing the war would end quickly, leading to a rush of volunteers eager to serve.
Explain the consequences faced by those who refused military service during World War I.
Those who refused military service were often shunned by society, labelled as cowards, and faced social ostracism, including being handed white feathers and denied service in shops and pubs.
Define the Military Service Act of January 1916 and its implications.
The Military Service Act of January 1916 mandated that single men aged 18 to 41 were liable for conscription into military service, with the act later extended to include married men, reflecting the government’s need for more soldiers due to heavy losses.
How did the introduction of conscription change the landscape of military service in Britain during World War I?
The introduction of conscription in 1916 marked a significant shift, as it required many men to serve in the military regardless of their initial willingness, leading to a broader pool of soldiers and addressing the high casualty rates on the Western Front.
