Society and Culture Flashcards
(10 cards)
Scottish men volunteered in large numbers, but as volunteering declined, conscription was introduced.
To explain, in order to deal with a manpower shortfall of recruits in January 1916 the Military Service Act brought in conscription for single men aged 19 to 40 years old. In May 1916 it was extended to include married men.
There was a minority of Scots who were pacifists and a range of conscientious objection to both the war and conscription.
To explain, As the war progressed the ILP won increasing support for its anti-war stance. The first anti-conscription groups were also formed around
1915 in Scotland.
The defence of the realm act impacted many Scottish workers.
To explain, DORA gave wide powers to the government effectively. Workers could not leave their place of employment without a certificate from their employer. Some areas of Scotland e.g. Orkney were restricted.
The defence of the realm act impacted Scot’s leisure time.
To explain, restrictions on pub opening hours in cities such as Glasgow (reduced to 5.5 hours a day) and press censorship of news relating to the and had an impact on what people knew and could do.
Women worked in jobs that they did not commonly do after roles
were ‘diluted’.
To explain, strict roles agreed with trade unions regarding work were diluted so
that women could do the jobs. The number of women working in heavy engineering in Scotland rose to 31,000 by October 1918.
Scottish women became increasingly involved in the production of munitions to support the war effort.
To explain, the massive Gretna munitions factories opened, providing new job
opportunities for women. 9,000 women worked there in dangerous conditions.
Scottish women, such as Mhairi Chisholm and Elsie Inglis gained more access to the professions e.g., medicine.
To explain, Scottish women became more involved in providing medical support. which contributed largely to all women gaining the vote in 1929.
The National War Memorial was opened in 1927.
To explain, the collective and distinctive Scottish war effort meant that a unique memorial was built at Edinburgh Castle.
Scottish women were increasingly politicised and were involved in the Rent Strike campaigns.
To explain, In Govan the Glasgow Women’s Housing Association was set up to
protect women from rising rents and threats of eviction. Mary Barbour, Helen Crawfurd, Agnes Dollan and Jessie Stephens were important here. Other rent strikes across Scotland in Aberdeen and Dundee.
Scottish military losses were significant proportionally to the
population.
Estimates vary, but between 74,000 and 110,000 Scots lost their lives because of the war. 148,000 names are remembered on the national war memorial in Edinburgh.
