First World War Britain: 1914–1919The First World War profoundly changed British society. The armed forces' need for mass recruitment saw the workforce severely depleted, with women stepping up to shoulder the burden; but nobody could ignore the social upheaval or the strains put upon daily life. With poverty a major issue at the outbreak of war, the extra wages put more food on the table for many families, in spite of rationing and shortages, and away from the front the nation prospered. The war intervened in all aspects of home life, and attacks from the sea and the air meant that civilians were caught up in 'total war'. Peter Doyle explores how British citizens met these challenges, looking at such aspects of daily life as clothing restrictions and popular arts, alongside broader issues like food shortages and industrial unrest. |
What people are saying - Write a review
LibraryThing Review
User Review - Familyhistorian - LibraryThingI am interested in Britain on the home front during the wars as I like to get an idea of what life was like for my grandparents and great grandparents during this time. The Shire Living Histories are ... Read full review
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
allowed appear Army attack August badge became become Britain British buildings carry cent certificates changes cities civilian clothing colours Committee common concern continue cost created death Defence demand distinctive driving early Edwardian effective factories families fire followed forced front George German housing important improve included increasing industrial introduced issued join killed king known land late least leave less Liberal lives London Lord major meant meat medal Memorial military military service million munitions National Office outbreak particularly period poor popular population raids railways raised receive recruitment Royal savings serve ships shortages soldiers song star streets style sugar suits supply trades trains underground uniform Victorian volunteers wartime week women workers World wounded Zeppelin
Bibliographic information
| Title | First World War Britain: 1914–1919 Shire Living Histories |
| Author | Peter Doyle |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012 |
| ISBN | 1782001212, 9781782001218 |
| Length | 80 pages |
| Subjects | › History / General History / Social History Technology & Engineering / Military Science |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |