Attitudes to War (Britain at War 1914-1918) (Britain 1900-1951)

Views on the War itself:

• It would be short
• It was not unexpected

Support:

From within Britain

• Large sense of patriotism (jingoism) & national pride
• People felt a moral obligation to join
• Germany was seen as a militaristic dictatorship
• War brought new opportunities to civillians
• Ireland had been united by the war & civil war prevented.

Objection

• From socialists & trade unionists
• From moral objectors - both religious & conciencious
• From cultural objectors
• From political figures

• Jingoism - large amount of patriotism.

• War would unite the British people, debate over national efficiency & help the British people improve their health.

• Britain would test its resolve 

• Ireland had been united by the war & civil war was prevented.

• It would be short:
  • Russo-Japanese War had been short
  • All colonial wars had been short
• It was not unexpected
  • Growing tensions with Germany
    • Arms race - building Tension for a long time.
    • Louvain in Belgium was captured by Germany
    • Local politicians killed & old library burnt down 
  • Naval & economic competition 

• Moral obligation - negative propagate about Germany
• Social pressure to join up 

• Civilians could have a break in routine & get to go aboard.
• Total war brought increasing opportunities for civilians 

• Socialists against the war because they believed the workers would prevent war by showing solidarity with their German counterparts.
  • Seen as traitors in the war
• Trade union movement connected to socialist movement of the east.
  • Saw war as a dispute between the rich capitalists
  • Thought the working class would suffer to settle the debt.

• Quakers & other religious groups opposed the war on principle
• Conscientious objectors decides to oppose the war 
  • Two types
    • One objects to war completely
    • Second will engage in a supportive role but will not fight.
  • They were sent to RAMC. Treated very badly by the authorities but views still respected.

• British intelligentsia (scientists, musicians & writers).

• Saw Germany as a major component of European culture not as a militaristic menace.

• Some leaders opposed the war

  • Labour leader Ramsey MacDonald
  • Lost their position but forward plans for the post war