BRITAIN AT WAR

LIB 

Had some pacifist members who were against war. Others envied the progressiveness of Germany. Mainly critical of Kaiser, although 'Total War ' was difficult to accept.  2 resignations. 

LAB

Deeply divided, as pacifists were totally against it with the marxist viewpoint of war as a tool to increase Capitalism with working classs victims. (ANTI-WAR LEADER MCD OUSTED)

CON

Largely in formation in support of war as a necessary action. Some feared loss of primary trading power.  While others admired the authoritarian state.

TOTAL WAR

social rules disregarded and country and people and economy totlly focused/geared towards war effort. 

Conscription- men joining war is made obligatory for all 18+. often younger men join (Military Service Act1916)

DORA- On 8th August 1914, HOC passed (DORA) without debate. The legislation gave the government executive powers to suppress published criticism, imprison without trial and to commandeer economic resources for the war effort (unpopular)

Rationing- 1918, gov't introduces laws to ration out the supply of foods like sugar butter flour meat margarine milk.

PUBLIC

idea of patriotism/kingoism and hate of Germany due to propaganda. War could unite country, and improve conditions (National Efficiency). Greater gov't intervention

WAR undermined the Liberal principles by *limited trade  *control in civilains life militarism

1915- coalition of Lab Lib and Con due

• Asquith decision to shoulder responsibilty (major posts remain Lib)
• to Liberal failures at eve of war (Shell Shortage, second front failure, Kitchener seen as inadequate, DLG Minister of War)

December 1916- DLG propses 3 man war committee

• DLG- popularity and press support ASQUITH- solid cabinet support
• DLG has 80 liberals support 
• CON sided with Irish to remove ASQUITH
• 5&6 DLG and Asquith resign (DLG only alternative to lead, with BONAR LAW and CON heavy support)

7th December DLG PM

• new energy and ambition for mobilising country (PUB TIMES. BST, PRIVATISED INDUSTRY) 
• trade union relations & labour suppport
• Asquith makes errors of judgement
• backbenchers separated andn need dynamic leader

AFTER DECEMBER 

• split into 2, DLG with few suppoprters and CON, Asquith with prominent Libs

DLG PM POLICIES

• greater state control
• irish conscription introduced 1918
• support for franchise extension
• pledges for post war reconstruction

• IPL had oppsed the war., but wasn't a bitter separation as the mebmers joined the UDC (pressure group). 
• MacDonald resigned and Henderson became leader.
• DLG promises Nationalisation of Railways and Mines for workers as Henderson's reward.

MAURICE DEBATE 1918 - Maurice, director of military op, accuses gov't of misleading war stats. 

SPLIT EFFECT

• benefits LAB by making them THE working class/trade union party
• more socialist policies so old LIB move to LAB

1918 CONSTITUTION

• anyone can join
• clear socialist party (Clause 4)
• co operation between unions and societies

WAR WORK changed women's positions and expectations as they were pushed to do heavy, often dangerous work, but also saw them be introduced majorly into the workforce as a part of war effort and munitions. 

• 1917, 25,000 on farms or in women's land army
• 700,000 in munitions factories
• health and financial independence improved

NEGATIVES   hard, low paid and dangerous work eg Canary Girls due to the chemical poisoning. (400 dead)     didnt maintain positions post war status and workforce

ACHIEVEMENTS BEFORE / MOVEMENT TO REFORM

• DLG didnt want repeat of agitation so was in favour
• pre 1914 bills recieved great support and neared the vote before war
• war vital in changing hostile opinions
• campaign continued lowkey during war

FEB 1918 ROPA Women 30+, Men 21+, Men 19+ in armed forces

HOME FRONT 

• By 1918- Provision of canteens of food fed over a million
• 1918- School Meals for the poor and needy
• Old Age Pensioners can work and claim pension
• 1911 National Insurance Act (1916 EXTENSION TO SOLDIERS FAMILIES - improved helath and reduced costs)
• 1915- Care of Mothers and Young Children Act (more midwives, health care, maternity benefits, provison of milk)
• 1918 Education Act- proposals for improving childrens health by sports facilities and fields
• Irish Question postponed as they unite and help in war and conscript to mixed reception(210,000)