British Politics - First World War

?
  • Created by: farah6
  • Created on: 12-11-17 12:58
Why did Britain go to war in 1914?
Honour international alliance (France), Shock of Belgium invasion, Outbreak of Patriotism, For the Liberals to stay in office, Distract attention from a civil war possibility in Ireland, Avoid Germany dominating Europe.
1 of 17
What characterised the initial government actions and attitudes to war?
'Business as usual' BUT: appointment of Kitchener, Defence of the Realm Act - controlling communications
2 of 17
Why was a coalition government formed?
Artillery shortages, the Gallipoli failure, Lord Fisher's resignation - head of admiralty, Share the blame of failures with Conservatives, Avoid an election taking place.
3 of 17
Did the coalition government represent a significant shift of political power?
Not really as: power wasn't shared, the senior positions in government were still Liberals - DLG as Minister of Munitions, ideology of 'business as usual' hadn't changed
4 of 17
Account for the rise of David Lloyd George as Minister of War.
Significant rise in ammunition numbers because: The Munitions of War Act passed was a blank cheque so DLG could determine all fuel and coal industries, large scale mobilisation of women in jobs, 50 ammunition factories were set up
5 of 17
Why was conscription such a bitter political issue?
It undermines the Liberal's message of the freedom of the individual.
6 of 17
Why did DLG take over Asquith?
Leadership skills, DLG had support from the public while Asquith had support from the government, Liberal Party was split, Easter Uprising - executions that took place, Battle of the Somme, Trade Unions had good relations with DLG
7 of 17
What was the make up of DLG's government?
Appointment of a five man war Cabinet: DLG, Bonar Law, Lord Milner, Lord Carson and Henderson, majority were Conservative members, War socialism - new departments such as Labour, Food, Pensions, Health, non - party figures in gov,
8 of 17
What was the three split in the Liberal Part>
High principled Liberals - deserted party at start of war -> Labour, Middle of the road Royalists - stayed loyal to Asquith and joined him when he sulked at the back benches, Patriotic Liberals - open exasperation with Asquith's 'wait and see'
9 of 17
Who was to blame for the Liberal split? David Lloyd George
DLG allies had been plotting since May 1916, Asquith changed his mind on 3 Man War Com because Carson had wrote a controversial article on the Times,3 Man War Com didn't have Asquith, DLG sided with Cons for conscription
10 of 17
Who was to blame for the Liberal split? Asquith
Changed his mind on 3 Man War Com, Refused to serve in gov and encouraged followers to do the same if he wasn't PM, incompetent leadership style, Maurice Debate - criticises DLG's War Conduct, retained leadership of the party
11 of 17
Why was there a crisis in 1917?
Battle of Passhendaele - Germans shank merchant ships (food shortage & major loss of life), food crisis, Russian Revolution meaning Russia was no longer involved in the war.
12 of 17
What was the effect of the war on the Labour Party?
Enabled Labour (Henderson) to serve and gain credit in the war, Allows Labour to be independent from Liberals, Labour was able to be different form Liberals and Conservatives, Labour was officially a socialist party.
13 of 17
Results of the 1918 general election
Coalition Government: 335 seats, Liberals: 181 seats, Labour: 57 seats, Sein Finn: 73 seats
14 of 17
How significant were the changes to the role of women during the war? (Significant)
Female workforce increases: Munitions 1914 - 82000, 1917- 947000, Employment of married women, Women joined unions, War work (WAAC,WRAF,WRNS, 100000 in armed forces) - administrative roles, VAD, medical orderlies
15 of 17
How significant were the changes to the role of women during the war? (Not significant)
a 25.5% increase, 1901 4.1 million women in work by 1931 5.6 million, lack of recruits in WLA, domestic service still dominant job for women, attitudes to women working were resentful, paid less (2/3 of men), can't fight or hold rank of officer
16 of 17
What effect did the War have on the Home Front?
War Socialism, High income tax, Cost of living -> x2, Increase in Strikes, Women being work, Resource shortages, Rationing, Conscription (gap in workforce), Rise of Profiteers, Lack of understanding about what soldiers went through,
17 of 17

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

'Business as usual' BUT: appointment of Kitchener, Defence of the Realm Act - controlling communications

Back

What characterised the initial government actions and attitudes to war?

Card 3

Front

Artillery shortages, the Gallipoli failure, Lord Fisher's resignation - head of admiralty, Share the blame of failures with Conservatives, Avoid an election taking place.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Not really as: power wasn't shared, the senior positions in government were still Liberals - DLG as Minister of Munitions, ideology of 'business as usual' hadn't changed

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Significant rise in ammunition numbers because: The Munitions of War Act passed was a blank cheque so DLG could determine all fuel and coal industries, large scale mobilisation of women in jobs, 50 ammunition factories were set up

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

WW1
See all History resources »See all Britain 1900-1951 resources »